Published: July 7, 2025
Do you have the necessary qualifications for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? You can take advantage of the CPT benefit if you’re an international student holding an F-1 status in the US. It provides international students on an F-1 visa with the authorization to gain practical training and work experience outside the campus.
Typically, students can only pursue CPT after finishing a full academic year of study in a degree program. That entails maintaining lawful full-time enrollment for two consecutive semesters. An important exception applies to F-1 students pursuing Day 1 CPT.
You can begin off-campus work with Day 1 CPT on the first day of your academic program.
This immediate work authorization can be beneficial in gaining early professional experience without the typical waiting period.
Still, understanding how Day 1 CPT works, including its corresponding requirements and potential risks, is imperative before enrolling in these programs.
How the Day 1 CPT Process Works
Day 1 CPT is a program available in accredited CPT schools. It enables F-1 students to participate in CPT immediately upon the first day of the academic program. That means you don’t have to wait to complete at least one academic year to qualify for CPT.
Specifically, Section 214.2(f)(10) of Title 8 of the Code of US Federal Regulations exempts graduate students from the typical one-year academic waiting period. They can only do so when they have enrolled in programs that require immediate practical training.
Authorization to participate in Day 1 CPT comes from the accredited institution’s Designated School Official (DSO). They will review your request to ensure it meets all qualification criteria, such as whether the training is an integral component of your academic program or directly aligned to your major.
The DSO updates your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record once approved. They will confirm your CPT authorization through a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This document also indicates the details about your employer, work location, start dates, and whether the practical training is full-time or part-time.
Since undergraduate programs often require a full academic year to complete before participating in practical training, they rarely meet the requirements for Day 1 CPT. It’s no wonder that it’s primarily graduate students who qualify for immediate internships or practical training as part of their program.
How Can You Assess If You Qualify for Day 1 CPT
Every school sets its own requirements for Day 1 CPT programs. Thus, always check the details with the DSO of your chosen institution. Below are factors to consider to assess whether you’re eligible to pursue Day 1 CPT.
- You have a valid F-1 student visa.
- You’re lawfully enrolled full-time at an accredited school offering a Day 1 CPT program.
- You’re pursuing a graduate-level program where practical training is part of the curriculum.
- You have acquired a valid job or internship offer that is directly aligned with your area of study.
- You have secured authorization to participate in CPT from the DSO.
Essential Risks and Factors F-1 Students Must Consider
Day 1 CPT offers valuable chances to secure employment immediately while pursuing your academic studies. Despite its advantages, it comes with the following essential risks and considerations that every F-1 student must be aware of before enrolling in such programs:
- You may receive additional Requests for Evidence (RFEs), scrutinizing whether the practical training is integral to your curriculum or whether you maintained lawful status.
- You may risk losing your F-1 visa if you exceed the allowed work hours for CPT.
- You may accumulate unlawful presence and face a 3-year or 10-year reentry ban to the US if you lose your status due to non-compliance with the F-1 and CPT requirements.
Ensure F-1 Regulatory Compliance With a Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer
Any violation of F-1 regulations can result in termination of your SEVIS record, causing you to lose your F-1 status and its corresponding immigration benefits. Consulting a reliable Los Angeles immigration lawyer who is well-versed in the complexities of this immediate work authorization is crucial before enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program.
ALG Lawyers has decades of experience handling a wide range of immigration concerns, including F-1 visa cases. Let our team assist you in choosing the best pathway to gain practical work experience while you study, without putting your F-1 status at risk. Initiate a case-specific consultation with our firm.
FAQs on Understanding How Day 1 CPT Works for F-1 Students
Can Day 1 CPT affect your eligibility to secure a US green card?
Generally, using Day 1 CPT doesn’t directly affect your chances of getting approved for future green card applications when you fully comply with F-1 requirements. For instance, working more hours than authorized violates the F-1 status requirements. It can increase scrutiny from USCIS, potentially leading to the denial of your application.
What steps can you take if USCIS scrutinizes your F-1 status or Day 1 CPT in an RFE?
Responding promptly is essential when you receive an RFE from the USCIS. The institution’s DSO can assist you in gathering well-organized documents that demonstrate your adherence to all F-1 and CPT requirements.
Is CPT authorization renewable for another semester?
You can renew CPT authorization for another semester as long as you maintain lawful F-1 student status and remain eligible for your school’s qualification criteria. Ensure that you secure a renewal before the current CPT authorization expires to prevent any gap in your ability to work.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)