Introduction

Practical experience plays an important role in the education of every international student studying in the United States. It is at this point that initiatives such as the Day 1 CPT take center stage. But what is the Day 1 CPT, and how does it work? In this article, we will explain each aspect of Day 1 CPT, starting from the basics of it to the eligibility criteria, advantages, disadvantages, and colleges offering them. By the end of this post, you’ll have an idea if the Day 1 CPT is meant for you.

Day 1 CPT: What is it?

Day 1 CPT is a unique CPT program that allows international students to begin practical training, whether it be an internship or work, on day one of the academic program. Not all universities in the US offer this kind of CPT, and this is different from the regular CPT, which can be approved usually after completing one school year.

CPT vs OPT

Understand Day 1 CPT program – know the difference between CPT and OPT

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is part of students’ degree programs

• Full-time or part-time
• You must be enrolled in an internship
• Students on CPT can work during the academic year

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Provides 12 months of work authorization after graduation or throughout study
• Does not require registration in a particular course
• Generally, used after graduation

Though OPT offers a broader range of job opportunities after graduating, CPT is integrated into the educational program and Day 1 CPT gives you the opportunity to delve into them right away.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

READ: Everything you need to know about Day 1 CPT Universities in USA

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

What Is Day 1 CPT?

Traditional CPT requires that students wait at least one academic year before they can participate in practical training. For international students, mostly on F-1 visas, Day 1 CPT allows students to start working for companies in the U.S. even from the first day as part of their academic program.

This is possible due to the fact that the Day 1 CPT program is part of several graduate and undergraduate degree programs that require practical experience in addition to a degree. Therefore, colleges offering the Day 1 CPT program allow students to begin working immediately after college as long as they are enrolled in a degree that requires particular training.

A. Day One CPT Eligibility

Not all students are eligible. You have to fulfill some eligibility criteria to qualify as follows:

• International students are require to hold an active F-1 visa to study within the United States.
• For enrollment in a Day 1 CPT program Eligible Program, you would require completion of coursework, as mandatory practical training is a part of your course. The teaching should be directly related to your course of study.
• You must have full-time student status: Although you would be doing practical training, you should be able to meet all academic requirements prescribed by your college.
• To start Day 1 CPT, you are require to obtain permission from your Designated School Official (DSO).
• Job Relevance: Internships and job opportunities should be relevant to your major field of study.

B. Benefits of Day 1 CPT

1. Practical Experience Right Away

The biggest benefit of Day 1 CPT is that you get to experience work right from day one. This can be very beneficial for your resume and future job prospects, as you do not have to wait for the whole academic year for the proper industry exposure.

2. More Employment Opportunities

For example, since Day 1 CPT allows you to work from day one, it will definitely enhance your prospects for getting internships and jobs in competitive areas. Early exposure to the job market also offers opportunities for networking, which can be valuable later.

3. Financial Advantages

Studying in the United States can be very financially demanding for many overseas students. Being allowed to work from the very first day of your study ensures that you make some money and support yourself during this period of learning.

4. Flexibility in Education and Training

Programs that offer Day 1 CPT are arranged in a manner that there is consolidation of both theoretical and practical training. Such a format can prove to be particularly useful for students in the fields of commerce, healthcare, information technology, and engineering because practical experience forms an integral part of career progression.

Drawbacks of Day 1 CPT:

1. Very few universities offer it

One of the major drawbacks of Day 1 CPT is that it is offer by very few universities. This reduces your choices and may put you in a position where you have to choose a school or program solely for the fact that CPT is available and not because of the overall reputation or quality of the program itself.

2. Visa Denial

The US government regularly re-evaluates the CPT and OPT programs to ensure they conform to the limitations of their visas. Any practical training without approval or working outside your major studies may lead to the denial of a visa or deportation.

3. Impact on OPT

In such cases, if you use over 12 months of full-time CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT. Because OPT is a more flexible employment option that allows students to work one year after graduation, this could be a big drawback for the students who depend on OPT to get post-graduate experience in the workplace.

4. Overlap with Academic Obligations

For many students, managing a full-time job alongside a demanding curriculum may be very challenging. Underperformance in either school or jobs may be brought about in dealing with two duties if not managed appropriately.

Day One CPT Application Process

• Choose a Day 1 CPT Program: Search for universities offering Day 1 CPT and select a program that best aligns with your aspirations for the job you are seeking and your intended field of study.
• Prepare your documents: Ensure that you have all the required documents, which include an F-1 visa, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment in an eligible program.
• Meet with a Designated School Official: Talk with your DSO about your eligibility and the process. Your DSO will guide you through an application for CPT and send the necessary documents to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
• Get the Employer Offer Letter: You must be offering a job with an employer. It is important that the job is directly related to your major area of study. Please forward this letter to your DSO for endorsement.
• Start Working: You may start working on the first day of your first academic program provided that you maintain full-time student status.

Conclusion

Day 1 CPT is a unique opportunity for international students to get direct practical experience in their subject of study and further their academic goals. But this option, too, comes with its own list of concerns that range from visa issues to limited program availability.

Before going on a Day 1 CPT adventure, you need to consider all the pros and cons of it, research your university choice, and be better prepare for the responsibilities provided by the given opportunity. In this way, with better choices, you can make more constructive use of Day 1 CPT in enhancing your higher education and employment prospects in America.