Applying for Day 1 CPT involves two separate processes: admission to a qualifying university program and authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). After admission, eligible F-1 students generally work with their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) to request CPT. CPT must be related to the student’s major and integral to the curriculum, and employment cannot begin until the DSO has authorized CPT and issued an updated Form I-20. Graduate students may be eligible for CPT during their first semester when their program requires immediate practical training.

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New to CPT rules? Read our Day 1 CPT FAQ before starting the application. 

Day 1 CPT Eligibility and Requirements

Admission to a university associated with Day 1 CPT does not automatically mean that a student is authorized to work. CPT eligibility depends on the academic program, the student's F-1 status, the training opportunity and authorization from the school's DSO.

If you're still deciding where to enroll, review the factors to consider when choosing a Day 1 CPT university before starting an application.

Students concerned about long-term immigration consequences should review the potential risks of Day 1 CPT before enrolling.

When Should You Apply to a Day 1 CPT University? 

The best application date depends on your current immigration status, OPT end date, the university's admission deadline, the next program start date, SEVIS transfer timing and the school's CPT-processing procedure.

Students should work backward from the desired program start date instead of waiting until their current work authorization is about to end. Time may be needed for admission review, document collection, SEVIS transfer, course registration and CPT authorization.

Already on OPT? Your SEVIS transfer date deserves special attention. See our complete SEVIS transfer guide before choosing the transfer date.

How to Apply for Day 1 CPT: Step by Step 

Step 1: Choose an Appropriate University and Program 

Start by choosing a program that fits your academic background, career direction, location, budget and work schedule. Do not select a program solely because it offers first-semester CPT. 

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See the full list of Day 1 CPT Universities

Step 2: Submit Your University Application 

Complete the university application and submit all required academic, identity, immigration and financial documents. Requirements and processing times vary by institution.

Step 3: Receive and Review Your Admission Offer 

Review the program name, campus, start date, tuition, residency requirement and any conditions attached to admission before accepting the offer.

Step 4: Plan Your SEVIS Transfer 

If you already hold F-1 status, coordinate your SEVIS transfer carefully with your current and new schools. The SEVIS transfer process is separate from the university admission process. 

How to transfer your SEVIS Record

Step 5: Complete Enrollment Requirements 

Step 6: Prepare Your CPT Request

Obtain the required employment documentation from your employer and complete the university's CPT request process. The role must be directly related to your major.

Step 7: Receive Your CPT-Authorized I-20

Do not begin CPT employment while authorization is still pending. SEVP states that a student's DSO must authorize CPT in SEVIS before participation begins, and authorization cannot be backdated.

Step 8: Verify the CPT Details Before Working

Step 9: Maintain Your F-1 Status

Day 1 CPT rules and common questions

8 Day 1 CPT Application Mistakes to Avoid

Learn about Day 1 CPT risks and how to reduce them before making an enrollment decision.

If you are concerned about future immigration evidence requests, read our guide to Day 1 CPT and H-1B RFEs.

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