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CPT from Day 1 Second Masters in USA

Can you Work on CPT from Day 1 in Second Masters in US ? USCIS regulations?

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If you have applied for H1B visa and did not get selected in H1B  Visa Lottery, you might be wondering about the options.  Also, if you have been working on OPT might be considering Options to work in USA, if not selected in H1B  lottery, of going for second masters. Some of the common questions that can arise are like below.

  • Will I get CPT for second Masters after I have used CPT and OPT in first masters ?
  • Can I start working right away on CPT for second masters ?
  • What are USCIS rules for working on CPT in general ?
  • What do most of the schools comply to for giving CPT authorization ?
  • Do I have to be enrolled full time when I am on CPT for second masters ?
  • What happens to my OPT after Second masters, if I use CPT?

Many such questions…Let me take some time shed some light on the above.

Curricular Practical Training ( CPT ) General Rules by USCIS and DHS

It is very important to understand the basics of CPT before we dive in to intricacies of using the CPT.

What is CPT ?  In general, CPT is a type of employment that is given to F1 students, where it is part of academic curriculum or degree program, and required to be done for completion of degree.  Typically it could include supervised field work, any work that is mandated by curriculum for hands on exposure.  CPT is of three to four types, depending on school.

  • CPT Required to obtain degree, which is for specific field training and experience.
  • CPT available as an elective and available as credit towards degree completion
  • CPT given as part of Thesis/ Dissertation for field experience towards research.
  • CPT for co-op programs, generally combining education with practical work experience.

You will have to be enrolled full time in the degree program at school to avail CPT. Also, it is given only after approval from academic department and your DSO will give you a new I20 indicating the same. It will have to be taken every semester as required.  If you do CPT full time for 12 months will lose the option to utilize 12 month OPT, so you have to watch how you use it. Of course, doing part time CPT work will be fine.   Also read : Working options CPT vs OPT on F1 Visa

What are the general requirements for CPT ?

The basic requirement for availing CPT is that you have to be an F1 student enrolled full time in a program for one academic year ( Fall and Spring ).  The only exception to the rule is that, if you are in a Graduate/Masters degree program requires internship/field work from first year/semester, then you can take CPT ahead of time. It has to be clearly defined in the program curriculum that internship/ field work is required from first semester.  Also, this has to be approved by academic advisor and DSO/ international student advisor.

Can I work on CPT from day one in my Second Masters ( MS/MBA) from US ?

The basic rules of CPT applies all the time, unless there is an exception as mentioned above that is stipulated by the academic program, especially as part of the graduate or masters program.  Below  is an example requirement on one of the schools : CPT Rules for Second Masters – Lamar University Second Masters CPT Eligibility Reference - Can you do it from Day 1

Can I get CPT for 12 months in my second Masters ?

This is a grey area and subject to interpretation. In the past many were using 12 months of CPT in second masters, without properly interpreting the rule of Practical Training and sometime getting away with it. But, in recent years, USCIS is looking at it closely and they are interpreting differently, applying OPT rule on degree levels, stating that you get 12 months of practical training for one degree level, including CPT. They have raised flags as RFEs and in some cases COS was denied, for H1B petitions stating that F1 students did not maintain their F1 status properly. Their whole argument is Practical Training means in general it includes CPT and OPT. See below screenshot from ICE Reference. So, be very careful on how you use CPT in second masters at the same degree level. Many of the Day 1 CPT universities do not provide this clear guidance and as it is grey, they say possible, but it is you as student who need to aware of the risk as you will be the one having the issues in future. If you are not clear, discuss with a qualified attorney.  

Also, some established public universities like North Dakota State University have started to clearly tell that you get 12 months of CPT for each degree level. See below and check their NDSU CPT Deck on Eligibility

CPT Eligibility for Second Masters in USA - NDSU University Info

 

What about OPT after Second Masters ? Will I get 12 months of OPT ?

Typically 12 month OPT is given for every academic level i.e., one for Bachelors, one for Masters and one for PhD. Same rule as in above screenshot applies here.  If you have used 12 month OPT after MS, then you will not be eligible for OPT for another MS degree. You will  have to progress to higher level. Read full details on OPT rules for Second Masters ( MS/MBA) in USA . Also, if you have not use OPT in first masters, basic rule of full time CPT for 12 month still applies here, which is you will not get OPT, if you use full time CPT for 12 months.  If your degree is from STEM Category, you may be eligible for OPT extension, if you degree falls under STEM Category, check with the school. 

