Is applying for Day 1 CPT the right move for you? Like any other program, Day 1 CPT has pros and cons. Here are some important things to consider when it comes down to choosing Day 1 CPT:
Eligibility Requirements
Not all international students are eligible for the Day 1 CPT program. You have to meet a strict set of requirements, including having an active F-1 visa status and admission to a degree program related to your job or internship.
Work-life Balance
Balancing academic demands and work commitments can be challenging for Day 1 CPT students. However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial as many CPT programs require students to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout their studies.
To address this challenge, you may want to consider enrolling in a CPT program that does not mandate full-time on-site attendance. For example, Ottawa University only requires onsite attendance every two months, while Westcliff University allows students to be onsite once every semester.
Unreliable Day 1 CPT Universities
Only a limited number of educational institutions in the United States offer the Day 1 CPT program. Students who are not fully informed may unknowingly enroll in a school that claims to have a Day 1 CPT program, only to later realize they have been misled.
To prevent this situation, it is important to make sure that the school you choose is duly accredited. Make sure that the school does not offer 100% online courses to international students, as this is not in compliance with USCIS regulations.
How can you avoid the controversies of Day 1 CPT? The simplest solution is to be as prepared as possible for the program. Talk to an educational consulting firm to ensure that you don’t run into any issues with your visa, eligibility, and requirements.
