Some popular Day 1 CPT schools offer 1 year programs and are very cheap. Are they more risky than 2 year programs?
Will 1 year Master programs be a problem in the future?
I choose a 2 year program, because I wanna have one more chance to take H1B lottery.
Which school has 1 year programs?
Ya that sounds shady for sure because most of the master programs are 2 years here in the US.
The main risk would come from keeping your grades up. Keep in mind that CPT authorization is contingent on maintaining your GPA. If a 1 year program is a condensed version of a 2 year program, then it’d be double the work in addition to working full time!
The main reason to go for a 1 year program would be to maintain your OPT eligibility if you’re going for your first masters…otherwise it doesn’t make too much sense imo
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The only reason to choose 1 year program is that you haven’t used your master’s level OPT yet. otherwise, it doesn’t make too much sense. Rushing to finish a program but still not be eligible for opt afterwards just shortened the days you could have work authorization
Yes, 1-year Day 1 CPT programs can be riskier than 2-year ones. Immigration officers may see short, low-cost programs—especially with immediate CPT use—as less academically rigorous and more like a work-around for work authorization.
They’re not automatically a problem, but they can raise red flags during H-1B, visa renewal, or change of status reviews. 2-year programs are generally safer, offering more academic depth and less scrutiny.
If choosing a 1-year program, make sure it’s from a reputable school and that your CPT is clearly tied to your coursework with proper documentation.