Day 1 CPT USCIS, Avoid These Common Mistakes with Day 1 CPT and Save Your F-1 Visa
Navigating the complex world of the Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) can be a daunting task, especially for international students in the United States. Understanding the specifics of Day 1 CPT is crucial to ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, and to avoid jeopardizing your F-1 visa status. Here we’ll explore into the details of what Day 1 CPT is, how it works, and its impact on your long-term plans to USA Jobs work in the U.S., particularly if you aim to transition to H-1B or apply for a green card.
What Is Day 1 CPT USCIS?
Day 1 CPT refers to the authorization for F-1 international students to engage in Curricular Practical Training from the first day of their academic program. Typically, CPT is an integral part of the curriculum and is intended to provide students with practical work experience directly related to their field of study. Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is available after completing an academic program, Day 1 CPT allows students to work while they are still enrolled in courses.
Eligibility for Day 1 CPT
To be eligible for Day 1 CPT, students must:
- Be enrolled in a higher education institution authorized by USCIS to issue Day 1 CPT.
- Participate in a degree program that requires practical training as part of the curriculum.
- Secure employment or internships that are directly related to their field of study.
While Day 1 CPT USCIS might seem appealing to gain immediate work experience, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved with Day 1 CPT programs. CPT candidate can work both Corp to corp Jobs and Fulltime jobs.
How Day 1 CPT Works
Day 1 CPT can be full-time or part-time:
- Full-time CPT: This allows students to work over 20 hours per week. However, engaging in full-time CPT for over 12 months may disqualify a student from being eligible for OPT.
- Part-time CPT: Students are limited to working 20 hours or less per week and can retain their eligibility for OPT.
Day 1 CPT must be approved by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the university, who will update the student’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to reflect the authorized work. The student must also receive an updated Form I-20 showing the approved CPT.
Top 50 Day 1 CPT universities in California, Apply website URLs:
| No. | day 1 cpt universities in california | day 1 cpt universities website |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westcliff University | westcliff.edu |
| 2 | California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) | ciam.edu |
| 3 | Sofia University | sofia.edu |
| 4 | Humphreys University | humphreys.edu |
| 5 | International Technological University (ITU) | itu.edu |
| 6 | University of the West | uwest.edu |
| 7 | Lincoln University | lincolnuca.edu |
| 8 | San Diego Christian College | sdcc.edu |
| 9 | International American University (IAU) | iau.la |
| 10 | Coleman University | coleman.edu |
| 11 | San Francisco Bay University | sfbayuniversity.edu |
| 12 | Southern States University | ssu.edu |
| 13 | United States University | usuniversity.edu |
| 14 | Fremont University | fremont.edu |
| 15 | Alliant International University | alliant.edu |
| 16 | Northcentral University | ncu.edu |
| 17 | California Southern University | calsouthern.edu |
| 18 | Hope International University | hiu.edu |
| 19 | American Heritage University | ahuc.edu |
| 20 | California Miramar University | calmu.edu |
| 21 | University of Antelope Valley | uav.edu |
| 22 | National University | nu.edu |
| 23 | Pacific States University | psuca.edu |
| 24 | San Diego State University Global Campus | ces.sdsu.edu |
| 25 | West Coast University | westcoastuniversity.edu |
| 26 | Marshall B. Ketchum University | ketchum.edu |
| 27 | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology | thechicagoschool.edu |
| 28 | Vanguard University | vanguard.edu |
| 29 | University of San Francisco | usfca.edu |
| 30 | California Baptist University | calbaptist.edu |
| 31 | Pacific Oaks College | pacificoaks.edu |
| 32 | Pepperdine University | pepperdine.edu |
| 33 | University of La Verne | laverne.edu |
| 34 | Touro University California | tu.edu |
| 35 | Saybrook University | saybrook.edu |
| 36 | California Intercontinental University | caluniversity.edu |
| 37 | Menlo College | menlo.edu |
| 38 | Dominican University of California | dominican.edu |
| 39 | Saint Mary’s College of California | stmarys-ca.edu |
| 40 | Holy Names University | hnu.edu |
| 41 | University of Redlands | redlands.edu |
| 42 | William Jessup University | jessup.edu |
| 43 | Palo Alto University | paloaltou.edu |
| 44 | Biola University | biola.edu |
| 45 | University of the Pacific | pacific.edu |
| 46 | Azusa Pacific University | apu.edu |
| 47 | California Lutheran University | callutheran.edu |
| 48 | Mount Saint Mary’s University | msmu.edu |
| 49 | Woodbury University | woodbury.edu |
| 50 | Claremont Graduate University | cgu.edu |
This comprehensive list includes universities offering Day 1 CPT programs, which are particularly beneficial for international students seeking practical training opportunities right from the beginning of their academic programs. Each institution varies in terms of programs offered, tuition fees, and on-site requirements. For more details, you can visit the respective websites provided.
