Day 1 CPT Process Overview: How Soon Can You Start Working on CPT Under SEVIS Transfer vs. Initial F1 Status

After applying to a CPT school, students are often most confused about how to move the overall process forward. What exactly is the detailed process? At what point should they do what, and which documents should they prepare? Below we will answer students' questions one by one!

First, we need to discuss two scenarios: Transfer F1 (SEVIS is active, and the SEVIS Number can be retained) and Initial F1/Change of Status (a new SEVIS Number authorized by the school is required).

How to Confirm Whether SEVIS Status Is Active?

The most accurate and direct method is to ask the school's DSO directly to confirm the SEVIS status; the DSO will provide the most accurate answer.

*If OPT is about to end or you are already in the Grace Period, it is recommended to confirm with the school the latest time to terminate SEVIS. Once SEVIS is terminated, you can no longer transfer to another school, and the required process becomes longer.

Transfer F1: During F1/F1-OPT

Estimated: 5-10 business days

Process Steps:

1. Choose a suitable school and program, and apply to the school

2. Wait for the offer (generally an offer can be received within 2-4 weeks; if time is urgent, please contact Teacher Wildfire to apply for expedited processing)

3. Receive the offer

4. Transfer SEVIS

Steps for Transferring SEVIS:

• After receiving the school offer, the offer will contain the school code. Be sure to check whether it matches the campus you applied to; this code is important information required for transferring SEVIS;

• Notify the original school's DSO that you need to transfer SEVIS, and inform the original school of the specific date to release SEVIS and the new school's school code (some new schools may require a transfer in form; please confirm with Teacher Wildfire);

• After the release date, the original school will automatically release SEVIS, and the new school needs 1-5 business days to receive and process it; students do not need to participate in the SEVIS transfer step;

• After SEVIS is released, OPT automatically becomes invalid, and you must stop working immediately. During this period, you need to request 1-2 weeks of unpaid leave from your company in advance until you receive CPT approval from the new school

• Confirm with the new school that SEVIS has been received

Note that transferring SEVIS is mainly a process of release by the original school. Once the original school releases it, the new school can receive it quickly; this requires manual processing by the DSO and generally takes 1-5 business days.

It is recommended to communicate with the school DSO as early as possible, understand the policies of both schools, and arrange the SEVIS transfer time well

*To reduce the time you cannot work, how should you choose the SEVIS release date?

If your OPT ends before the semester starts, you can choose to transfer SEVIS on the last day of OPT;

If your OPT ends after the semester starts, you can choose to release SEVIS 1-2 weeks before the program start date (or the date CPT becomes available). The new school will approve CPT after receiving SEVIS. This allows you to use OPT as much as possible and reduces the gap when you cannot work.

5. Complete registration

6. Apply for CPT (the new school can only approve the CPT application after registration is completed; CPT approval generally takes 1-2 weeks.

*Some schools allow CPT pre-application in advance to shorten the time required for CPT. Please contact Teacher Wildfire to learn about the list of schools that allow pre-application

7. CPT approval (after CPT is approved by the school, the school will issue an I-20 with employer information, commonly known as the "CPT I-20". This I-20 serves the role of an EAD card, i.e., the work authorization for Day 1 CPT students. Students can start working according to the work authorization dates on the I-20. Remember to renew on time so that CPT authorization remains seamless between semesters.)

Initial F1: Change of Status in the U.S. (F2, H4, H1B, J1, B1/B2, etc. to F1) or Coming Directly from China to the U.S.

If you currently hold another type of visa and want to change to F1 status, or if you plan to apply for F1 from China through a Day 1 CPT school to come to the United States, the overall process may involve more steps and take a bit longer. Estimated: 3-6 months or more, depending on the progress of each step. Process steps:

1. Choose a suitable school and program, and apply to the school

*Materials typically required include: academic transcripts, English test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS), recommendation letters, personal statement, and resume. If you have a degree from an English-speaking country, the language test score may be waived. Application requirements vary by school; you can contact Wildfire consultants for advice.

2. Wait for the offer (generally an offer can be received within 2-4 weeks; if time is urgent, please contact Teacher Wildfire to apply for expedited processing)

3. Receive the offer

4. Provide financial proof

5. Apply for change of status in the U.S. / schedule F1 visa interview

• For students currently in the U.S. holding other visas: after receiving the offer and I-20, you can apply to change your status in the U.S. to F1. The processing time for change of status in the U.S. is approximately 3-6 months.

• For students new to the U.S.: after receiving the I-20, you can apply for an F1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Once the visa is obtained, you can enter the U.S.

Apply for CPT Authorization

• For students currently in the U.S. holding other visas: after receiving approval of the change of status application from USCIS, provide a copy of the I-797 (status form) to the school DSO. Once your status is updated to F1, you can enroll normally.

• If you plan to use a Day 1 CPT school to apply for an F1 visa to enter the U.S.: after entry, contact the school DSO to update the I-20 and apply for CPT. Work after the school approves.

Note: Even among schools that support Day 1 CPT, many have certain work restrictions for Initial F1 students, and may require students to wait 9 months after enrollment before applying for CPT work. Below is our list of schools that allow Initial F1 students to apply for work immediately upon entry:

• Westcliff University

• New England College

• Monroe University

• Harrisburg University

• Saint Peter's University

• McDaniel College

...

If you need further details or want to obtain the list of schools that support Day 1 CPT work, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with free consultation services!

When applying for an F1 visa and CPT, different visa types and transfer methods have different processes and timelines. If you are a Transfer F1 (SEVIS Number can be retained), the overall process is relatively simple, and you can start using CPT sooner; for Initial F1/Change of Status (a new SEVIS Number is required), the process is more complex and takes longer, so it is advisable to plan early.

In either case, it is crucial to communicate with the school DSO promptly to understand SEVIS status and the specific CPT application requirements. Especially for students whose OPT is about to end or who are in the Grace Period, confirming SEVIS status and the latest termination time in advance can avoid subsequent complicated transfer and status issues.