What is Day1 CPT?

The F-1 Visa grants foreign national students entry into the United States as full-time students, enabling them to attend accredited academic institutions such as colleges, universities, or other educational settings, including language training programs.

Upon admission to the United States, students are required to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This program permits international students to engage in on-campus work and paid internships, either on a part-time basis (under 20 hours) or full-time basis (over 20 hours). Through Day1 CPT, international students can earn income in U.S. currency while acquiring valuable work experience in their field of study.

Related Post: Are Day 1 CPT Universities Fraudulent? Tips for Safeguarding Your Immigration Future

The Purpose of CPT

While American colleges and universities offer work-study programs for enrolled students, the majority of these programs are exclusively available to domestic students (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) as they are primarily funded by the federal government.

Because academic institutions cannot access federal financial aid for foreign national students, funding for work-study opportunities for them must be sourced from the school’s budget or provided by a private organization.

In order to enable F-1 Visa students to work while studying, the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program was established. CPT assists foreign students in securing paid on- or off-campus positions.

• On-campus work: Under CPT regulations, international students are authorized to engage in part-time on-campus employment, which entails working for 20 hours or fewer per week.
• Off-campus work: The majority of CPT programs permit foreign students to lawfully secure off-campus employment or paid internships for up to 40 hours per week.

Different Types of CPT

There are three types of CPT programs, and they include: 

• Degree-related CPT: Every student is required to fulfill an internship or work experience requirement to earn their degree.
• Class-related CPT: All students enrolled in a particular course must secure employment to complete a research project based on their work experience, which is essential for degree completion.
• Cooperative CPT: Work experience is integrated into a formal cooperative educational agreement between a school and an employer.

About Day 1 CPT Universities

Usually, CPT work-study programs allow international students to start working either during their initial semester of enrollment or after they have completed their first year at the academic institution.

However, according to the regulations, F-1 visa holders are eligible for CPT from the start of their first semester of school if their curriculum necessitates practical training, which is often the case for graduate students.

Therefore, many U.S. colleges and universities offer initiatives that enable international students to begin practical training from the beginning of their first semester of college. These schools are referred to as Day 1 CPT universities.

Eligibility Criteria for Day 1 CPT Enrollment

To obtain authorization for Day 1 CPT, you must fulfill the following criteria:

Valid F-1 Visa

• You need to adhere to the F-1 visa obligations throughout each semester of your enrollment.
• You must have declared a major; failure to do so renders you ineligible for Day 1 CPT.
• Visiting exchange students are not eligible.
• You must be enrolled for a complete academic year.

Meet Course Credit Requirements

• You need to be registered for a minimum of 1 credit unit of internship relevant to your major.
• CPT should constitute an essential component of your academic program.
• You must possess a legitimate job or internship offer.
• CPT must be carried out within your area of study.

Top Universities in the United States Offering Day 1 CPT

Numerous colleges and universities now provide Day 1 CPT work-study programs, allowing international students to engage in CPT from the outset of their first semester in the United States.

If you’re an international student who has maintained F-1 Visa status and your field of study necessitates practical training, you’re likely seeking information on academic institutions offering Day 1 CPT work-study programs.

To assist you in locating colleges or universities offering Day 1 CPT programs, we have compiled a list of 18 academic institutions in the United States where you can apply for CPT authorization on your first day of school.

University of the Cumberlands

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and established by Baptist ministers, the University of the Cumberlands is a Christian-based institution of higher learning that provides a Day 1 CPT program. Primarily focusing on liberal arts programs, this university offers undergraduate (Bachelor’s degrees), as well as master’s and doctoral programs. The array of programs of study is extensive, encompassing fields such as Business Administration, Psychology, and Physician Assistant Studies. Education is a prominent area of study at the University of the Cumberlands, with degree options available at all levels.

