The H-1B visa is designed for nonimmigrant workers who possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent and are hired by US employers for specialized jobs in fields such as computer science, finance, economics, and medicine. Every year, USCIS conducts an H-1B lottery to select 80,000 foreign individuals who can work in the US. Nonetheless, the number of applications far exceeds the available visas. In the fiscal year 2023, only 26% of applicants were granted H-1B visas.

Develop Your Career without an H1B visa in America

In light of the current situation, many F1 visa holders find themselves running out of their OPT and STEM OPT work authorization before securing an H1B visa. As a result, Day 1 CPT has emerged as a popular alternative option for F1 students, providing a cost-effective way for them to legally continue working in the US while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Day 1 CPT universities allow students to work while studying, with courses designed to integrate in-class teaching with practical work experience, providing students with a competitive edge in the job market. By enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program at an accredited university, international students who wish to pursue a career in the US after completing their first degree can legally extend their stay, learn new skills, apply for CPT work authorization from day one, acquire internship experience, work for paid jobs, and support themselves financially.

Moreover, since these international students have already been in the US for more than a year, they may be exempt from the "enrolled in one academic year prior to using CPT" rule when enrolling in a new graduate-level program, making Day 1 CPT a viable option.

What are the job options available with day 1 CPT?

Day 1 CPT allows students to work both on and off-campus, with off-campus jobs typically offering higher pay. However, it's important to note that the job must be closely related to the student's major at their day 1 CPT university. Generic jobs are unlikely to be authorized by the DSO.

For example, if a student has a CS major, which is currently the most popular major among international students, they can use day 1 CPT to work for tech companies in the US, provided they meet all CPT requirements.

Many international students use day 1 CPT to continue working for the same company they worked for during their OPT. IT consulting companies are among the employers that accept CPT as a form of work authorization while also assisting their employees in applying for H1B.

What is the earning potential with day 1 CPT?

The amount you can earn with day 1 CPT depends on whether you work part-time or full-time and the company you work for. Typically, STEM students who work in the tech industry, from interns to full-time employees, earn salaries ranging from $25 per hour to $100,000 per year.

It's important to note that day 1 CPT only provides work authorization, and your salary level is based on your skills and abilities.

However, participating in day 1 CPT can give you an advantage in future employment. One reason international students struggle to find jobs after graduation is their lack of local work experience. Even with internship experience, having day 1 CPT work on your resume can make it more appealing to potential employers than your peers.

How Day 1 CPT can enhance your career development in the U.S.

If you're an international student planning to stay in the U.S. for an extended period, it's crucial to explore the benefits of Day 1 CPT. This unique program enables you to acquire valuable industry experience starting from the first day of enrollment. In some cases, work authorization may even be granted up to 30 days before the semester begins, providing a head start in your career.

With Day 1 CPT, you can apply what you've learned directly to your professional field, gaining practical experience while pursuing your degree. Work-study opportunities are also available during the first semester or after completing the first year of classes. Discover how Day 1 CPT can help you achieve your education and career goals today.

What are some universities that offer Day 1 CPT?

While most universities in America offer some form of CPT, there are some universities that prioritize work-friendly programs, known as day 1 CPT universities. These universities have a more practical and less academic approach, making them easier to get into.

Some of the well-known day 1 CPT universities on the west coast include Westcliff University, CiAM, Trine University, and Sofia University. On the east coast, popular day 1 CPT universities include Monroe College, Harrisburg University, and New England College. Additionally, options are available in the south, such as National Louis University and DBU.

It's crucial to ensure that the university you choose is regionally or nationally accredited with a good record with USCIS. All universities we collaborate with are trustworthy and accredited. If you need assistance selecting a day 1 CPT university or program/course, fill out the form here, and our experts will provide personalized recommendations.

Day1cpt.org provides students the opportunity to gain practical job experience and participate in paid jobs during their studies in America. Interested in attending day 1 CPT universities?  Contact day1cpt.org by filling out the form below to learn how to get started.