Day 1 CPT offers international students in the U.S. a significant chance to work within their academic curriculum from day one, integrating “alternate work/study, internships, cooperative education, or required practicums” through school partnerships. While navigating Day 1 CPT’s complexities and immigration regulations is crucial to avoid jeopardizing visa status, the benefits—immediate industry experience, enhanced employability, financial relief, and networking—far outweigh the risks. By aligning closely with academic and immigration requirements, Day 1 CPT can be a strategic advantage, providing practical training and valuable connections that pave the way for future professional success in the U.S.
More Day 1 CPT Resources
- Employers accept Day 1 CPT
- Day 1 CPT Course Review
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Kitchen Chronicles
Sara Parker
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What is Day 1 CPT?
Day 1 CPT refers to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that allows international students to begin working or interning from the first day of their program. Before diving into the specifics of Day 1 CPT, it’s essential to understand the nature of CPT itself.
Difference Between OPT and CPT
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers two types of work authorizations for international students: CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). Both OPT and CPT require that the work be directly related to the student’s major field of study.
Many students may be more familiar with OPT. Most students use OPT to work in the U.S. for one year or up to three years (for STEM graduates) after graduation. Although OPT can also be used before graduation, any days used before graduation will be deducted from the total OPT duration. To qualify for OPT, a student must have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study in the U.S. and must obtain USCIS approval. Additionally, there is only one OPT allowed per degree level, meaning that if you have used OPT after completing a master’s degree, you will not be eligible for a new OPT unless you pursue a higher degree, such as a Ph.D.
CPT, on the other hand, offers more flexibility compared to OPT. While CPT is limited to use during the course of study, there are no restrictions on its duration or the number of times it can be used. Even if you are pursuing a second master’s degree, you can still use CPT during your studies. More importantly, the issuance of CPT is determined by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the school, without the need for USCIS approval.
Typically, schools require students to complete one academic year before applying for CPT. However, some schools that emphasize practical work experience allow students to start internships from the first day of their program, enabling them to use CPT from day one. These institutions are known as “Day 1 CPT universities.”
| OPT | Day 1 CPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Time | Before or after graduation | Before graduation |
| Duration | 1 year or 3 years (STEM) | From the first day until graduation Master’s programs: 2-3 years Doctoral programs: 4-6 years |
| Authorization | USCIS | School DSO |
| Employer Requirement | No | Yes |
| Frequency | Once per degree level | Unlimited |
| Note | Pre-graduation usage deducts corresponding days from total OPT | If you work full-time using CPT for 12 months, you will be ineligible for OPT after graduation |
How Day 1 CPT Works
So, how does Day 1 CPT enable someone to legally work in the U.S.?
As mentioned earlier, CPT is a work authorization issued by USCIS for international students. To use CPT, a student must first hold F-1 student status. To utilize Day 1 CPT, a student must apply to a “Day 1 CPT university.” Once accepted and enrolled, they can legally remain in the U.S. as an F-1 student.
Traditional universities usually offer only two entry points each year, in the spring and fall. In contrast, Day 1 CPT universities often have 4-6 entry points per year, making them particularly suitable for those whose OPT has expired or whose H-1B visa application was denied.
After maintaining their legal status, the next step is to secure a job. With a job offer in hand, the student can apply to their Day 1 CPT university for CPT authorization. Once approved by the DSO, the CPT work authorization is added to the student’s I-20 form. Based on the CPT start and end dates listed on the new I-20, the student can legally work full-time, part-time, or intern.
In summary, Day 1 CPT works by allowing students to legally remain in the U.S. with F-1 student status while working legally through CPT.
Read More: Employers accept Day 1 CPT
Is Day 1 CPT Legal?
Day 1 CPT is entirely legal and compliant with U.S. regulations. While Day 1 CPT offers significant convenience, it also requires students to adhere strictly to the associated guidelines. As an F-1 student, you must commit time and effort to your studies, comply with your school’s CPT policies, and regularly update your CPT status.
USCIS CPT Policy
The USCIS delegates the authority to establish CPT policies to individual universities. This includes decisions on whether to allow on-campus or off-campus CPT internships during the first year of enrollment and whether to permit full-time or part-time CPT work.
According to USCIS guidelines, for graduate-level programs (master’s and doctoral degrees), a designated School Official (DSO) has the authority to issue CPT authorizations during the first semester if the program emphasizes practical work experience. Below is an official statement from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
.webp?width=462&height=605&name=Untitled%20(1).webp "Day 1 CPT Overview 2")
USCIS CPT Guidelines
“During your graduate or doctoral studies, if your degree program requires you to engage in practical training starting from your first semester, your school’s DSO can authorize CPT for you during that initial semester. Students should contact their DSO for more details.”
Thus, Day 1 CPT is not a legal gray area but fully compliant with regulations. The primary focus of U.S. immigration authorities is whether students engaged in full-time CPT are working legally, whether there are gaps between student status and H-1B status, whether there has been any illegal overstay, and whether students are attending classes as required by their school. When considering a Day 1 CPT program, it is recommended to prioritize programs where CPT experience is an essential graduation requirement for master’s or doctoral degrees. If you need to confirm whether a school’s Day 1 CPT program is mandated by the curriculum, you should consult with an advisor who can evaluate your situation and provide tailored recommendations.
According to USCIS regulations, for programs that issue CPT, the training must be an integral part of the curriculum. In the eyes of USCIS, CPT is a component of the program’s academic requirements. Therefore, while using Day 1 CPT, students must ensure they meet all academic obligations and not let their work overshadow their studies.
Day 1 CPT schools often require students to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply for or renew CPT. Thus, it is crucial for students to keep their GPA in go