International Technological University

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Shu-Park Chan, International Technological University (ITU) is located in San Jose, California. ITU offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree programs focusing on business and technology. Program offerings encompass Philosophy, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Management, Digital Arts, Business Administration, and Interdisciplinary Sciences. ITU is committed to the American STEM Initiative and offers an Academic Internship Program for students. Additionally, ITU offers a Day 1 CPT program.

United States University

United States University, located in San Diego, California, provides numerous Day 1 CPT programs for international students across various subject areas. Examples of study programs include Nursing and Health Sciences, Business Intelligence, General Management, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), and a Teaching Credentialing Preparation Program. With a history spanning over two decades, United States University has been dedicated to assisting immigrant students in obtaining degrees in the United States.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Ranked as a Top 100 National University and a Top-Ranked Public Honors College, and recognized as #1 Nationally in Student Economic Upward Mobility, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a highly esteemed academic institution in the United States. With a history spanning over 130 years, NJIT is dedicated to aiding both national and international students in attaining secondary and post-secondary degrees. The institution comprises several colleges, including the Newark College of Engineering, the Hillier College of Architecture and Design, the College of Science and Liberal Arts, the Martin Tuchman School of Management, the Albert Dorman Honors College, and the Ying Wu College of Computing. Additionally, NJIT offers a wide array of study programs, such as Business, Engineering, and Mathematics and Science.

Westcliff University 

Westcliff University, situated in California as well, provides a Day 1 CPT program for its international students. As per the institution’s website, Westcliff’s mission is to “educate, inspire, and empower students from around the world to acquire the competencies to excel personally and professionally through practical, innovative, high-quality distance and campus programs.” Westcliff University consists of two colleges:

• College of Business, which offers the following degree programs:
  • Bachelor of Business (BBA)
  • Masters of Business (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
  • Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
  • Doctor of Business (DBA)
  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Graduate Certificates
• College of Education, which offers the following degree programs:
  • MA TESOL
  • BAED
  • TESOL Certificate 

Trine University

Established in 1884 and located in Indiana, Trine University provides a variety of program and degree choices. Undergraduate programs offer majors in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering and Computing, and Health Sciences. Trine University also presents graduate programs, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science with a Major in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Engineering Management, Master of Science in Information Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Monroe College

Founded in 1933 as an exclusive female institution, Monroe College, located in the Bronx, New York, now welcomes both male and female students, including international students, and offers a Day 1 CPT program for international students. The college provides numerous undergraduate programs of study, including Business and Accounting, Culinary, Education, Hospitality, and Criminal Justice. Additionally, Monroe College offers various Master’s degree programs, such as Health Care Administration, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Computer Science, Hospitality, Education, and Health Care Administration.

Other Day 1 CPT Universities 

In addition to the above-mentioned academic institutions, the following colleges and schools also offer day 1 CPT programs for international students: 

• Knowledge Systems Institute
• Wichita State University
• Globe University/Minnesota School of Business
• Infoserve Technologies Institute
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
• Virginia International University
• University of North America
• Stratford University
• Goldey-Beacom College
• Everest University
• Hamline University 

Is a Day 1 CPT Program Worth Considering for F-1 Visa Holders?

It depends on your individual circumstances. If you fulfill all eligibility criteria and your academic program necessitates it, you might consider applying to a university offering a Day 1 CPT program. However, it’s essential to recognize that participation in a Day 1 CPT program could potentially result in immigration complexities, such as H1B filing, visa extension, and GC processing.

Furthermore, attending a college or university solely because it offers a Day 1 CPT program is not advisable. It’s crucial to assess your specific needs. For example, you should only enroll in a university with a Day 1 CPT program if it aligns with your academic objectives. Prior to applying to a university, it’s prudent to conduct thorough research; familiarize yourself with the available degree programs, prerequisite requirements, and costs.

Conclusion

There are numerous colleges and universities in the United States that provide Day 1 CPT programs for international students. If you meet the criteria and your academic program mandates an immediate internship commencement, enrolling in one of these universities might be advantageous. However, it is imperative to ensure that the institution you select aligns with your academic objectives and that you satisfy the school’s prerequisite requirements.