What NOT to do with CPT rules by USCIS or ICE ?

As you can see from above the clear goal of CPT is academic and should NOT be abused to continue your existing work. It should NEVER be used as an option to continue employment.  There have been few schools that have abused the CPT and been barred by ICE and USCIS as fraud. Be cautious when someone says that they offer CPT from first semester for all the programs. There are some programs in some schools that mandate CPT from day one as part of the curriculum, but you would have to execute with caution.  There are many schools that are considered degree mills which offer CPT from day one, you need to be very careful with these as you may end up in trouble later during H1B process, if you violate something. Recently, in 2019, many F1 Students were arrested for doing Day 1 CPT for Second Masters at University of Farmington, so be careful and do not break any law or knowingly engage in something fraud.

Note : You need to talk to Academic Advisor and DSO ( international student advisor) for any of the CPT related questions because, it directly relates to your F1 student status and ICE and USCIS will have a close watch.  Do NOT assume anything by reading the above article as rules always keep changing and there can be subtle variations.

What are your thoughts ?  Any other CPT rules that everyone should be aware of  ?

References :

   

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275 Comments

  1. Hi All,
    I’m a B.Tech Computer Science graduate with 10 years of IT experience. As my H1b is not through in this year lottery, am planning to apply for Masters in Spring 2016 intake. I heard some universities do not require GRE scores for admission or will waive off the GRE requirement.
    Does anyone know about GRE waived off universities??
    Thanks so much for your help on this !!

    -Maha

    Reply

  3. Has anyone enrolled in KSI, Chicago? What is required for CPT? My job is not exactly related to computer science but I work in stem field and use programming. Wondering whether I should enroll in this.

    Reply

  4. Has anyone enrolled in the analytics program at harrisburg? How is the courseload and what is needed for getting cpt from day 1?

    Reply

  5. hi, i am looking for some university which will provide me with day 1 cpt. are there any university near north carolina. my opt is going to get over on 17 th sep.
    thank you

    Reply

  6. Hi Guys,

    I have joined the June 19th batch at Harrisburg University. Is anyone travelling from Boston To Harrisburg?

    Please let me know if anyone is . Thanks!

    Reply

      • Hi there,

        Yes, I enrolled for June 19th batch. It took me a couple of days to get the acceptance letter from Harrisburg after I submitted all documents and checklist.

        Nikitha

        Reply

          • Hi there, Yes Harrisburg is currently on probation, read more at-> harrisburgu.edu/about/accreditationprobation.php
            When asked, Harrisburg mentioned they would know something about their accreditation by end of July,2015. Let’s see what comes up!

        • hai nikitha,

          what are the documents we need to submit for applying for Day1 cpt in harrisburg.
          Do we have to submit the gre and ielts scores?

          Reply

    • hi, can u please let me know abt the university bec they r not picking the call. i am also looking for enrolling bec my opt is going to get over in sep.
      thank you

      Reply

  7. Anyone applying for Harrisburg? They say have to attend 1 class/ month, but are they strict on attendance? Can we attend online?

    Reply

    • I believe students on f1 status can take only 1 online class per semester, wen college sets up your schedule. The other class has to be ground.

      Reply

      • Hi there,

        Yes, I enrolled for June 19th batch. It took me a couple of days to get the acceptance letter from Harrisburg after I submitted all documents and checklist.

        Nikitha

        Reply

  8. Hi
    I didn’t get the H1b lottery this year…. and need to find a school could offer full time H1b for the first semester. Anyone know such school in Dallas or some place close to Dallas?

    I can go to school on weekend and learn like real student, just want to keep the visa and stay here.

    please help me if you know some information, I can be approached through julywhoknows at gmail dot com

    Reply

  9. hello,
    I heard these universities can be cancelled anytime. Because they are giving cpt from day-1 which are against rules. Also I read comment of one person who said he could not apply for H-1 visa because he did masters from one of these universities. properly I dont remember the name of that university.

