Day-1 CPT Rules You Should Know About

Did you know that more than half of all American students work while studying?

That’s right! College students across the US pick up jobs while still enrolled in academic programs. There are many reasons for doing so, with income being a dominating factor. However, to work as a full-time student, you need to sign up for a Day-1 CPT program supported by your college.

Day-1 CPT allows students to obtain practical work experience and earn income while actively studying. It’s an effective program to empower young workers to join the workforce early. However, Day-1 CPT comes with many rules that students must follow. An international student who went to a Day-1 CPT college in the US recalls the consequences of ignoring Day-1 CPT rules. Their experience informs the following Day-1 CPT rules that you should be aware of.

Rule #1: You must be studying full-time

The Day-1 CPT program was created for students only. It caters to full-time college students who want to gain work experience in their chosen field. So, you must be enrolled in a full-time academic program of some sort to be eligible for a Day-1 CPT program. The CPT opportunities you choose can be based on full-time or part-time employment, but your academic program needs to have enough credit hours to qualify as a full course of study.

Rule #2: The job must align with your academic program

Many college graduates end up working in careers that aren’t related to the field they majored in. While it may seem harmless, this cannot be the case with a Day-1 CPT program. To qualify for and maintain your approved Day-1 CPT status, you must partake in work opportunities that align with your academic program. For instance, STEM students can only work in the same field as per Day-1 CPT rules.

Rule #3: You must have approval from your DSO

A Designated School Official (DSO) calls the shots when it comes to your Day-1 CPT opportunities. You must get approval from your DSO if you wish to participate in Day-1 CPT. Without the DSO’s express approval in writing, you can’t qualify for Day-1 CPT job opportunities.

An international student remarks, “CPT must be approved by the school before it can start working! Not just for the first time, but every time! If you start working without approval, records will be left, and you will be subject to RFE in the H1B and green card application stages in the future.”

Rule #4: You must update your files

When signing up for Day-1 CPT, you need to sign some agreements. If these CPT files don’t get renewed when they need to be, you can risk losing your CPT work prospects. For international students, this is even more dangerous as it can impact their student visa status. As per an international student, you don’t get a probation period to renew if you incur too many violations. And, “In the state where the DSO has already granted grace, it is also a week later that his SEVIS status, i-20 and F1 status will expire. After that he must leave the country, otherwise he will be regarded as "illegal stay".”

Finally, act wisely to maintain your Day-1 CPT prospects and abide by the rules. Connect with Day-1 CPT professionals to avoid making common mistakes today. 

Discover the Best Day-1 CPT Colleges Near You!

Are you wondering which Day-1 CPT school to transfer or apply to? Get in touch with our team!

We offer assistance and guidance to students who want to leverage the best Day-1 CPT programs in the US. Choosing between schools like Westcliff University, Trine University, and Monroe College can be difficult. So, let us guide you on where to go and how to apply! We can even help you find out about relevant Day-1 CPT scholarships that you can benefit from.

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