Important Considerations for Day 1 CPT
Students should take note of several factors before pursuing Day 1 CPT:
- Program Accreditation: Make sure the institution offering Day 1 CPT USCIS is properly accredited. Many universities that provide Day 1 CPT have come under scrutiny for poor accreditation or being seen as “visa mills.”
- Compliance with USCIS: Misuse of Day 1 CPT can lead to immigration issues, including denial of H-1B visas or future green card applications.
- Field of Study Alignment: The work performed during CPT must be directly related to your field of study. Employment outside your academic program can be deemed a violation of your F-1 visa conditions.
Day 1 CPT and Its Impact on H-1B Visa Applications
One of the most critical concerns for students utilizing Day 1 CPT is its potential effect on future immigration benefits, such as the H-1B visa. USCIS has become increasingly strict regarding institutions that offer Day 1 CPT, and this scrutiny could extend to students who have participated in such programs. Many US Recruiters more and more looking for day 1 CPT guys for a long term project in USA staffing which can be managed by the CPT candidate as they have more time to complete the project successfully within deadlines.
Issues with Accrual of Unlawful Presence
If a university offering Day 1 CPT is found to be non-compliant with USCIS regulations, students may inadvertently accrue unlawful presence. Accumulating unlawful presence can make individuals subject to future bans from re-entering the United States or receiving other immigration benefits.
Additionally, USCIS may question the legitimacy of a student’s work experience during Day 1 CPT if it is not clearly related to their academic program, leading to possible denials of the H-1B or employment-based green card applications.
Key Differences Between Day 1 CPT and OPT
Many students confuse Day 1 CPT with Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, the two are distinctly different:
- OPT: OPT is a form of temporary employment directly related to a student’s major field of study and can be used after completing the degree (with up to 12 months of post-completion OPT).
- CPT: CPT is authorized prior to the completion of an academic program and is designed to be part of a student’s curriculum.
For students interested in staying in the U.S. long-term, it’s worth noting that using too much CPT, particularly full-time CPT, may limit their future opportunities for OPT, which is often a stepping stone to an H-1B visa.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Day 1 CPT USCIS Without Compromising Your Immigration Status
Students should approach Day 1 CPT with careful consideration of both short-term work experience goals and long-term immigration prospects. Here are a few ways to ensure you remain compliant and protect your future visa opportunities:
1. Work with Reputable Institutions
Ensure that the institution offering Day 1 CPT has a strong track record and is properly accredited. Research any potential concerns related to the school’s standing with USCIS or SEVP certification.
2. Ensure Employment is Related to Your Studies
Your CPT employment must be an integral part of your academic program. Double-check with your DSO that the job you are pursuing aligns with your degree requirements and USCIS regulations.
3. Avoid Over-Reliance on Full-Time CPT
Although full-time CPT may be tempting, it could limit your OPT eligibility. Carefully plan your work experience to maintain a balance between CPT and OPT options.
4. Be Aware of USCIS Scrutiny
As Day 1 CPT continues to be a focus for USCIS investigations, students must ensure their actions and university choices comply with U.S. immigration laws. Stay informed on any changes in USCIS policies regarding Day 1 CPT to avoid negative consequences.
Conclusion
Day 1 CPT offers international students in the U.S. a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience while completing their academic programs. However, it also comes with significant risks that could impact future immigration plans, particularly with regard to H-1B visa and green card applications. It is essential for students to understand the rules and limitations of Day 1 CPT and make informed decisions to ensure compliance with USCIS regulations.
Read more:
Daily Updated top 2000k+ VENDOR LISTS
Top 500+ USA JOBS HOTLIST
More Corp to corp hotlist
Join linkedin 58000+ US Active recruiters Network
Join No.1 Telegram channel for daily US JOBS and Hotlist Updated
