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As the H-1B lottery approaches, many international students are feeling anxious about their future. With the declining chances of getting an H-1B visa, some students are considering Day 1 CPT as an alternative. However, a key question is: How long can Day 1 CPT maintain your legal status? This not only determines how long you can work in the U.S. but also how many times you can enter the H-1B lottery. This article will explain the duration of Day 1 CPT, how to maximize your CPT time, and which schools have policies that allow you to extend it.
Table of Contents
How Long Can You Use Day 1 CPT?
Overview of CPT School Leave Policies
How Long Can You Use Day 1 CPT?
Day 1 CPT programs allow students to work full-time while studying. Students in these programs can work from the first day of enrollment to graduation.
Most Day 1 CPT master’s programs last 2 – 3 years. For example, Westcliff University’s MBA program is 2 years, while Humphreys University’s MBA-IT program is 3 years.
Day 1 CPT doctoral programs typically last 3 – 4 years. For instance, Sofia University’s DBA program is 3 years, while Westcliff University and Ottawa University’s DBA programs can be extended to 4 years.
This means a CPT master’s program allows you 2 – 3 additional chances at the H-1B lottery, while a CPT doctoral program gives you 3 – 4 extra attempts!
The following CPT schools allow students to use CPT up to 30 days before the program start date, which is beneficial for those needing a smooth transition from OPT:
- Westcliff University
- Humphreys University
- National Louis University
- Ottawa University
- North Carolina Wesleyan University
How to Extend CPT Duration?
If you believe your chances of securing an H-1B visa in the short term are low and want to maximize your CPT duration, there is a legal way to do so: taking a leave of absence.
Most CPT schools divide the academic year into three or four terms, meaning there are no traditional summer or winter breaks, only short gaps between terms. However, some CPT schools allow students to take a leave of absence after completing three semesters. During this break, students don’t need to attend classes but can continue using CPT for work (though they may need to take a 0.5 – 1 credit CPT course).
Example:
Westcliff University’s MBA program requires 36 credits, with three terms per year. If you take the minimum required 6 credits per term, it will take at least six terms (two years) to graduate. Since Westcliff allows students to take a semester off after every three semesters, you can extend your CPT usage beyond two years.
Besides taking a leave of absence, another lesser-known method is adding a concentration. This works for programs like MBAs that offer multiple concentrations. Westcliff University is known to allow students to extend their CPT through this method.
Don’t underestimate the value of an extra term or two. Since most international students finish OPT between June and August and start their CPT programs around the same time, delaying graduation until April of the following year could give you one more shot at the H-1B lottery!
Overview of CPT School Leave Policies
West Coast:
- Westcliff University: One semester break after every three semesters.
- Sofia University: One semester break after every three semesters.
- CIAM: A 3-week break after every 14-week course.
- Humphreys University: Mandatory breaks in the fourth and eighth semesters.
East Coast:
- Monroe University: One semester break after every three semesters.
- McDaniel College: One semester break after every three semesters.
South:
- Dallas Baptist University: Only allows breaks during the Summer Semester.
- National Louis University: Does not allow semester breaks.
Final Thoughts
Managing the timeline for applying and using Day 1 CPT is crucial to avoid gaps in legal status and work authorization. By taking advantage of leave policies, students can legally extend CPT and increase their chances of winning the H-1B lottery.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. Our team provides free assistance in applying to CPT schools and planning your timeline effectively!
