How to convince your employer to accept Day 1 CPT?

After enduring the F1 OPT status for three years, many students still face challenges in securing their H1B lottery. The dream of transitioning to a company with a day 1 green card policy has been overshadowed by the disappointing news of several companies halting their PERM applications for green cards.

Now, the burning question arises: is leveraging day 1 CPT a complicated matter? Is day 1 CPT legal? Contrary to popular belief, many of our students have successfully navigated this process and maintained their work with both current and potential employers.

In the upcoming sections, we will explore effective strategies for convincing employers and overcoming obstacles to protect your legal status. Also, we will share companies that accept Day 1 CPT for you. Stay tuned for valuable insights and tips on making the most of your day 1 CPT opportunities.

Introducing CPT to Employers

To convince your employer to accept Day 1 CPT, it is essential to first understand the meaning of CPT and its application in practical work. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an internship program designed for international students with F-1 visas, allowing them to engage in internships or employment related to their academic coursework during their studies. For many international students, CPT is a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience while studying.

When introducing CPT to employers, it is important to explain the concept in detail, as many employers may not be familiar with it. Start by defining CPT and its purpose, explaining how it helps students apply their classroom learning to real-world work environments.

To ensure the legality of CPT and its compliance with regulations from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is important to explain the legal requirements of CPT. CPT must be part of a degree program and must have approval from the school. Students must maintain their student status while engaging in CPT and ensure that the internship is closely related to their field of study. The U.S. immigration authorities have strict regulations in place to ensure that students' CPT experiences align with their academic goals, thereby ensuring the legality of the program.

So, is Day 1 CPT legal? Yes, it is, as long as it meets all these requirements. Ensuring that your CPT is part of your degree program and approved by your school will keep you in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Further, emphasize the benefits of hiring CPT students, such as gaining access to the latest academic knowledge, fresh perspectives, and an internationalized work environment.

Benefits of Hiring CPT Students:

1. Latest Industry Knowledge: CPT students usually possess the latest industry knowledge and skills, which they can bring to the workplace, helping companies maintain their market competitiveness.

2. Enhanced Diversity: International students bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the work team, which is particularly valuable for companies operating in a globalized context.

3. Potential Long-Term Recruitment Opportunities: Through CPT, employers can evaluate students' performance, which may lead to future full-time employment, thereby reducing the cost of recruiting and training new employees.

By understanding and clearly explaining CPT, you can help your employer see the many benefits of participating in this program and ensure a smooth and legal process for everyone involved.

Addressing Agreement Concerns

Despite the benefits of CPT for both employers and students, some employers may still be hesitant to sign any agreement due to legal concerns or administrative burdens. In such cases, the following solutions can be considered:

Use a Verification Letter

One approach is to use a Verification Letter from the company to apply for CPT with the school. The Verification Letter is an official document issued by the company to confirm details of the employment relationship, including the job description, internship duration, work location, and information about the direct supervisor. For CPT, this document should specifically outline the relevance of the internship to the student's coursework and how it helps the student achieve academic goals.

Key Information for the Verification Letter:

• Student Name: Ensure that the letter corresponds to the specific student's internship request.
• Job Description: Provide a detailed description of the responsibilities and tasks the student will undertake, emphasizing how these activities are related to their academic coursework.
• Internship Duration and Schedule: Clearly state the start and end dates of the internship, as well as the number of work hours per week.
• Work Location: Provide specific information about where the internship will take place.
• Supervisor Information: Include the supervisor's position, contact information, and how they will supervise the student's internship.
• Company Commitment Statement: Indicate that the company understands and supports the internship as part of the student's academic program and commits to providing necessary support and resources.

Alternative Signatories

If the direct supervisor or HR department is unwilling to sign, seek help from other management personnel within the company. It is important to have a representative from the company sign the agreement. Possible signatories include:

• Direct Supervisor: Preferred as they are most familiar with the student's work and projects.
• Human Resources Department: HR departments handle official documents and compliance matters, and their signature carries official and authoritative weight.
• Project Manager: If the internship involves a specific project, the project manager is also an appropriate signatory. They can attest to the direct relevance of the internship to the project.

Approaching Potential Signatories

When approaching potential signatories, be prepared by understanding all relevant CPT requirements and having the necessary documents and detailed explanations ready. Clearly explain why their signature is needed, including how it helps you meet academic requirements and the benefits it may bring to the project or company. Formally request the signature through email or written form. If possible, arrange a face-to-face or video meeting to explain the situation and address any potential concerns.

Emphasize the Benefits:

• Latest Academic Knowledge and Skills: CPT students can bring the newest industry knowledge to the workplace.
• Enhanced Diversity: International students add diverse perspectives and experiences to the work team.
• Ensuring Compliance: Signing the agreement ensures compliance with school and federal immigration regulations, including the legality of day 1 CPT.

Alternative Solutions for Agreement

If the above methods are not feasible, you can try negotiating with the CPT department at your school. Explain the situation and request a waiver of certain document requirements. Some students have successfully resolved similar issues through phone calls or emails.

Importance of Obtaining Signatures

While alternative solutions can be considered, it is still advisable to obtain signatures from employers whenever possible. This ensures that the student's CPT experience is properly handled and protects the rights and interests of both the student and the employer.

Benefits of Obtaining Signatures:

• Clarify Responsibilities and Expectations: Ensure both parties have a shared understanding regarding internship details, work hours, compensation, etc.
• Avoid Legal Risks: Official documents provide a legal basis in case of misunderstandings or disputes.
• Strengthen the Partnership: Signing formal documents shows the employer's support for international students and their career development, helping to build long-term partnerships.

By addressing these agreement concerns thoughtfully, you can help employers see the value in signing the necessary documents and supporting international students' CPT opportunities.

Companies that Accept Day 1 CPT

Most of the major companies accept Day 1 CPT employees, according to our students' reports, companies that accept Day 1 CPT include Adobe, Amazon, Barclays, BOA, CVS, Golden Sachs, Google, IBM, JP Morgan, PayPal, Tesla, UBS, Walmart Labs and more… However, the data is time-sensitive, and the companies, departments, or teams' policies might change due to different situations. See more from our students' updates: Day 1 CPT Employer List: Companies Accept Day 1 CPT

Conclusion

In conclusion, by providing a detailed introduction to the benefits of CPT, addressing concerns about agreement signing, and emphasizing the importance of obtaining signatures, employers can be effectively persuaded to accept Day 1 CPT. This not only helps international students gain practical work experience but also brings fresh ideas and skills from around the world to employers. Understanding the legality of day 1 CPT and its benefits can create a win-win situation for both students and employers.