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. 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! We will discuss this in the following blog.

STEP 1

First of all, Day 1 CPT University needs to be legit as a crucial means for extending your stay and work! 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 an adequately accredited Day 1 CPT university, 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, pursuing an MBA or a higher-level doctoral program would be reasonable. 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 your CPT can be approved successfully.

Here are some standard doctoral CPT programs:

• Westcliff University (West Coast): DBA

• National Louis University (East Coast): DBA

• Westcliff University (West Coast): EdD

STEP 3

When selecting a Day 1 CPT university and program, consider the convenience of transportation, 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 in order to use your CPT. Failure to comply may lead to the termination of CPT and could even result in the revocation of your F1 visa.

• The factors above are all very important in balancing your studies, work, and personal life. Consider the convenience of transportation and try to choose a Day 1 CPT university 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. In contrast, others may have only one campus visit per semester. You can refer to this thread for more details: Day 1 CPT Universities compete list.

• CPT renewal frequency: It can be pretty hard 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 university.

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

Apart from these, several other points 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, choosing a non-profit university that offers graduate degrees is advisable if that's your first master's in the US. 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), 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 recognized in China, choosing a university listed in the database of the Chinese Ministry of Education's supervision of foreign education is recommended. Most of the Day 1 CPT Universities are on the Chinese Ministry of Education 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 recognition for their degrees. 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 a free consultation.

Please note that the above information is based on the context and may not cover all possible scenarios. It is essential 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