OPT to Day 1 CPT: All You Need to Know

Many international students holding F1 visas face the challenge of transitioning their status as their OPT nears its end. To continue legal study and work in the US, many students opt to apply to schools that support Day 1 CPT, thereby extending their F1 student status. During this process, students often feel confused about the transition from OPT to CPT. This article aims to comprehensively address your concerns regarding the timeline, planning, and common questions related to this transition.

1. Timeline and Planning

Step 1: School Selection and Program Consultation (2-3 months before OPT ends)

• About 2-3 months before your OPT expiration, start researching schools and programs offering Day 1 CPT starting around your OPT end date. Gather information extensively to choose a school that best fits your background, and be cautious to avoid non-accredited programs. The Carnegie International Students Institute (CISI) offers free consultation services for selecting a CPT program, so feel free to contact CISI for risk-free school selection.

Step 2: School Application (1-2 months before OPT ends)

Once you’ve chosen a school, begin preparing your application materials. Typically, applications for Day 1 CPT schools require:

• Academic transcripts
• Financial guarantee (to demonstrate ability to pay fees as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
• Copy of passport
• Statement of purpose explaining your desire to pursue a graduate degree
• Resume/CV
• GRE/GMAT scores (recommended)
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS)

Note:

• If the applicant has obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher within the United States previously, they may apply for a waiver of the language proficiency requirement; degrees from English-taught programs in other countries/regions can also waive the English requirement.
• Statement of purpose can be waived, please get in touch with CISI for detailed information.

If all documents are prepared completely, you can receive the school’s admission notification as quickly as 3-7 days, students should plan accordingly.

Step 3: SEVIS Transfer (Contact the current school two weeks before the anticipated transfer out date)

Before enrollment, you must transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to the new one. It’s important to note that your OPT will immediately cease once your current school releases your SEVIS record. You must wait for approval of CPT from your new school before resuming work. For specific operational procedures, please refer to this article.

Linked Post: Transferring to a new school within the U.S. means transferring SEVIS

Step 4: Applying for CPT

After paying the Day 1 CPT program tuition, you can begin applying for CPT without waiting until after the school year. After CPT is approved, the school’s Office of Global Services (OGS) will issue a new I-20 form to the student. Upon verifying that the employer information and dates are accurate, the student can contact the company to update the I-9 form and begin work legally.

Many school CPT policies often begin before the official class start date, so students should proactively learn their CPT policy to minimize the gap between OPT and CPT. For example, Trine University, this fall semester, will start on August 19, but the program start date is July 22, so fall semester Trine University students can start using CPT on July 22 at the earliest. For information on other school CPT policies, please contact CISI for free consultation.

2. Common Questions and Answers

When is the latest time to transfer SEVIS?

When applying for a new school in the United States and transferring SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records, it is generally recommended to start the entire process as early as possible to ensure sufficient time to process all necessary documents and procedures. However, in general, you can transfer SEVIS to a new school within your current OPT period.

What should I do if the SEVIS transfer is too slow and I miss the start date?

If the SEVIS transfer process is too slow and you might miss the start date of your new school, you can take the following steps to deal with this situation:

• Contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) or the Admissions Office of your new school promptly. Explain your situation and inquire if they can offer any assistance or if they can delay your enrollment date.
• Apply for a delayed enrollment. Some schools may allow you to postpone enrollment, especially in cases of SEVIS transfer or other visa-related delays. They may require you to provide proof such as USCIS processing delay notices or other related documents.
• Maintain good communication with USCIS and OGS: Ensure you maintain good communication with the ISO and USCIS of your new school. Ask if they have any suggestions or measures to expedite the SEVIS transfer process.
• Consider alternatives: If the SEVIS transfer cannot be completed before the start of the new semester, you may need to consider temporarily delaying your studies or applying to another school with a later application deadline.

In conclusion, to ensure a smooth SEVIS transfer, it is recommended to start preparing and submitting your application as soon as possible, typically before the final deadline for your current OPT permit. This will help you avoid delays or other issues caused by time constraints or unforeseen circumstances.