    But I am also thinking for sullivan university this university seems good. any information regarding it please let me know

    Reply

    • My 2 cents for all those who are looking to get a degree from US universities and planning to apply for H1 in master’s cap, the next year. To be eligible for master’s cap, your degree should be from a “public” or ” other nonprofit” institution. To my knowledge USCIS checks school’s status on the website ( National Center for Education Statistics)-http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ . Be sure to check if the school you are interested in is listed and is either public or not for profit college. If you are planning to apply in regular cap for H1, none of this may bother to you.

      Reply

  10. Hi,

    I’m looking for a University offering CPT in the San Fran Bay area.

    My H1B didn’t get picked this year and my STEM expires in October.
    Please let me know if you know any other unis which offer CPT in california as well.

    Thank you,
    V

    Reply

    • I believe this univ is under Probation. Go to the university website “About us” to learn more. They said probation should be lifted, but they wouldn’t know until July,2015.

      Reply

  13. Need help.
    I have done my master from Very good university in US. Working on OPT extension will expire soon (h1b not selected..still waiting). Planing to take first day CPT from X university and if I work for 1 year (without applying h1b in 2016) and then drop it after 1 year (end of CPT) and go back to india and then apply for H1b from india , will that going to be a problem?
    Please reply…will be much appreciated.

    Reply

    • Hey , I was also planning on joining harrisburg university . Let me know if you come to know more about it, I am also looking into info

      Reply

          • Hi Ankita,

            I too am planning to join Harrisburg for June intake. Would you mind sharing your contact details so that I can reach you out for clarifications.

          • I am also joining Harrisburg University for program beginning from 19th June. My id – sarahfernendes1978 at gmail dotcom.

          • Hey Sarah, I got a failure notification to the email I sent to your address. Did you get your acceptance letter and i-20? Which program are you enrolled in? I will probably see you in class on June 19,2015. You can email me- jayasmboxatgmaildotcome

          • Hey Nikitha, I am really sorry about the mistake, the email id is :
            sarah.fernandes1978 at gmail dotcom.

          • Hi all,
            Do you now if they have a certain criteria for application to be eligible? If I am pursuing second masters, should the degree be related to previous masters?Also what is the criterion for CPT?
            Thanks

          • Hi there,

            I don’t think your 2nd masters should be related to your first masters. If you provide the necessary documentation requested by the university for admission, they will confirm your acceptance to university based on your documents. Once you get acceptance letter you can pay your tuition deposit to get your i-20. CPT like always should be related to your field of study, same with Harrisburg.

          • Hi,
            Did they ask for reference letters, GRE and TOEFL? Im planning in applying for fall.I tried to contact them but they are not picking up.

  16. Does anyone know of CPT colleges from day 1 in Illinois? Also, how strict are such colleges with regards to attendance and grades?

    Reply

  17. Does anyone know of any certificate or graduate programs around Maryland, Virginia, PA where i can get admission and I20 quickly? CPT would be a bonus.

    Reply

  18. Hi all,

    I am looking out for colleges in New York , New jersey region that offer CPT from day 1. I’m planning to convert from h4 to f1.

    Thanks

    Reply

  23. Hi,

    I got admission in sullivan for spring 2015 but I called them today and they mentioned that their CPT rules are under review. Anyone else on the same boat? Also anyone joining sullivan in spring 2015. I believe the classes start on jan 5. Thanks

    Reply

  24. Hello all,
    Are there any Universities which offer online classes for MBA or any masters and give CPT from day 1. Trying to get from H1B to F1 (CPT) and continue working.
    Please help.
    Thank you!

    Reply

  25. Hi all,

    I called to Sullivan University today, they said “Our CPT policy is currently under review by the university, questions regarding CPT cannot be answered at this time”. And asked to call after this week.

    Jan sem, Classes start on 5th jan and Dec 5th is the deadline for applications
    March Sem Starts on 30th March

    hope this helps some one

    Reply

  26. pls can you provide me list of colleges near LA, orange county,san diego which offers master programs and CPT from day 1.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

  27. pls can you provide me list of colleges in LA, orange county,san diego which offers master programs and CPT from day 1.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

  28. Hello All,

    my H1B is in rfe status and there is a good chance that i wont be approved as my educational background is different from my job duties, This is my second H1B. I am thinking of taking admission into Harrisburg university or Sullivan as it is near(accessible) from where i live.

