Navigating the enrollment process for Day 1 CPT Universities can be a complex endeavor. With deadlines and multiple steps to consider, a well-defined guide is essential. This article aims to be your go-to resource for understanding the enrollment timelines of Day 1 CPT Universities. It will help you figure out the best time to apply, how long it takes to receive an offer after application, and when you can get CPT authorizations from different Day 1 CPT universities.
Many students have asked us whether it's possible to eliminate the gap between their previous OPT and their new CPT. They also wonder if some Day 1 CPT universities process CPT authorizations faster than others. Additionally, we often hear, "I've heard that some Day 1 CPT universities allow me to use CPT even before the semester starts. Is that true? Which universities are they?" (Spoiler alert: it is true). In this article, you will find answers to all these questions and more.
The first step in this journey is the initial consultation. This process is crucial as it sets the foundation for the subsequent steps. You can either conduct the research yourself or seek assistance from more experienced consultants. Typically, it takes our students 1-3 days to absorb all the information and make a final decision about which Day 1 CPT school is best for them.
If you choose to do the research yourself, there are various resources and tools available for you to utilize. We have designed our site based on our consultation experiences to help you sort through the information.
If tuition is the key factor you're considering, you can look here: Day 1 CPT by Costs
If location is your primary concern, feel free to use our Day 1 CPT universities locator to find the most suitable option in your area: Day 1 CPT by Location
If you prefer more online classes to on-site ones, we've got you covered: Day 1 CPT by On-Site Frequency
If you already have a major in mind, you can also filter the ideal Day 1 CPT schools by major: Day 1 CPT by Major
If you'd like to seek help, you can book a 15-minute consultation with our experts using this link. Our consultation is free of charge. While 15 minutes may seem brief, it's packed with essential activities designed to ensure you're on the right track and minimize or eliminate your chances of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE). This consultation allows you to discuss your background, current situation, and concerns with our consultant, who will then provide you with a personalized shortlist of Day 1 CPT universities tailored to your needs.
After the initial research, you should have at least one shortlisted Day 1 CPT university that best suits your needs. If you've consulted with our experts, they should have already emailed you a personalized shortlist, complete with detailed information about the selected schools and the next steps to take.
Apply to Day 1 CPT universities are fairly straightforward and simple. For the most part, you only need to go on to the application portal of your chosen school and upload all required materials. If you’ve already had a degree in the U.S., you do not need English test results. Your English test will be waived automatically.
Wondering what are the materials you need to prepare ahead of time? We made lists for each school, you can find them here. If you did the initial consultation with us, our consultant should be able to find them in our follow-up emails.
If you want to apply by yourself but would like to have your application fee waived or check scholarship eligibility, fill out this form. Please register with us before you submit your application form if you wish to secure a scholarship.
After submitting your application, it will take approximately 1 to 4 weeks for the school to process it and send you an offer. If you've provided all the necessary materials, fulfilled all requirements, and submitted your application before the deadline, you're likely to receive a positive outcome. However, there are two scenarios where you may need additional assistance:
The overall GPA of your previous program is too low, i.e., lower than 3.0.
You've missed the application deadline but still wish to enroll in the nearest available term.
If you find yourself in either of these situations, don't hesitate to contact us for help! We are official partners with over 25 Day 1 CPT universities and can assist you in expediting your application. In the past, we've helped a student receive an offer within 48 hours. Let us know your specific circumstances, and we'll do our best to find a solution for you. While this service may incur a fee, rest assured that you'll be refunded if we don't deliver on our promise.
Along with your offer, there should be an instruction given by your Day 1 CPT universities. Most of the time, I will ask you to register with the new school, start to contact the DSO of your old school, and start the SEVIS transfer process. Depending on their policies, some Day 1 CPT universities will also ask you to pay for the first term/semester’s tuition at this point.
Many of the students we've worked with have found this process confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward. All you need to do is inform the DSO (Designated School Official) at your original school and say, "Hi, I've received a new offer. I'd like you to release my SEVIS and transfer it to this code" (the new school's code will be included in your offer). That's the gist of it.
As for the time required, it solely depends on the policies of your original school. Although the actual "SEVIS transfer" process involves just a few clicks on your DSO's computer, some schools may require students to submit the transfer request at least one week in advance. Others may only need 3 days to process your request. We recommend speaking with your DSO even before applying to Day 1 CPT universities, if possible, to understand your school's policy and make a more informed decision.
