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Formally Integral CPT under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)
Integral CPT refers to master's and doctoral programs, including DBA and PhD options, where practical training is a required part of the curriculum, not an add-on. We connect F-1 students with accredited, SEVP-certified universities that structure their degrees this way.
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Understanding the Program
Day 1 CPT is the common name for Integral CPT, Curricular Practical Training where work experience is an integral part of the academic curriculum. Day 1 CPT is not an official government term; Integral CPT is the term used in the regulation itself.
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.
In August 2026, SEVP issued two broadcast messages, BCM 2608-01 (August 12) and BCM 2608-02 (August 24), on CPT documentation standards. Neither memo changed CPT eligibility or the underlying regulation, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i); both addressed how schools record and maintain CPT authorization in SEVIS. Full breakdown: Did SEVP Just Change Day 1 CPT? What the August 2026 Memo Actually Says.
Separately, a federal court blocked the DHS rule that would have ended duration of status for F-1 students one day before its September 15, 2026 effective date; duration of status remains in place. This does not affect CPT eligibility. Full story: Judge Blocks DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status Before It Takes Effect.
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.
Regulatory Update
The DHS final rule (91 FR 44976) was scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026, replacing duration of status with a fixed admission period, shortening the post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days, and restricting F-1 students to higher-level programs after completing a degree. On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the rule one day before it was set to take effect. None of these changes are currently in effect: duration of status, the existing 60-day grace period, and existing degree-progression rules all remain as they were. The rule never prohibited Integral CPT, so CPT programs are unaffected either way. The litigation is ongoing, so this could change again; we will update this page if it does. Read the full breakdown: Judge Blocks DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status Before It Takes Effect.
Is This Right for You?
You are in the US on a valid F-1 visa and want a graduate program where practical training is built into the curriculum. Integral CPT programs let you apply classroom learning in your field of study while completing your degree.
Your OPT is ending and you want to continue your education. A graduate program with curriculum-integrated practical training lets you pursue a further degree with training tied directly to your coursework. A DHS rule that would have restricted you to a higher-level program and required an extension-of-stay filing was blocked by a federal court injunction before it took effect, so existing enrollment rules continue to apply. We review your options and timeline during your consultation.
After a layoff, some professionals choose to return to school. If further education fits your goals, enrolling in a graduate program with curriculum-integrated practical training lets you deepen your credentials in your field. A change of status must be requested within your grace period, and you must show independent financial capacity for your studies. We help you understand the requirements before you commit.
If you hold an H-4 visa and want to advance your education, a graduate program with curriculum-integrated training adds a US degree and hands-on academic training in your field. Any training employment must be directly related to your program of study and authorized by your university DSO.
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 a US graduate degree with hands-on training built into the coursework. Integral CPT programs pair an accredited degree with practical training in your field of study.
A note on finances: all F-1 students must demonstrate independent financial capacity for tuition and living expenses.
Our Partner Network
All programs below allow Integral CPT from the first semester of enrollment unless otherwise noted. Use the filters to find programs that match your background and goals.
Quick Comparison
| University | Campus Locations | Program Levels | Doctorate Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University | Surprise AZ, Brookfield WI, Overland Park KS | Master's, DBA | Yes |
| National Louis University | Chicago IL, Tampa FL | Master's, DBA | Yes |
| Humphreys University | Stockton CA | Master's | No |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth TX | Master's | No |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | Harrisburg PA | Master's | No |
| University of Fairfax | Roanoke VA, Orlando FL, Louisville KY | Master's, DBA, PhD, Doctorate | Yes |
| Benedictine University | Lisle IL, Mesa AZ | Master's | No |
| Bay Atlantic University | Washington DC | Master's | No |
| Avila University Arizona | Goodyear AZ | Master's | No |
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
Beyond the Master's
A DHS rule that would have restricted F-1 students to only beginning a new program at a higher educational level after completing one was blocked by a federal court injunction before taking effect, so this restriction is not currently in effect and existing enrollment rules continue to apply. Doctoral study remains a strong option after a master's degree regardless: several of our partner universities offer doctoral programs with curriculum-integrated practical training, including the Doctorate of Business Administration at Ottawa University and National Louis University, and the PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, DBA, Doctorate of Software Development, and Doctorate in Information Assurance at University of Fairfax. As with all Integral CPT programs, practical training must be an integral part of the established curriculum and is authorized by the university DSO. Full story on the injunction: Judge Blocks DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status Before It Takes Effect.
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 training role. Because the practical training component begins in your first semester, these programs are commonly called Day 1 CPT.
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).
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