Our Accredited Partner Universities: Click to Explore Programs
Integral CPT — commonly called Day 1 CPT — lets you earn while you learn. We connect F-1 students with accredited universities where practical training is a built-in part of the curriculum, not an add-on.
Our Accredited Partner Universities: Click to Explore Programs
Understanding the Program
Integral CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training where work experience is an integral part of the academic curriculum. It is also commonly referred to as Day 1 CPT among international students, though that is not an official government term.
Under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i), F-1 students can receive CPT authorization when their program requires practical training as a core component of the degree. Some universities structure their graduate programs this way from the very first semester. CPT is authorized by your university's Designated School Official (DSO) through SEVIS and does not require a separate USCIS application.
Per the DHS Study in the States resource hub, CPT is legal and available to F-1 students when employment training is an integral part of the curriculum and approved by your DSO. All TIC partner universities are SEVP-certified and regionally or nationally accredited.
Key Compliance Points
All partner universities are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and maintain full regional or national accreditation.
Programs are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring proper F-1 authorization through SEVIS.
Your employer's role must be directly related to your field of study. We help you align your offer letter with your program requirements before applying.
USCIS does not permit 100% online enrollment for F-1 students. All partner programs include a defined onsite component, typically once per month or once per term.
Is This Right for You?
You are in the US on a valid F-1 visa and want to work while continuing your studies. Integral CPT lets you start authorized employment immediately after enrolling at one of our partner universities.
Your OPT is running out and you were not selected in the H-1B lottery. Transferring to an Integral CPT (Day 1 CPT) program is one of the most common and compliant ways to maintain F-1 status and employment authorization.
After a layoff you have a 60-day grace period on H-1B. Enrolling in an Integral CPT program — also known as Day 1 CPT — and switching back to F-1 is a legal pathway to stay in the US and continue working while you find your next role.
If you hold an H-4 visa and are waiting for EAD approval or were not approved, enrolling in a graduate program with Integral CPT lets you gain work authorization through F-1 status instead.
Students transitioning from B-1/B-2 or J-1 to F-1 status. Partner universities offer flexible enrollment windows and can issue an I-20 quickly, which is critical for maintaining lawful status.
You are working abroad and want real US work experience to strengthen your career. Integral CPT programs give you an accredited degree and US work history at the same time.
Our Partner Network
All programs below allow Integral CPT — what many F-1 students search for as Day 1 CPT — from the first semester of enrollment unless otherwise noted. Use the filters to find programs that match your background and goals.
Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS
Chicago, IL | Tampa, FL
Stockton, CA
Fort Worth, TX
Harrisburg, PA
Roanoke, VA | Orlando, FL | Louisville, KY
Lisle, IL | Mesa, AZ
Washington, D.C.
Goodyear, AZ
How It Works
We review your visa status, academic background, and career goals to confirm eligibility and identify programs that fit.
We prepare a shortlist, connect you to the admissions team, and help waive your application fee through our partner agreements.
We guide you through the application, SEVIS transfer if applicable, and I-20 issuance. Processing typically takes 7 to 14 business days.
Once enrolled, your university DSO issues your CPT I-20 tied to your job offer. You can begin authorized employment as soon as CPT takes effect. This is why these programs are commonly called Day 1 CPT — authorization begins from your first semester of enrollment.
Common Questions
Target Audience: This program is designed for F-1 students already in the United States who wish to continue their education while gaining practical work experience. If you are on a different visa type or outside the USA, other programs may be more appropriate.
The information provided on this website regarding CPT, OPT, and F-1 visas is for general informational purposes only.
Educational Partner Disclosure: We are an authorized recruitment partner for the universities listed. Admissions decisions and CPT authorizations are at the sole discretion of the respective university's Designated School Official (DSO).
Book a free consultation and we will help you find the right university, waive your application fee, and guide you through every step.
