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BE IN THE KNOW
DAY 1 CPT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Your Day 1 CPT Guide
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization program in the United States for international students on F-1 student visas. It allows students to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study as an integral part of their academic program.
Day 1 CPT refers to the option for students to begin their CPT employment from the first day of their academic program. This provides international students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their degree.
Yes, CPT is a legal form of employment authorization for international students studying in the United States. However, it is essential to follow the regulations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and maintain F-1 status throughout the CPT period.
CPT allows international students to work off-campus in paid or unpaid internships, cooperative education programs, or other types of work experience directly related to their field of study. Students must receive authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain the necessary documentation before engaging in CPT.
Day 1 CPT Schools offers personalized guidance to help you choose the right university with Day 1 CPT opportunities. We consider factors such as program offerings, accreditation, CPT policies, location, and career services to ensure a fulfilling academic and professional experience.
All of our university partners have the highest regional and national accreditation.
International students pursuing degrees in the United States benefit from CPT as it provides them with practical work experience, enhances their skillset, and allows them to explore career opportunities in their field of study.
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Immediate Work Authorization: Day 1 CPT allows students to begin their practical work experience from the first day of their academic program, providing immediate employment opportunities.
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Gain Practical Experience: Day 1 CPT enables students to gain valuable practical work experience directly related to their field of study, enhancing their skillset and knowledge in real-world settings.
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Enhanced Learning: Engaging in CPT allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical work scenarios, reinforcing their understanding and learning outcomes.
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Networking Opportunities: Day 1 CPT provides students with opportunities to network with professionals in their industry, build professional relationships, and expand their professional network for future career prospects.
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Financial Support: Participating in Day 1 CPT allows students to earn income through employment, providing financial support to cover living expenses, tuition fees, and other educational costs.
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Career Development: Day 1 CPT experience enhances students' resumes, making them more competitive in the job market upon graduation. It demonstrates practical skills and hands-on experience to potential employers.
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Employment Flexibility: Day 1 CPT offers flexibility in employment options, allowing students to explore various internship opportunities, part-time or full-time positions, and industry sectors aligned with their career goals.
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Immigration Compliance: Day 1 CPT is a legal form of employment authorization for international students studying in the United States, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations while gaining practical work experience.
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Integration into U.S. Work Culture: Engaging in Day 1 CPT provides international students with exposure to the U.S. work culture, professional norms, and workplace dynamics, facilitating their integration into the American workforce.
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Pathway to OPT and Career Opportunities: Day 1 CPT experience can serve as a stepping stone to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and other long-term career opportunities in the United States, enhancing students' prospects for future employment and immigration pathways.
Overall, Day 1 CPT offers numerous benefits for international students seeking practical work experience while pursuing their academic goals in the United States, contributing to their personal, academic, and professional development.
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To be eligible for CPT, international students must meet certain requirements, including maintaining F-1 status, securing a job offer related to their field of study, obtaining authorization from their DSO, and complying with USCIS regulations.
At Day 1 CPT Schools, we are committed to helping international students achieve their academic and professional aspirations in the United States. Contact us today to learn more about our services and start your journey to success with Day 1 CPT!
While CPT is designed for practical work experience during an academic program, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to F-1 students after completing their academic program. OPT provides an additional opportunity for international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
One of the common questions among international students is whether they can participate in both Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) during their academic journey in the United States. Let's delve into this topic to provide clarity on the matter.
Understanding CPT and OPT
Before discussing whether a student can do both CPT and OPT, it's essential to understand the differences between the two programs:
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CPT (Curricular Practical Training): CPT is an employment authorization that allows international students to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study as part of their academic program. It can be undertaken during the student's program of study and requires authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and compliance with USCIS regulations.
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OPT (Optional Practical Training): OPT, on the other hand, is an employment authorization available to F-1 students upon completion of their academic program. It allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 24 months for certain STEM degrees) and requires application to USCIS for approval.
Can a Student Do Both CPT and OPT?
The short answer is yes, under certain circumstances, a student can participate in both CPT and OPT during their academic journey in the United States. However, it's essential to consider the following:
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CPT During the Academic Program: International students can engage in CPT during their academic program, provided it is an integral part of their curriculum and directly related to their field of study. The employment must be authorized by the DSO, and the student must maintain F-1 status.
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OPT After Completion of the Academic Program: Upon completion of their academic program, international students are eligible to apply for OPT to gain additional practical work experience in their field of study. OPT requires approval from USCIS and must be completed within specific timelines and regulations.
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Timing and Duration: International students must carefully consider the timing and duration of both CPT and OPT to ensure compliance with regulations and maximize their opportunities for practical work experience while maintaining F-1 status.
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STEM OPT Extension: For students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, there is an option to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing the initial 12-month OPT period.
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An H1B visa is a work visa in the United States designated for foreign nationals with specialized skills, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. It allows individuals to work temporarily for a specific employer in a specialized field. On the other hand, an F1 visa is designed for international students seeking to pursue academic programs at accredited U.S. institutions. It grants students the opportunity to reside in the U.S. temporarily and engage in academic studies, as well as authorized practical training related to their field of study.
There are several reasons why individuals may consider transferring their visa status from an H1B to an F1:
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Return to Education: Individuals who desire to further their education or pursue a different academic field may choose to transition from H1B to F1 visa status to enroll in a full-time academic program at a university or college in the U.S.
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Employment Transition: If an H1B visa holder experiences job loss or faces difficulties finding employment, switching to F1 visa status allows them to maintain legal status in the U.S. while they pursue educational opportunities and potentially re-enter the job market with updated skills and qualifications.
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Extended Stay for Dependents: In some cases, dependents of H1B visa holders may seek educational opportunities in the U.S. by transferring their visa status to F1. This allows them to accompany the primary visa holder while pursuing their own academic goals.
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Career Change or Advancement: Transitioning from H1B to F1 visa status may be beneficial for individuals seeking to make a career change or advance in their current field by acquiring new skills, expertise, or credentials through higher education in the U.S.
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Flexibility in Employment Opportunities: F1 visa holders have the option to engage in practical training opportunities such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can provide valuable work experience and enhance employment prospects upon graduation.
Overall, transferring visa status from H1B to F1 offers individuals the opportunity to pursue educational and career goals, gain valuable experience, and broaden their opportunities for personal and professional growth in the United States.
It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before making any changes to your visa status.
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Navigating the complexities of CPT, OPT, and other immigration-related matters can be overwhelming for international students. At Day 1 CPT Schools, we provide personalized consultation and guidance to help students understand their options, make informed decisions, and successfully navigate the process of obtaining practical work experience in the United States.
Top Day 1 CPT Universities
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Ottawa University
HIGHLIGHTS
Campus Location: Surprise, AZ; Overland Park, KS; Ottawa, KS; Brookfield, WI
Programs: EMBA; MSN; DBA
STEM Programs: Yes
Semester Tuition: $5370/semester EMBA & MSN; $5525 DBA
Program Duration: 2 years EMBA & MSN; 3 years DBA
Annual Start Dates: 6
CPT from Day-1
CPT Renewal: Every Year
On-campus Classes: One Weekend per Semester
GRE/GMAT: Not Required
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