Once your SEVIS is transferred to your Day 1 CPT universities, you are officially a member of the Day 1 CPT squad!
The goal of this step is to obtain your CPT I-20.
To secure a CPT I-20, you'll need an offer letter from your employer or have them sign a CPT agreement. Depending on your company's policies, some may be more CPT-friendly than others. If you're having difficulty obtaining a signature from your manager for your CPT agreement, consult with an advisor at your Day 1 CPT university to see if there's a workaround.
Once you receive your CPT I-20! This usually occurs on or after the semester's starting date.
Tips: Although for most Day 1 CPT universities, the earliest date you can start using your CPT is the first day of the semester, some universities actually allow students to begin the CPT application process early. As a result, students at these universities can start using their CPT even before the actual semester begins. This provides a significant advantage to those who have little time to wait and are facing OPT expiration soon.
Ottawa University
National Louis University
Humphreys University
Trine University (not exactly 30 days; the start date depends on when their "orientation" begins, which may vary from semester to semester)
You should be able to work legally by using CPT authorization in the U.S. now. Don’t forget to renew your CPT authorization on time to ensure your legal status!
To help you better grasp the timeline here, we’d like to use one of our students as an example.
Name: Emily
Nationality: Hungary
OPT Expiration Date: 4/27/2023
Interested School & Major: Westcliff University - MBA program
1st time contacting us: On 4/17/2023 Emily filled out a form on our website
Consultation: On 4/18/2023 our consultant talked to Emily on the phone.
Consultation Notes: Our consultant provided multiple choices for her. However, Emily insisted that she wanted to go to Westcliff University due to location reasons and requested an expedited service because the application deadline for the closest semester is 3/20/2023. The starting date of that semester is 5/1/2023, which is a very good fit for Emily considering her OPT is about to expire by the end of April.
Expedited Application Submitted: 4/20/2023 (A Thursday)
Offer Received: 4/24/2023 (next Monday)
Enrollment, SEVIS Transfer, and CPT Application: Due to the urgency, we helped her negotiate with the school and started all three things together. But Westcliff will hold on to her CPT I-20 until SEVIS is transferred.
Class start and CPT I-20 activated: 5/1/2023
Can I use my current, unexpired F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. after the SEVIS transfer?
As long as you have followed the proper transfer procedures, you will be able to use your current, unexpired F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. even though it has your previous school name printed on it.
Can I request a SEVIS record transfer during my 60-day grace period?
Yes, you can request a SEVIS record transfer during the 60-day grace period following your program completion. However, you should contact your current school's International Student Services at least 3 weeks before the end of your 60-day grace period to request the SEVIS transfer.
Do I need to report to my new school's International Office after the SEVIS transfer?
Yes, you must report to your new school's International Office within 15 days of the program start date listed on your I-20.
Will I receive a new I-20 after the SEVIS transfer?
Yes, your new school will issue you a new I-20 to show you have completed the school-to-school SEVIS record transfer process correctly. This update changes the issuance reason from "transfer pending" to "continued attendance".
Day 1 CPT Roadmap
Navigating the labyrinthine enrollment process for Day 1 CPT Universities can indeed be a daunting task, but with the right resources and guidance, it becomes significantly more manageable. This comprehensive guide serves as your roadmap, detailing each phase of the journey from initial research to CPT authorization. Whether you're concerned about tuition costs, location, or course offerings, we've got you covered with tailored solutions.
We've also addressed common queries about bridging the gap between OPT and CPT, and the speed at which different universities process CPT authorizations. For those in a time crunch, some universities even allow CPT usage before the semester officially begins, offering a lifeline to students nearing OPT expiration.
Our case study featuring Emily provides a real-world example, demystifying the timeline and making the process more relatable. Whether you choose to go it alone or seek expert consultation, remember that the key to a successful enrollment lies in thorough research and timely actions. With options to expedite applications through our partnerships and a wealth of resources at your disposal, your path to Day 1 CPT Universities is clearer than ever.
So, as you stand on the cusp of this exciting educational journey, equipped with this guide and your determination, the road ahead looks promising. Take that step with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared to navigate the complexities of Day 1 CPT Universities. Your future awaits, and it's looking bright.