    1. Is it possible to get CPT from 1st day?
    2. Also if in case we get admission is it safe to go out of USA and come back on F1 on Harrisburg or Sullivan I20?

    Thanks, this will ease my tention a bit

    Reply

  29. Hi. Is there anybody enrolled in KSI in Chicago and working with CPT? I’d like to know how is the admission process and if they give 40 hrs CPT from 1st semester. Also how many credit hours is required per sem and the tution fee ?I am currently on F1 OPT which expires in Feb ’15. Any information is appreciated.

    Reply

    • Hi Tina,

      I have the same situation as you. I have been contacting KSI about the application process. They only give part time CPT. The tuition is 540 per credit, 3 credits per course. For CPT, you need to pay for one credit. Each semester, you can choose two courses(6 credits) and one credit CPT. We can keep in touch to exchange any information that we have regarding KSI or the other CPT schools. My email is [Email removes spam]

      Reply

      • Hey Jason,

        I plan to KSI and Sullivan and will be needing your guidance. let me know the right away to contact you to get this done as soon as possible.

        Reply

      • Hi Jason,
        Have you enrolled in any CPT program in chicago area? I am looking for colleges in chicago which offer CPT from day 1. Also, can I enroll in a college outside Chicago and work in chicago fulltime in CPT?
        Thanks

        Reply

    • I am in process of getting admission into KSI. I have already submitted all the documents and waiting for their final decision. Please let me know if you have any question.
      Also, let me know if you found any other school in chicago area.

      Reply

      • Hi ASR,

        I am going to submit my documents for admission to KSI. Can we talk by email regarding the admission and CPT.

        Thanks,
        Jason

        Reply

        • Hi, I’m applying for KSI as well for next semester. My email is sri0149 with gmail, I would really appreciate if anyone going there this semester contacts me.

          Thanks.

          Reply

      • Hi, I’m applying for KSI as well for next semester. My email is sri0149 with gmail, I would really appreciate if anyone going there this semester contacts me.

        Thanks.

        Reply

  30. Hi,

    I am trying my admission into another master in Sullivan or Harrisburgh University.

    Can anybody provide feedback on each university as which one is better of two or going through any issue which could later cause while H1 time etc?

    Eagerly waiting for your valuable inputs.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Tariq,

      I am also looking to transfer to Harrisburg university I need to be on status as i got RFE for my H1B extension. Please post any information that you are aware of regarding getting admission and I20 in less than a month.

      Reply

      • Hi Kumar,

        Any more info you got on Harrisburg university? i do need to apply for cpt asap and i have the least info on it. If you can share that will be extremely helpful.

        Reply

        • Please give me your email so that we can discuss… I am going to join in United States university. I had submitted my application today. Classes will begin form nov 14.

          Reply

          • hi kumar, i did provided the email id, it seems it not coming through. try emailing me on kshah.bio AT gmail dot com. Thanks

          • Hi Karan,

            I got an email from Harrisburg that i got admission for spring 2015. Do you know how early can i get my I-20 once i had paid tuition deposit of $1000?

          • Hi kumar,

            Sorry i just saw the site today, Did u already took admission in harrisburgh university?Can you please email on kshah.bio at gmail so that we can discuss about it, Apparently i need to now and have time constraint.

  31. Hi,

    my OPT is expiring on oct’13 and i did not select in H1B lottery. Can anyone please suggest colleges in east coast? do i have enough time to join in college before my OPT expires?

    Thank you

    Reply

  32. Hi all,

    My OPT is expiring on Feb-2nd 2015 and my H1 application is not selected in 2014 lottery :(. The only option I have is to look for universities which offer CPT from 1st day. If anyone know universities which offer CPT from day 1 in Midwest(Chicago) area please let me know.

    Thanks in advance ! 🙂

    Reply

  33. Hi ,

    I am on Stem OPT now and it expires in Feb 2015. I did my masters here and was wondering if you can suggest any college’s (Near Maryland , New York , Virginia etc ) that grant CPT in first semester so that i can continue working.

    Do i have to do second masters or i can choose MBA ?

