Extending Study and H1B Lottery Opportunities at Day 1 CPT Universities

Extending study duration in the U.S. has become a strategic move for many international students, particularly those from countries facing long green card queues like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. With the U.S. government's limit on green cards issued annually to promote immigration diversity, individuals often find themselves waiting for 5-10 years to obtain their Green Card. In light of this, continuing education at Day 1 CPT universities has emerged as a solution, allowing students to legally prolong their stay and explore academic, employment, and H1B lottery opportunities. These universities offer flexibility, financial relief, and valuable chances for career advancement, making them an attractive option for students navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.

Long Gree Card Queue for Citizens from Some Countries

Citizens from countries such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines find it essential to extend their study duration in the United States due to the lengthy waiting periods for green cards they face. The U.S. government, in its efforts to promote immigration diversity, limits the number of green cards issued to each country annually, ensuring a fair distribution of immigrant quotas. Consequently, individuals often wait between 5-10 years to obtain their Green Card, as per the latest update from USCIS.

DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

Why Extend Your Stay in the U.S.?

Taking India as an example, surveys from The Pie indicate that only about 20% of Indian students plan to return to India after their studies. However, in the post-pandemic era, with tightened green card policies and only a 30% H1B lottery winning rate, many are compelled to continue their education at Day 1 CPT universities. This allows them to legally prolong their academic and work tenure in the U.S.

Academic, Employment and H1B Lottery Opportunities

Day 1 CPT universities offer students a fantastic opportunity to work while they study, easing financial burdens and extending their legal residency in the U.S. These schools also provide the option for students to take a break for a semester, allowing them to continue working without the need to attend classes or pay tuition fees. This flexibility can provide significant financial relief, although students should be aware that some institutions may require a CPT fee during these leave periods.

Extending your study duration in the U.S. can open the door to 2-3 additional opportunities (potentially 4-5 times for doctoral degrees) in the H1B lottery, providing valuable chances for advancing your career and immigration prospects.

Schools That Allow Leave

Many Day 1 CPT universities offer options for breaks or leaves, a crucial consideration for students needing to extend their study period. Choosing such schools helps students maximize their time in the U.S. under legal compliance.

Westcliff University

• Location: Orlando, FL; Miami, FL; Irvine, CA; Santa Monica, CA
• Leave Policy: Students are allowed to take a semester off after 3 semesters of studying.
• CPT Renewal: 1/Semester
• CPT Fees: $855 (1 Credit)

Sofia University

• Location: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
• Leave Policy: Students are allowed to take a quarter off after 3 semesters of studying.
• CPT Renewal: 1/quarter
• CPT Fees: $500 (0 Unit)

Monroe College

• Location: Bronx, NY
• Leave Policy: Students are allowed to take a semester off after 3 semesters of studying.
• CPT Renewal: 1/semester
• CPT Fees: N/A

McDaniel College

• Location: Westminster, MD
• Leave Policy: Students have the option to take 1 summer semester off during the program after completing 2 semesters.
• CPT Renewal: 1/Semester
• CPT Fees: N/A

Saint Peter's University

• Location: Jersey City, NJ, next to Manhattan
• Leave Policy: Students have the option to take 1 summer semester off during the program after completing 2 semesters.
• CPT Renewal: 1/trimester
• CPT Fees: N/A

Humphreys University

• Location: Stocken, CA (Near San Francisco)
• Leave Policy: Students have the option to take 1 semester semester off during the program after completing 2 semesters.
• CPT Renewal: 1/semester
• CPT Fees: N/A

University of the Potomac

• Location: Washington DC
• Leave Policy: Students have the option to take 1 semester semester off during the program after completing 2 semesters.
• CPT Renewal: 1/semester
• CPT Fees: N/A

Trine University

• Location: Pheonix, AZ; Reston, VA; Detroit, MI
• Leave Policy: Students are allowed to take a summer off after enrolling the school. Maximum 2 summers off.
• CPT Renewal: 1/year
• CPT Fees: Master's $287.5; Doctoral $350 (0.5 Credit)

Conclusion

Extending study duration in the U.S. not only helps legally prolong residence but also enhances professional and academic experiences, aiding students in their future career and immigration pathways. Additionally, the U.S.'s quota system and the extended waiting periods pose extra challenges for students from high-application countries, complicating their journey towards obtaining a U.S. green card.