How to choose the Day 1 CPT program for undergraduates and those without a US degree

Day 1 CPT allows eligible students to engage in paid off-campus employment or internships starting from the first day of the academic program, bypassing the usual requirement of one academic year of study before engaging in off-campus work. Yet, there are specific limitations that undergraduates and individuals without a previous U.S. degree should consider when pursuing practical experience through the Day 1 CPT program.

H-1B Lottery Rules

Understanding the H-1B lottery rules is crucial for international students aiming to secure work authorization in the United States. The process involves two rounds: in the first round, 65,000 slots are randomly drawn from all applicants. Those who do not win this round and hold a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution qualify for the second round, competing for an additional 20,000 spots.

Attention, not all graduate students are eligible for the second round of the H1B Master Cap lottery unless they meet both conditions:

1. The master’s or doctoral degree was obtained from a university recognized by a national education accreditation agency
2. The university is public or non-profit

Moreover, navigating the interaction between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) is crucial. Engaging in full-time CPT at the same degree level for over a year can jeopardize eligibility for OPT at that level, impacting future career opportunities.

Understanding these nuances is essential for prospective international students when selecting educational institutions and projects, ensuring informed decisions align with long-term career goals and visa prospects in the United States.

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Trine University – best Day 1 CPT university for undergraduates and those without a US degree

For undergraduates, students without a US degree or who have not used master’s OPT, there is only one school left on the Day 1 CPT list: Trine University.

• Trine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (one of the top 6 accreditation agencies in the United States)
• Trine University is a 501(c)(3) non-profit university
• Trine University’s four master’s programs that support Day 1 CPT can be completed in 12 months

Programs:

1. Master of Business Administration (7concentrations)
2. Master of Science in Engineering Management（STEM）
3. Master of Science in Information Studies（STEM）
4. Master of Science in Business Analytics（STEM）

Benefits for Undergraduates:

If a student who currently has a bachelor’s degree or no US education enters Trine University’s program and completes the master’s program in one year, the student will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Continue to work during the study period, continue to participate in the H1B lottery, and even have the opportunity to participate in the H1B master cap lottery in advance
2. 1-3 years of OPT eligibility after graduation, and an additional 1-3 fiscal years of lottery
3. Entering the H1B master cap lottery pool, the chance of winning is increased

Course Schedule

The original 2-2.5-year program has to be completed in 12 months, which sounds very stressful, but it is not. Take the course selection arrangement for completing the MSIS program in 12 months as an example:

Program Fees

Regardless of how long it takes to complete the course, the total tuition remains the same. The only thing that changes is the CPT course credit fee, which requires 0.5 CPT credits per semester.

• 1 year to complete: 30×575+3×0.5×575=$18,112.5
• 2 years to complete: 30×575+6×0.5×575=$18,975
• 2.5 years to complete: 30×575+7×0.5×575=$19,262.5

Scholarship

CISI offers “Good Status Scholarship” to International Students from countries with population under 150 million.

Enrollment Window

• The enrollment date can be selected from January, March, June, August, or October.

CPT Approval

• Documents required: Job Offer and CPT agreement. If the employer does not sign the agreement, the Employment Verification Letter provided by the employer can be used instead. Please contact CISI to obtain the EVL template.
• CPT is renewed every year, while most other schools renew it every semester.

Onsite Class Requirement

The entire program adopts a hybrid model, with weekly online courses held onsite once a week, and 5 in-person classes, which may be scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays, from 8AM to 5PM.

• Students who complete the program in one year are required to attend one onsite in-person classes each term.
• Students who do not plan to complete the program in one year need to take an onsite in-person class per semester (each semester has two terms).

Campus For Onsite Class

• Eastern Campus: Michigan-Detroit 999 Republic Drive, Allen Park, Michigan 48101
• Eastern Campus: 1881 Campus Commons Dr, Reston, VA 20191, Washington DC
• Western Campus: 326 E Coronado Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Application Materials

Copies of passport and visa page, resume, degree certificate and transcript, personal statement, English scores (applicants with American degrees are exempt), proof of financial resources (>$17,250).

Application Process

Detailed illustrated tutorial click here.

Popular questions

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