3 Steps to Find the Best Day 1 CPT Universities in 3 Minutes

It's becoming increasingly challenging to secure a spot in the H1B lottery these days. As a result, more international workers are opting for Plan B and enrolling in Day 1 CPT universities to extend their stay in the States.

In our previous discussion, we explored the legitimacy of Day 1 CPT. Today, let's dive into three essential guidelines for selecting the ideal Day 1 CPT universities. Ready? Let's go!

STEP 1

First of all, Day 1 CPT University, as a crucial means for extending your stay and work, needs to be legit! You must choose a reputable Day 1 CPT University with authoritative accreditation. Additionally, Day 1 CPT Universities with a long history, high regional recognition, or religious affiliation can be given priority! By selecting a properly accredited Day 1 CPT Universities, the risk of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) in your H1B or green card application will be lower.

STEP 2

Next, your study plan must make sense. If you have already completed a Master's degree, it would be reasonable to pursue an MBA or a higher-level doctoral program. Absolutely avoid choosing a program that closely resembles your existing degree (e.g., pursuing an MS in Data Analytics when you already have an MS in Data Science), as this could make you a target for RFE from the immigration authorities. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your chosen field of study is somewhat relevant to your current job so that your CPT can be approved successfully.

Here are some common doctoral CPT programs:

• Westcliff University (West Coast): DBA

• National Louis University (East Coast): DBA

• Sullivan University (Midwest/East Coast): PhD

• Westcliff University (West Coast): EdD

STEP 3

When selecting a Day 1 CPT Universities and program, consider the convenience of transportation, frequency of onsite classes, CPT renewal frequency, and academic workload. During the CPT period, it is crucial to adhere to the Day 1 CPT Universities' regulations, attend classes punctually, submit assignments on time, and strive to maintain a GPA above 3.0. Failure to comply may lead to the termination of CPT and could even result in the revocation of your F1 visa.

• To balance your studies, work, and personal life, the aforementioned factors are all very important. Consider the convenience of transportation and try to choose a Day 1 CPT Universities nearby to save time on commuting. The frequency of onsite classes varies among different Day 1 CPT Universities, with some requiring students to be on campus once a month, while others may have only one campus visit per semester. You can refer to this thread for more details: [link provided].

• CPT renewal frequency: It can be quite cumbersome to seek company or supervisor cooperation for each CPT renewal. If possible, an annual renewal would be ideal.

• Academic workload: Excessive academic pressure leading to a significantly lower GPA may necessitate transferring to another Day 1 CPT Universities.

These are the three main guidelines to follow when selecting Day 1 CPT Universities and programs. 

Apart from these, there are several other points to consider that may impact your future development when choosing a Day 1 CPT University.

1️⃣️ If the CPT program you will be attending is your first Master's or higher degree program in the United States, it is advisable to choose a non-profit university that offers graduate degrees. After obtaining a non-profit university's graduate degree, in addition to participating in the regular H1B lottery for the 65,000 cap, you will also have the opportunity to participate in an additional 20,000 cap lottery for candidates with higher qualifications. The chances of being selected in this lottery are significantly higher. Non-profit private universities such as Humphreys University (in the Western region) and Harrisburg University, New England College, and Saint Peter's University (in the Eastern Coast) are examples to consider.

2️⃣️ If you have not used Optional Practical Training (OPT) during your graduate studies, it is advisable to choose a STEM-certified program when selecting a Day-1 CPT program. By utilizing Full-time CPT (working more than 20 hours per week) for a maximum of 365 days, you will still be eligible for a 3-year OPT work opportunity after graduation.

3️⃣️ If you are considering returning to your home country for future career development and need your degree to be recognized in China, it is recommended to choose a university listed in the database of Chinese Ministry of Education's supervision of foreign education. Most of the Day 1 CPT Universities can be found on the Chinese Ministry of Education's list. While a few universities like Westcliff University and CIAM are not on the list, they can still be recognized because they have the highest accreditation from regional accrediting bodies in the United States. Many Westcliff University students have successfully obtained degree recognition. We have also communicated with university officials, and they have promised to apply for inclusion in the list of Chinese Ministry of Education's recognized universities as soon as possible.

4️⃣️ For those working at companies that support CPT but do not sign CPT agreements (such as Google or Amazon), it is important to consider whether the Day 1 CPT Universities can waive the CPT agreement requirement. Some Day 1 CPT Universities strictly require a CPT agreement, while others handle it on a case-by-case basis and may waive the agreement through an Employment Letter or other documentation. For specific information, you can contact us for free consultation.

Please note that the above information is provided based on the context provided and may not cover all possible scenarios. It is important to conduct thorough research and consult with relevant authorities or immigration experts for personalized advice.

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Day 1 CPT: https://day1cptuniversities.com/day-1-cpt

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