DAY 1 CPT: Meaning, Process, Eligibility, FAQ's

Introduction

International students who want to work in the USA are often confused about the fact of available opportunities and its related information. One of the opportunities which helps the international students to get work in the USA at an initial level is DAY 1 CPT.

This article will help you out with the information in relation to its process, eligibility, requirement, merits as well as demerits and most commonly asked FAQ’s.

What is DAY 1 CPT?

The CPT visa (Curricular Practical training) allows international students having F1 visa to get employment in the USA directly related to their major and helps in gaining with experience via paid or unpaid internships.

One of the popular term in the USA among the international students is “DAY 1 CPT” it allow the students to participate in the CPT from the beginning of their degree program. The International students pursuing graduation program have an option of getting employment in the USA as a fulltime or part time job right from the starting of the educational program.

Universities accepting Day 1 CPT:

There are certain law and procedure which are to be followed in order to work on Day 1 CPT.

Students on F1 may be permitted to work under condition if enrolled for degree program of one year.

Employment in relation to the students degree is authorized under CPT.

The student may be allowed to get employment on the very first day in case if required under the curriculum.

While on the first or second semester of the degree program most of the Universities do not offer to all the students under CPT.

Under Exceptions:

The International students who are already completed with their graduation may bypass the requirement of practical training of one academic year.

Employment for CPT may be offered on the first or second semester of the degree program in case if the related course requires.

What are eligibility requirements under Day 1 CPT?

Following are the criteria’s and requirement:

F1 visa should be maintained properly in each semester.

Need to go according to their educational background.

Should select internships in relation to their educational background.

Should not be under the category of a visiting exchange student.

Practical training might begin on the Day 1.

Must be enrolled with one to two organization related to the students educational background.

While requesting for the authorization on CPT student must have a job offer on CPT.

TOP 10 Universities which offer Day 1 CPT

Wondering, whether which are the universities offering Day 1 CPT? Following are the top 10 universities:

Following are the frequently asked questions on Day 1 CPT:

1. Is DAY 1 CPT safe?

Some of the Universities might allow the Day 1 CPT eligible students to attain with the first semester or month of the year only. After the OPT is issued during Day 1 CPT, still F1 Visa holders must be cautious to it.

2. How can one get Day 1 CPT?

Check with eligibility criteria stated above.

3. Is DAY 1 CPT legal?

From DAY 1 CPT being CPT for the second master degree program is not considered illegal. Change of status denial by USCIS from F1 to H1B for DAY 1 CPT candidates is considered illegal.

4. When can a CPT start work?

After the completion of the first academic year CPT employment gets started. Once you obtain with the authorization from ISSS or complete with your graduation then you can start working.

5. Can CPT work on fulltime?

If you are involved in the process of fulltime CPT during fall or spring semester the you don’t require pursuing any additional educational courses to work for more than 20 hours per week.

6. Can I be authorized for CPT twice/in my second semester?

Once authorized under F1 visa for fulltime you can get CPT twice. Before you qualify for CPT you need to enroll in you full academic year.

7. How much time span does it take to get CPT?

In general takes around 1-2 weeks of time. Full two weeks only in case if applied during April, September and January.

8. Can a fulltime CPT work for more than 40 hours per week?

Can work during the summer term.

9. Do sponsorship is required under CPT?

No employer sponsorship is required under CPT.

10. Do I need to pay tax under CPT?

International students holding F1 visa are not required to pay taxes in relation to employment. But need to pay with federal as well as state income taxes.