    Reply

  36. I have joined gbc as my first master’s in us
    I got a stamping directly on gbc.can I take cpt after 9 months.our school rules say that
    Cpt is not mandatory but optional.it gives an extra credit.

    Reply

    • Hey rahgu,

      I thought GBC allows students to take cpt from day 1.
      I’m planning to apply, does it really allow cpt from day 1?

      Reply

  37. Does anyone know’s similar to sullivan univ that give day one CPT options for second master colleges in CT or MA….. Pls share the information.

    Reply

  38. can somebody pls suggest me wid college names in Massachussetts/new york/Rhode Island that offer cpt from sem 1 in graduate programs.

    Pls, also suggest me how long it usually take to transfer from h4 to f1 visa, GBC delware emailed me it could take 3-4 months to get f1 tranfer.

    I want to know is that true?

    Reply

    • hi As,

      I am in same situation staying in Boston looking for college which can give CPT on day 1.

      Let me know if you find any such colleges nearby.

      I appreciate your help.

      Reply

      • Hi,

        I live in boston and i am in same situation. My OPT expires on oct-13.
        I am thinking to join in harrisburg university this summer.
        Please let me know if you find any colleges close to boston.

        Reply

          • Hey arun

            You have many more option in California like felxible schedule , affordable fee, first semester internship.my friends are doing their second masters.

          • Hi Ram,
            Can you please give me some options as well , I am also in the same situation. I am from California.

            Thanks,
            ~Sam

          • Hey sam,

            You have NPU, ITU, SV universities near San Jose, they offer internship from first semester, Itu is having accreditation from WASC, many other schools like Santa Clara, sanjose are having same accreditation, I know many people are doing their second masters over there, they are offering weekend classes.

          • Both NPU and SVU do not offer CPT from day1. Guys please don’t give any information if you are not sure. Only ITU in california offers CPT from day1

      • Hi,

        I am looking for a University that offers second masters with CPT from day 1 and I was hoping you could share your insights. Please let me know what is the best way to connect.

        Appreciate your help.
        Thanks.

        PG

        Reply

    • as,

      Yes my attorney told me today that it takes upto 4 months to get F1 from any visa (COS) but that’s max, min can be as less as 2 mons.

      Reply

  39. Hi, my cousin is going to a business school in New York City. The school is not towards degree but issue certificate. They issue cpt to him 3 months after he took classes. It is an accredited school. Do you think such school should be able to issue cpt after 3 months?

    Thanks,

    Reply

    • hey,

      can u pls send me the name of ur cousin`s college. I am also looking for a graduate certficate program where I can get CPT asap. I am currently based in Boston so looking for graduate colleges in Boston, New york and nearby cities.

      thanxs,
      AS

      Reply

      • Hi,

        I am sorry that I just saw your reply. It is not a graduate program though. The school’s name is OPMI Business School. Hope you can find it helpful.

        Reply

      • Hi AS,

        I also have a similar situation, I am on H4 and want to get the status changed to F1 so that I can start CPT asap.

        Did you find any good college near Newyork?

        Reply

        • Hi Daisy, did u find a college. I too am looking for MBA collg in Texas near san antonio. Could u share some insight on ur findings..

          Reply

          • Hi Vishal, where did you end up yourself at? Did you find a 1st day Full Time CPT college around SA, TX? if so what program did you take? would appreciate some details from you on that as I’m on the same boat this year!

        • Hey daisy,

          Even I’m looking for colleges that allow cpt in NYC region. Do let me know if you know any. I’m also on h4 and trying to convert to f1.

          Thanks

          Reply

          • Hi Neetha,

            I am looking for universities around Boston that would offer CPT from day 1 for my second masters. I would really appreciate it if we could connect. Please let me know what will be the best way.

            Thanks.
            Best,

            PG

      • Hi AS,

        I am also looking for I am graduate certificate program where I can get CPT ASAP. I am currently based in Boston so looking for graduate colleges in Boston and nearby cities.
        I’d really appreciate it if we could connect, do let me know what would be the best way .

        Thanks.
        Best,

        PG

        Reply

        • Did you end up joining the June19th batch at Harrisburg? I have enrolled for it. If yes, it would be great to connect. Thanks!

