I’ve heard mixed opinions about Day 1 CPT and job opportunities. Can someone share real experiences or examples of companies that have hired Day 1 CPT students for internships or full-time roles? Are there any industries or employers that are more open to it? Would love to know what’s working in today’s job market!
yeah it really depends on the company and sometimes even the team. i’ve seen folks on day 1 cpt land roles at places like amazon, infosys, tcs, and some mid-size startups — especially in tech, data, or QA roles. it’s less about the school name and more about how well you interview and whether the hiring team understands the cpt setup.
but yeah, some hr teams get cautious when they hear “day 1 cpt” because not every school has a solid reputation. that’s why it helps to go with schools that have proper hybrid setups and SEVP approval — it shows you’re not just looking for a visa loophole.
also, smaller companies or contract roles tend to be more flexible, especially if they’ve hired international students before. it’s not impossible — just takes more explaining and hustle. if you’re good and the role is urgent, a lot of teams won’t care as much about the school.
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Totally agree! 
It’s all about how well you present yourself and whether the team “gets” CPT. Reputation of the school matters, but hustle and skills usually win — especially when the role needs to be filled fast.
Smaller companies and startups might be more open, they’re usually a bit more flexible.