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by Astrid Chang on Jun 20, 2023 12:00:00 AM
As many OPT holders face the expiration of their work authorizations in the second half of this year, it becomes crucial to smoothly transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT. To assist you in this process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of enrollment dates for all accredited Day 1 CPT universities with available openings in the second half of 2023. This article will also talk about how to manage your time to make Day 1 CPT universities work the best for you.
But why is a transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT necessary after being unsuccessful in securing an H1B earlier this year? And how can Day 1 CPT enable you to continue working legally in the U.S.? If you're seeking answers to these questions or need a better understanding of what Day 1 CPT entails, be sure to read our previous posts. Additionally, if you have concerns about the risks associated with using Day 1 CPT as a form of work authorization, we address those in this article.
In today's blog post, our primary focus will be on Day 1 CPT universities and their enrollment timelines and how much time you need to save up ahead to ensure you don’t have a big gap between your OPT and your new CPT.
Let's dive in and explore the availability of various schools first:
Enrollment Windows for Day 1 CPT Universities 2023
| Month | Day 1 CPT Universities | Semester Start | App Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | Harrisburg University | 7/8/2023 | 6/24/2023 |
| New England College | 7/10/2023 | 6/20/2023 | |
| Trine University | 7/24/2023 | 6/22/2023 | |
| Aug | Ottawa University | 8/18/2023 | 7/18/2023 |
| DBU | 8/21/2023 | 7/21/2023 | |
| Campbellsville University | 8/22/2023 | 7/22/2023 | |
| Harrisburg University | 8/20/2023 | 8/6/2023 | |
| McDaniel College | 8/28/2023 | 8/21/2023 | |
| Westcliff University | 8/28/2023 | 7/28/2023 | |
| University of the Cumberlands | 8/28/2023 | 7/28/2023 | |
| Sep | CiAM | 9/2/2023 | 8/4/2023 |
| New England College | 9/5/2023 | 8/5/2023 | |
| Saint Peter's University | 9/5/2023 | 8/5/2023 | |
| Monroe College | 9/8/2023 | 8/8/2023 | |
| Sullivan University | 9/25/2023 | 9/20/2023 | |
| Trine University | 9/25/2023 | 8/24/2023 | |
| Oct | Sofia University | 10/2/2023 | 9/2/2023 |
| Humphreys University | 10/2/2023 | 9/20/2023 | |
| Ottawa University | 10/13/2023 | 9/13/2023 | |
| Campbellsville University | 10/17/2023 | 9/17/2023 | |
| Westcliff University | 10/23/2023 | 9/12/2023 | |
| McDaniel College | 10/23/2023 | 10/16/2023 | |
| Harrisburg University | 10/28/2023 | 10/14/2023 |
The application deadlines listed above are the official ones. If you miss the deadline or feel you didn’t have enough time to prepare for the application, contact us. We provide expedited services.
Furthermore, we will discuss how to avoid any gaps between the conclusion of your OPT period and the commencement of your new Day 1 CPT authorization. Here's a basic timeline to guide you:
Day 1 CPT Timeline
Key Points for Managing Your Day 1 CPT Universities Application Timeline
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It is advisable to start applying approximately one month before your OPT expires.
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Typically, the end date is determined by your EAD card. However, to ensure a seamless transition, it is recommended to apply to Day 1 CPT universities at least one month before the end date mentioned on your EAD card. Once you receive offer letters from Day 1 CPT universities, you will need to initiate the SEVIS transfer process. Once the SEVIS transfer is complete, your OPT automatically ends, regardless of the remaining validity on your EAD card.
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Although Day 1 CPT universities are known for offering CPT authorization from "Day 1," there might be instances where your CPT authorization is not ready on the exact first day. While it is possible to align it with "Day 1," it often means sacrificing more of your OPT period. From the day your SEVIS transfer is completed until the day you receive your CPT I-20, you may need to take an "unpaid leave." Some Day 1 CPT universities process CPT applications on weekends, reducing the unpaid leave to just a weekend. However, in other cases, you may need to negotiate with your employer for a 1-2 week unpaid leave.
To our knowledge, Harrisburg University on the East Coast and Westcliff University on the West Coast offer streamlined processes that allow for simultaneous program and CPT application processing. This means they can issue an I-20 with CPT authorization along with the offer letter. Consequently, they have become highly sought-after Day 1 CPT universities.
At www.day1cpt.org, we are dedicated to assisting international students in these situations. If you enroll in any of the Day 1 CPT universities we collaborate with, we will provide support throughout your CPT application process. We understand that obtaining work authorization is the ultimate goal for those applying to Day 1 CPT universities, and we are committed to ensuring that you can pursue internships in the U.S. with ease.
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