Day 1 CPT Universities

F-1 students approaching the end of Optional Practical Training (OPT) may choose to pursue another academic degree if it supports their educational and professional goals.

Students transferring to a new school or beginning a new degree should not assume that CPT employment can automatically begin when OPT ends. CPT must be an integral part of the student’s academic program, directly related to the major field of study, and authorized by the university’s Designated School Official (DSO) before employment begins.

Graduate students may be eligible for CPT during their first academic term only when their program requires immediate participation in practical training.

F-1 students on post-completion OPT are generally permitted up to 90 days of unemployment. Students who receive the 24-month STEM OPT extension may have up to 150 total days of unemployment across their post-completion OPT and STEM OPT periods.

Students approaching their unemployment limit should contact their DSO as soon as possible to review their immigration options. Beginning another academic program may be an option for some students, but enrollment does not automatically provide CPT work authorization.

Any CPT employment must independently meet the applicable curricular and F-1 requirements and must be authorized before the student begins working.

The 24-month STEM OPT extension has additional eligibility requirements, including a qualifying STEM degree and a training opportunity that meets STEM OPT requirements. Students and their employers must also complete Form I-983 as part of the STEM OPT process.

If a student is unable to obtain or continue a STEM OPT extension, pursuing another academic degree may be one option depending on the student’s circumstances and immigration status.

Enrollment in a new program does not automatically provide employment authorization. If the new graduate program requires immediate participation in practical training as part of its established curriculum, an eligible student may qualify for CPT after receiving authorization from the university’s DSO.

F-1 students who are not selected in the H-1B registration process may consider continuing their education as one of several possible options.

A graduate program that includes required curricular practical training may allow an eligible F-1 student to participate in CPT while pursuing the degree. However, CPT is not a substitute for H-1B status and should not be treated simply as a way to continue employment.

The practical training must be directly related to the student’s major, be an integral part of the established curriculum, and receive DSO authorization before employment begins.

When an H-1B worker’s qualifying employment ends, the worker may receive a discretionary grace period of up to 60 consecutive calendar days or until the end of the authorized validity period, whichever is shorter.

During this period, an individual may consider available immigration options, which can include finding qualifying H-1B employment or seeking a change to another eligible nonimmigrant status.

Changing from H-1B to F-1 status may be an option in some circumstances, but F-1 status does not automatically provide employment authorization. Any CPT employment must separately satisfy CPT eligibility requirements and receive DSO authorization before work begins.

H-4 status does not automatically provide employment authorization. Certain H-4 dependent spouses may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the principal H-1B spouse is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140 or has received an H-1B extension under qualifying provisions of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21).

An H-4 dependent who is not eligible for an EAD may consider changing to F-1 status to pursue an academic degree if they otherwise qualify.

However, F-1 status does not automatically provide employment authorization. CPT is available only when the practical training satisfies the requirements of the academic curriculum and the student receives CPT authorization from the university’s DSO before beginning employment.

When the employment supporting an H-1B worker’s status ends, the H-1B worker and qualifying H-4 dependents may receive a discretionary grace period of up to 60 consecutive calendar days or until the end of the authorized validity period, whichever is shorter.

Before that period ends, an H-4 dependent may need to consider another immigration option if the principal H-1B worker is unable to maintain or obtain qualifying H-1B status.

Changing to F-1 status to pursue an academic degree may be an option for some individuals. However, enrollment in a Day 1 CPT university does not automatically provide CPT authorization. Any CPT must meet the applicable curricular requirements and be authorized by the university’s DSO before employment begins.

F-1 reinstatement is a formal process for certain students who have failed to maintain F-1 status. Simply obtaining a new Form I-20 or enrolling at another university does not automatically restore F-1 status.

A student seeking reinstatement generally works with a DSO to obtain a Form I-20 recommending reinstatement and files Form I-539 with USCIS, along with the required supporting documentation.

USCIS considers specific eligibility requirements when reviewing a reinstatement request. Students who have been out of status for more than five months generally must also demonstrate that exceptional circumstances explain the delay in filing.

Because reinstatement and employment eligibility can depend on the student’s individual circumstances, students who have fallen out of F-1 status should consult their DSO and, when appropriate, a qualified immigration attorney before beginning employment or making major status decisions.