          Reply

  40. Hi,

    This is my situation:

    1. I completed my degree in finance with a minor in economics in may 2013 at UT austin.

    2. I had 1 year of OPT after that. My OPT period comes to an end june 2nd.

    3. I haven’t heard back from the USCIS. I don’t know if I have been selected or not.

    4. I want to plan for the worst case (my rejection). In that case I would like to apply to a community college, so I can possibly continue working on a CPT. Do you know of any community college in Houston or Austin (or any other location where they offer online classes) where they require CPT from day 1? If not, will they accept my credits from UT austin (i never completed my economics degree)? That way, I can classify has a sophomore and take a practicum course and start working immediately.

    I know this is a very complicated question. But advice on the matter will definitely help.

    Thanks,
    Kaavya

    Reply

  41. Hi,

    This is my situation:

    1. I completed my degree in finance with a minor in economics in may 2013 at UT austin.

    2. I had 1 year of OPT after that. My OPT period comes to an end june 2nd.

    3. I haven’t heard back from the USCIS. I don’t know if I have been selected or not.

    4. I want to plan for the worst case (my rejection). In that case I would like to apply to a community college, so I can possibly continue working on a CPT. Do you know of any community college in Houston or Austin (or any other location where they offer online classes) where they require CPT from day 1? If not, will they accept my credits from UT austin (i never completed my economics degree)? That way, I can classify has a sophomore and take a practicum course and start working immediately.

    I know this is a very complicated question. But advice on the matter will definitely help.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  42. I am about to complete 2nd Semester and was applying for internship but my advisor told me you have to complete 18 credits to be eligible for internship ?
    in first semester
    I did 2 course and this sem
    I did 3 so total is 5 courses (3 credits each) = 15 credits
    My friend told me you can still do internship is it possible ?
    What if the internship is consider as 3 credits ?

    Reply

      • Hi Arun,

        I am planning to get admission in sullivan university for Spring 2015 for second masters . Can you please share me the details about the admission process?

        Thanks

        Reply

          • Hi Arun ,

            i am planning to apply in sullivan university for Fall 2015 for second masters.Can you please share me the details about the admission process- with me too ?

            Email :tanzz87@gmail.com
            Thanks.

          • Hi,
            I am also looking for school to get my cpt. My opt expires in Januaryand I live in Ohio. Can you please send me details about Sullivan university

          • Hello Arun,

            I am also planning to join Sullivan from January 2015. Can you please share me the details.

            [email removed : spam]
            Thank You,

            Rama

          • Hi Arun,

            I recently got admission in Sullivan university , Kentucky. I would like to know more about the university. Thanks in advance for your help.

          • Hi Arun,

            I am planning to apply for SU asap, I need CPT from Day 1, Can you please email me details.
            reach.osheena AT gmail
            Thanks a bunch.

          • Hi Arun,

            Im planning to get admission for this fall 2015..

            have some questions..can you send me the details at my email san84natgmail com

        • Hi,

          Did you get any details on admission? I am also looking to take admission in the same university from March ’15

          Thanks in advance

          Reply

          • Hi ,

            I am also looking to take admission in SU. Can anyone help to get more info. Thank u
            Email:mcjava999@gmail.com

      • Hi,

        I have admission offer from both Sulivan University and Harrisburg University.I have already done my second master with full time CPT from day 1 of admission.Now I am skeptical about CPT ,from day one(Harrisburg University) or second week of each quarter(Sulivan University ) ,would easily be granted to me regardless of full time CPT I had in previous master.

        Reply

        • Hello TH,

          I would like to request you to provide me with the information that i need for my current situation.

          I was an international student who pursued M.S. in Computer Science on F1 Visa and graduated in the year 2009 (with 3.31 GPA).

          I am currently on H1B Visa and my status is going to expire on December 1, 2014

          Is it possible for me to get admission in to GBC university for another Master’s degree and get I-20 for any semester that begins before December 1? If so:
          Do I need report TOEFL score as i had already completed my Masters degree?
          Will I get full-time CPT from day 1 of start of semester?
          Thank you.

          Reply

          • You could get admitted in GBC but as your status is H1-b which is about to expire so you have to change your status to F-1 by filing I-539. You can study while status change is taking place but can not be granted CPT till your status is confirmed. Process of adjusting or changing status takes 3 to 4 months.

