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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.
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 published July 17, 2026 (91 FR 44976) takes effect September 15, 2026. Key changes for F-1 students: fixed admission periods replace duration of status, with the admission clock running from your program start date. Staying beyond your I-94 date requires filing an extension of stay with USCIS. The post-completion grace period shortens from 60 to 30 days. After completing a program, you may only begin a new program at a higher educational level; programs completed before September 15, 2026 do not count toward this restriction. The rule does not prohibit Integral CPT. Some provisions may be delayed at DHS discretion depending on system readiness, so always confirm current requirements with your DSO. Read our full analysis: CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT Under the New DHS Rule: What Changes on September 15.
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. Under the DHS final rule effective September 15, 2026, after completing a program you may only enroll in a new program at a higher educational level, and continuing your stay requires filing an extension of stay with USCIS. Programs completed before September 15, 2026 do not count toward this restriction. We review how the rule applies to your specific 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
Under the DHS final rule effective September 15, 2026, an F-1 student who completes a program of study may only begin a new program at a higher educational level. Programs completed before September 15, 2026 do not count toward this restriction. For students earning a master's degree after that date, doctoral study is the compliant next step. 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. See the DHS Study in the States FAQ for official guidance.
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).
Book a free consultation and we will help you find the right university, waive your application fee, and guide you through every step.
We work with students nationwide. All US consultations are free and conducted virtually by phone, video, or email.
