H-1B Lottery Non-Selected Applicants: Don't Give Up on Your Dreams, Try Day1 CPT

Key Points:

• Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a program offered by some US universities that allows international students to start working off-campus on the first day of their academic program.
• It is primarily designed for graduate students who need practical work experience in their field of study.
• Day 1 CPT has become controversial due to some universities misusing the program by offering low-quality academic programs primarily serving as a means for students to obtain work authorization.
• Benefits of Day 1 CPT include early work experience, financial support, practical training, and networking opportunities for international students.
• Day 1 CPT programs are offered by accredited universities authorized by the US government and require full-time enrolment.
• International students are limited to working up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks. It is crucial to choose a legitimate program offered by an accredited university to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
• Concerns arise regarding the misuse of Day 1 CPT by universities offering low-quality programs focused on work authorization.

Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a program offered by some US universities that allows international students, particularly those who have lost all three H1B lottery chances, to start working off-campus on the first day of their academic program. It provides an alternative pathway for these students to gain practical work experience in their field of study and continue their career progression. However, the program has raised concerns as some universities may exploit it by offering low-quality academic programs primarily aimed at providing work authorization rather than quality education. Despite the controversy, Day 1 CPT can offer benefits such as early work experience, financial support, practical training, and networking opportunities for international students. It is important for students to carefully consider the credibility and legitimacy of the universities offering Day 1 CPT to avoid any potential issues with immigration authorities.

What is Day 1 CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program offered by US universities that allows international students to work off-campus in their field of study. At the same time, they are still enrolled in their academic program. This program is primarily designed for students who need practical work experience to complement their academic studies. However, Day 1 CPT is a variation of the program that allows students to start working on the first day of their academic program.

The primary benefit of Day 1 CPT is that international students can start earning money immediately after they arrive in the USA. This is especially important for students who need to support themselves financially while studying. However, Day 1 CPT has become controversial because some universities misuse the program by offering low-quality academic programs that primarily serve as a means for students to get work authorization.

Benefits:

• Early Work Experience: Day 1 CPT allows international students to start working off-campus on their first academic program day. This provides them with valuable work experience while they are still studying, which can enhance their career prospects.
• Financial Support: Working while studying can provide international students with financial support to cover their living expenses, including tuition fees, housing, and transportation.
• Practical Training: Day 1 CPT provides international students with practical training to apply to their future careers. It allows them to gain hands-on experience in their field of study and develop professional skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Day 1 CPT allows international students to connect with professionals in their field of study, which can lead to networking opportunities and potential job offers.

Features:

• Accredited Universities: Day 1 CPT programs are offered by accredited universities authorized to offer the program by the US government.
• Full-Time Enrollment: International students must be enrolled in a full-time academic program to be eligible for Day 1 CPT.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Day 1 CPT falls under the CPT category, a type of off-campus work authorization provided to international students in the US.
• Limited Hours: International students are limited to working up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Day 1 CPT programs are often scrutinized by immigration officials, so international students must ensure they choose a legitimate program offered by an accredited university.

Day 1 CPT Universities in the USA:

Several universities in the USA offer Day 1 CPT programs. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

1. Stratford University

Stratford University is one of the USA's most well-known Day 1 CPT universities. This university offers Day 1 CPT for several programs, including Information Technology, Business Administration, and Hospitality Management. Stratford University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Location: Virginia, United States

Official website link: https://www.stratford.edu

Email id: admissions@stratford.edu

Official contact number: +1 703 734-5300

List of common courses with duration for day 1 CPT programs:

• Master of Science in Information Systems, Duration: 12-16 months
• Master of Science in Software Engineering, Duration: 12-16 months
• Master of Science in Information Assurance, Duration: 12-16 months
• Master of Business Administration, Duration: 12-16 months
• Master of Science in Accounting and Finance, Duration: 12-16 months

2. Silicon Valley University

Silicon Valley University is another Day 1 CPT university in the USA. This university offers Day 1 CPT for several programs, including Computer Science, Business Administration, and Software Engineering. Silicon Valley University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Location: California, United States

Official website link: https://svuca.edu

Email id: admissions@svuca.edu

Official contact number: +1 408 435-0990

List of common courses with duration for day 1 CPT programs:

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Information Technology, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Business Administration, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Engineering Management, Duration: 12-18 months

3. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac is also a Day 1 CPT university in the USA. This university offers Day 1 CPT for several programs, including Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Business Administration. The University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Location: Washington DC, United States

Official website link: https://potomac.edu

Email id: info@potomac.edu

Official contact number: +1 202 800-4704

List of common courses with duration for day 1 CPT programs:

• Master of Business Administration, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Information Technology, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, Duration: 12-18 months

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university in Newark, New Jersey. NJIT offers Day 1 CPT for its Master's in Computer Science program. NJIT is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Location: New Jersey, United States

Official website link: https://www.njit.edu

Email id: admissions@njit.edu

Official contact number: +1 973 596-3300

List of common courses with duration for day 1 CPT programs:

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Information Systems, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Business Administration, Duration: 12-18 months

5. National University

National University is a private university in La Jolla, California. This university offers Day 1 CPT for several programs, including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare Administration. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission accredits National University.

Location: California, United States

Official website link: https://www.nu.edu

Email id: info@nu.edu

Official contact number: +1 800 628-8648

List of common courses with duration for day 1 CPT programs:

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Science in Engineering Management, Duration: 12-18 months
• Master of Business Administration, Duration: 12-18 months

It's important to note that the US government does not approve Day 1 CPT programs, and immigration officials often scrutinize them. Therefore, it's crucial to do thorough research before choosing a university that offers a Day 1 CPT program.

Pros and Cons of Day 1 CPT:

Pros:

• Early work authorization: Day 1 CPT allows international students to start working off-campus on the first day of their academic program, which means they can start earning money immediately after they arrive in the USA.
• Practical work experience: Day 1 CPT provides international students with practical work experience in their field of study, which can be beneficial when they apply for jobs after graduation.
• Networking opportunities: Day 1 CPT allows international students to network with professionals in their field of study, which can lead to job opportunities in the future.

Cons:

• Lack of quality education: Some universities must refrain from using the Day 1 CPT program by offering low-quality academic programs that primarily serve as a means for students to get work authorization.
• Immigration scrutiny: Day 1 CPT programs are not approved by the US gov, and d they are often scrutinized by immigration officials, which can cause problems for international students who participate in the program.
• Limited work authorization: Day 1 CPT programs often come with restrictions

In summary, Day 1 CPT offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, financial support, practical training, and networking opportunities. However, choosing a legitimate program offered by an accredited university is essential, and complying with the regulatory requirements is essential.