            As you already have master from US.you are exempted of TOFEL.

            You have to take admission in program that must conjugate with your job’s duties and roles etc.only then would you be granted CPT.

            I think you have missed the opportunity of admission in GBC (contact them ASAP they might be lenient in late admission schedule )but you probably have chAnce of admission in Harrisburg University as they are open till Oct-24.
            Good luck !

            On Oct 19, 2014, at 8:40 PM, RedBus2US wrote:

            New comment on RedBus2US

            kumar commented on Can you Work on CPT from Day 1 in Second Masters in US ? USCIS regulations?.

            in response to TK:

            Hi, I have admission offer from both Sulivan University and Harrisburg University.I have already done my second master with full time CPT from day 1 of admission.Now I am skeptical about CPT ,from day one(Harrisburg University) or second week of each quarter(Sulivan University ) ,would easily be granted to me regardless of full time CPT […]

            Hello TH,

            I would like to request you to provide me with the information that i need for my current situation.

            I was an international student who pursued M.S. in Computer Science on F1 Visa and graduated in the year 2009 (with 3.31 GPA).

            I am currently on H1B Visa and my status is going to expire on December 1, 2014
            Is it possible for me to get admission in to GBC university for another Master’s degree and get I-20 for any semester that begins before December 1? If so:
            Do I need report TOEFL score as i had already completed my Masters degree?
            Will I get full-time CPT from day 1 of start of semester?
            Thank you.

            Reply Comments
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        • Hello TK,

          my H1B is in rfe status and there is a good chance that i wont be approved as my educational background is different from my job duties, This is my second H1B. I am thinking of taking admission into harrisburg university. Can you please send your email address or send me details on

          Thanks, this will ease my tention a bit

          Reply

  44. Hi, I did my Masters from UK in 2010. Now I am in India, I would like to come to USA on CPT(Work Study Program). Am I eligible for this program???Please suggest me and whats the process for this visa?

    Reply

    • Hi Raj, I am located at chennai, India. I have around 7 yrs of experience in IT and currently I have applied for CPT program in OPULANTUS consultancy. You can try and consult with them once.

      Reply

      • Hi Rajasekar,
        Maha here. I’ve 10 years of IT experience and planning to apply MS in spring 2016. I came across Opulentuz and the CPT program you mentioned. Would like to discuss on this. Please share your email ID. Thanks!

        Reply

  46. Hey everyone,
    Please suggest few colleges that provide CPT during the first semester Masters/ during Summer.

    thanks,

    Reply

  47. Hi RedBus2US,

    Firstly, the blog is very informative, thank you.

    Here is my scenario:
    Graduated from FIRST Master’s – May 2010
    Started OPT – June 2010
    Started STEM Extension OPT – Nov 2011

    Enrolled back in School for SECOND Master’s – Aug 2012
    As a result I have used about 27 months out of my 29 months of allocated OPT

    After I graduate from my SECOND Master’s, will I be able to apply and avail the remaining 2 months of OPT (since i enrolled back in school, which i believe should stop the OPT clock)

    I hope my question is not too confusing, thank you for your advice.

    Cheers
    Nick

    Reply

      • I believe so, CPT is issued by the school and not USCIS. As long as your school is cool with it, and they should be, you will be fine

        Reply

    • You wont be able to use 2 months of OPT. All you have to do is use your CPT very carefully so that you can use it till Oct 1st of the year in which you apply for h1. By the way, when you used your opt for 27 months , dint u try to apply for h1 ?

      Reply

  48. In first masters if we use CPT , OPT and OPT Extension, even then in second masters we can do CPT (depending whether its from day 1 or after 1 year of second masters) again right?

    Reply

  49. Hi Saurabh,
    What if that second coursework is from same university, can we use CPT from day one then? Please reply.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • I think it depends on whether you have to change your SEVIS entry or not. May be if there is a way to continue being on the same SEVIS then you can get your CPT immediately (again, given that your DSO approves it. ) I am not sure what the rules are regarding SEVIS change when you change programs.

      Reply

    • Manish, Basic rules of CPT always apply i.e, program requirement. If the program requires it from day one, then you can. You would need your academic department and DSO Approval.

      Reply

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