I’d love to hear from others who have gone through this process:
Looking forward to your insights!
How did you communicate with your new employer about accepting CPT to work?
I was upfront with my employer and explained that as an F-1 student, CPT allows me to work legally in a position related to my degree. Some employers are familiar with CPT, while others need clarification. I provided university documentation and emphasized that it’s approved through my school’s DSO, making it compliant with immigration regulations.
Do a lot of Higher Ed institutions accept CPT to work?
It depends on the institution. Some universities, especially those offering Day 1 CPT programs, are very flexible, while others have stricter policies, such as requiring at least one academic year of study before allowing CPT. Always check your university’s policy before committing to a job.
How long did it take to get your new CPT approved?
For me, it was fast—around 3-5 business days after submitting my employer’s offer letter and related paperwork. Some schools process it even quicker, while others take up to 2 weeks, depending on their internal review process.
Did your university impose any restrictions?
Yes, my university had restrictions such as:
Job must be related to my major
CPT work authorization must be renewed each term
Maximum work hours per week (20 hours during school, full-time during breaks)
Did it impact your visa or future immigration applications?
As long as CPT is used correctly, it shouldn’t negatively impact your future visa or green card applications. However, excessive Day 1 CPT usage (especially from certain institutions) might raise red flags during H-1B or green card processing. It’s always best to maintain a strong academic record and ensure CPT is properly documented.
Hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing others’ experiences! 
Thank you so much! It’s very helpful!
Thank you for sharing, very helpful