Many international students face the challenge of finding work opportunities that align with their studies. However, what is Day 1 CPT and how can it help? Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students to start working as soon as they begin their academic program. This article will provide an in-depth look at Day 1 CPT, its benefits, and the essential rules to follow.
What is Day 1 CPT?
Day 1 CPT is a special type of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that allows F-1 international students to work in a job related to their academic field right from the start of their program. Unlike standard CPT, which requires students to complete part of their coursework before being eligible for employment, Day 1 CPT eliminates the waiting period, making it an attractive option for students eager to gain work experience early on.
This program is available to students in certain academic fields, particularly those in STEM and business-related programs, where practical experience is a vital part of the curriculum.
How Day 1 CPT Works
To qualify for Day 1 CPT, international students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program that allows CPT from the first day of enrollment. The job must be directly related to the student’s field of study and a required part of the academic program.
Once a student receives a job offer, they need to apply for CPT authorization through their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will assess the job’s relevance to the student’s program and approve the CPT application. Once approved, students can start working right away, beginning their work experience on the first day of their academic classes.
Rules and Regulations for Day 1 CPT
While Day 1 CPT provides many benefits, it is important to follow the established guidelines. Students are only allowed to work part-time (20 hours per week) during the school term and full-time during breaks.
It’s essential that students attend a school that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, as only those institutions can authorize Day 1 CPT. Violating the rules or working without proper authorization could result in serious immigration consequences, including the loss of F-1 status.
Conclusion
What is Day 1 CPT? It is a valuable tool for international students looking to start their careers early in the U.S. By ensuring that both the work and the program comply with all necessary regulations, students can take full advantage of this opportunity and gain real-world experience from day one of their academic program.
