Day 1 CPT Cost Breakdown

Day 1 CPT allows F-1 visa students to begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the first day of their academic program in the United States, unlike the typical scenario where students must wait a year to become eligible. Universities offering Day 1 CPT enable students to start working in a field related to their major immediately upon starting their studies. This is particularly appealing for students seeking to gain practical work experience in the U.S. from the outset of their academic journey. 

The most common fees are：

Application Fee

Most Day 1 CPT universities will charge a $50 - $100 application fee. CPTDog can help you waive this. 

Transcript Evaluation

This varies from $100 to $200. It is a one time fee before enrollment. CPTDog can help you waive it from certain schools. 

Enrollment Fee

Usually it is around $200 - $500. Some school can deduct this part from your first tuition invoice. 

Student ID

Approximately a $10 one time fee.

Registration Fee

Ranged from $25 - $50 , usually charged by semester

CPT Fee

This is different from the CPT course fee. It refers to the administrative cost for processing your CPT authorization. This is not a standard charge across Day 1 CPT universities and would be considered by students as a "hidden fees". 

Medical Insurance 

This fee can often be waived if you provide proof of insurance from another source. For those under 25, it might be more cost-effective to explore alternative medical insurance options. If you're older, the school's medical insurance might be a more affordable choice. However, if you’re employed, check with your employer first to see if they cover your insurance.

Day 1 CPT programs are completely in line with the law when they meet USCIS regulations. However, due to prior abuses, there's now a tighter watch on these programs. Consequently, the USCIS tends to examine F1 visas from institutions offering Day 1 CPT with an extra layer of scrutiny. This heightened examination doesn't automatically disadvantage students in Day 1 CPT programs in securing an F1 visa or obtaining OPT post-graduation. It does highlight the importance of choosing an institution that can confidently navigate these rigorous checks, especially when transitioning from F1 to H1B visa status.

There is no direct cost associated with receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) for an H-1B visa, as it is simply a request from USCIS for additional documentation or clarification regarding your application. However, there can be indirect costs involved:

Legal Service Fees

If you hire an immigration attorney to help you respond to the RFE, legal fees can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's rates.

PP Fees

You can choose premium processing if needed.The cost for it is $2,965. It's important to note that this expense may not be reimbursed by your employer, yet it ensures a response within 15 business days.

RFE Support from Day 1 CPT universities

Most accredited Day 1 CPT universities offer RFE support, including providing DSO letters, attendance records, registration details, and CPT requirements. While most schools provide this service for free, Harrisburg University charges a $250 processing fee for an RFE Response Package.

When advising students on selecting Day 1 CPT universities, we always recommend considering proximity. This isn't just to avoid potential RFEs from a legal standpoint, but also because it can significantly reduce costs for transportation and accommodation. Additionally, being closer to your university saves valuable time, which, depending on your company’s policies for absences, can translate directly into financial savings.

Transportation Cost

If your Day 1 CPT university is located in a popular city like New York or Los Angeles, transportation might be more affordable than you expect due to the availability of frequent flights. We've also put together a guide with tips on how to save money when booking domestic flights.

Hotel Cost

Hotel costs typically range from $100 to $500 per night. Most accredited Day 1 CPT universities require students to attend a concentrated weekend study session, spanning Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and either Sunday morning or the entire day. As a result, you'll usually need to book hotels for at least two nights per visit. To save on costs, consider joining our WhatsApp group to connect with classmates and find a roommate to share expenses.

Day-offs Cost

You might be surprised to learn that some companies are very supportive of employees participating in Day 1 CPT programs, viewing them as valuable on-the-job training opportunities. They may even reimburse a portion, if not all, of the tuition, as Day 1 CPT programs are designed to teach practical skills that can be directly applied in the workplace, making them beneficial for talent development.

However, other companies may not have such accommodating policies regarding time off for self-training. In those cases, you’ll need to factor in potential losses. This is especially important when starting the program—choosing the right enrollment window that ensures a smooth transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT can save you a significant amount of money.