After graduating in a STEM field in 2019, I was fortunate to find employment right away. With OPT (Optional Practical Training) providing work authorization for up to 12 months (and up to 36 months for STEM students), OPT allows F-1 students to gain hands-on experience in their field. According to recent data, the OPT approval rate sits at 97.5% for all applicants, making it one of the more reliable steps for international students to start their careers in the U.S.
Data from USCIS shows a consistent decline in OPT applications from 2017 to 2021, possibly due to increasing restrictions on international students or uncertainties around H-1B visas. However, the strong approval rate suggests that OPT remains a stable initial step for international graduates to gain valuable U.S. work experience. With proper documentation and timely submission of application materials, students have a high chance of receiving OPT approval.
Key Takeaway: OPT allows international students to work in the U.S. temporarily, but they must prepare for the transition to H-1B to maintain their long-term career goals in the U.S.
My next step was the H-1B lottery, but it proved much more challenging. While my company provided H-1B sponsorship, the lottery format presents a significant hurdle. In 2020, the switch to an online application process made the H-1B lottery more accessible but also increased the number of applicants substantially, leading to what some describe as "H-1B abuse" due to the low application fee.
The increase in H-1B applicants is reflected in the USCIS data, showing an escalation from 236,000 applications in FY 2017 to a record-breaking 483,927 applications in FY 2023. With only 85,000 H-1B visas available each year (65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with advanced U.S. degrees), the odds of winning have drastically decreased. For example, in FY 2022, the selection rate was around 42.7%, but in FY 2023, it dropped to 26.4%, indicating how competitive the lottery has become.
The lack of an assured pathway from OPT to H-1B, compounded by the growing applicant pool, creates a critical need for alternatives, especially for those whose OPT is set to expire. Without winning the H-1B lottery, many students face either leaving the U.S. or exploring alternative visa options, such as Day 1 CPT.
When my OPT expired, I faced two choices: relocating or enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program. For students whose long-term goal is to stay in the U.S., Day 1 CPT universities offer a unique opportunity to continue working while studying.
Day 1 CPT allows international students to work from the first day of their academic program, providing immediate work authorization as an integral part of their curriculum. Unlike traditional CPT, which typically requires one year of study before off-campus work is allowed, Day 1 CPT programs integrate employment as a part of the academic structure, making it legal and compliant with F-1 visa regulations.
However, Day 1 CPT also requires careful adherence to regulations. F-1 visa holders must attend required on-site sessions, typically once per semester, to remain compliant with visa rules.
Using Westcliff University as an example, students enrolled in Day 1 CPT can expect to attend on-campus sessions to fulfill the F-1 visa’s in-person requirement. Westcliff’s format includes structured sessions throughout the semester, with activities such as:
These in-person sessions at Day 1 CPT universities, though sometimes requiring travel, are a crucial component in maintaining visa compliance and gaining hands-on learning.
For many international students, securing an H-1B visa is only the first step toward obtaining a green card. However, transitioning from H-1B to green card status involves multiple steps, including the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based immigration categories. Here’s an overview of the green card process:
This multi-step process often requires patience, with wait times for EB-2 and EB-3 categories extending for several years due to backlog.
When considering options to stay in the U.S., several visa types may be worth exploring beyond Day 1 CPT and H-1B:
Each of these visas has its own benefits and limitations, but they may be suitable options for those facing H-1B challenges or seeking alternatives to the traditional OPT-H-1B path.
As the H-1B lottery becomes increasingly competitive, many international students are turning to Day 1 CPT universities as a strategic choice. Data from USCIS underscores the rising challenges with H-1B applications. The trend points toward a critical need for additional pathways, like Day 1 CPT, that support students in maintaining their career and educational goals in the U.S.
From 2017 to 2023, the demand for H-1B visas more than doubled, yet the annual quota remains capped at 85,000. USCIS data further reveals that while OPT remains highly accessible, transitioning from OPT to H-1B becomes progressively harder, emphasizing the role of alternative solutions such as Day 1 CPT programs in helping students maintain their U.S. residency.
Navigating the path from an F-1 visa to a green card is challenging but achievable. Here are key takeaways for international students:
If you're facing challenges with your OPT or H-1B, reach out for a free consultation to learn more about Day 1 CPT universities and find a program that meets your career and academic needs. Taking proactive steps now can ensure you stay on track toward achieving your green card and long-term residency in the U.S.