Day 1 CPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students on an F-1 visa to start working off-campus in a job related to their field of study from the first day of their academic program, as long as the work is a required part of the curriculum.1

Day 1 CPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students on an F-1 visa to start working off-campus in a job related to their field of study from the first day of their academic program, as long as the work is a required part of the curriculum.2

Day 1 CPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students on an F-1 visa to start working off-campus in a job related to their field of study from the first day of their academic program, as long as the work is a required part of the curriculum.3

Day 1 CPT lets some F-1 international students start working right from their program's first day in the U.S. It's not like regular CPT, where you usually wait a year.

Here's what it generally takes to be eligible:

• Your Program Has to Demand It: You need to be enrolled full-time in a Master's or Ph.D. program at a certified university where practical training is required for the degree, right from the start. It's got to be a core part of completing your studies, not just an option.
• Stay Full-Time: You've got to keep up your full-time student status, always meeting your university's class and attendance rules.
• Job Directly Related to Your Major: You need a job offer that's clearly and directly tied to what you're studying. The work should genuinely add to your academic learning and be part of your approved curriculum.
• Your School Must Sign Off: Before you start working, your university's International Student Office (DSO) has to give you the green light. They'll update your I-20 form with the CPT authorization, and you absolutely cannot start work until you have that updated I-20. This authorization usually needs to be renewed each semester or term.
• Keep Your Grades Up: Most schools expect you to maintain a good GPA (often a 3.0 or higher) and consistently move forward with your degree.
• Watch Out for OPT Impact: If you use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you won't be able to do Optional Practical Training (OPT) after you graduate. Part-time CPT usually doesn't affect your OPT eligibility.

The biggest takeaway here is choosing a well-regarded university with a transparent Day 1 CPT program. Always talk to your DSO; they're the ones who'll guide you through it all and ensure your F-1 visa status stays valid.

If you're an F-1 student looking to transfer schools or planning your next program after OPT, you absolutely need to know about the "150-day rule." This rule sets a crucial timeframe for your SEVIS record transfer: your new academic program's start date must be within 150 days of either your previous program's end date (check your I-20 for this!) or your OPT expiration date. It's essentially a hard limit on how long you can remain in the U.S. between academic endeavors while your SEVIS record is being transferred, so hitting that deadline is super important to keep your status valid.

The 60-day rule refers to the grace period international students on an F-1 visa receive after completing their program or Optional Practical Training (OPT). During this 60-day window, students can prepare to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, apply for a new program, or change their visa status. It's important to note that students are not allowed to work during this period. This time is meant for making final arrangements, such as travel plans or filing paperwork for further study or employment options. If no action is taken before the 60 days are up, the student may fall out of legal status.

• Your Program Requires It: Your Master's or Ph.D. program must make practical work a mandatory part of its curriculum from day one.
• Stay Full-Time: You have to remain a full-time student and meet all your school's attendance and academic rules.
• Job Must Match Your Study: The work you do has to be directly related to your major – no random jobs allowed!
• School Approval First: Your university's international student office (DSO) must approve your CPT and give you an updated I-20 before you start working.
• Keep Up Your Grades: You'll generally need to maintain a good GPA and make steady progress in your studies.
• Watch Out for OPT: If you use 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you usually can't do OPT after graduation.
• Pick a Good School: Choose a university with a clear, legitimate Day 1 CPT program and always stay in touch with your DSO.