All companies only allow day1cpt to continue employment, but few allows cpt to on board… Anyone got a success shot? is it easy to convince small companies to support that
well…it is always possible but difficult for sure.
You can try some small companies—they might be more flexible. If a team really wants you, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep you.
I think some start up company or small company will be more easier to negotiate it…
Transparent is key. I changed jobs during CPT and if your new employer has a program for Green card and H1B, they are more familiar with international students work status and willing to accept your CPT. However, some teams of certain tech companies don’t greenlight cpt, so I would say ask in the initial interviews. Save each other some time.
I was always hesitant to ask in the first round… feels like everytime as soon as i ask about sponsor the interview will stop right there 
I feel you. It’s really playing a guess game. Some say if you prove your ability once got in, you can earn sponsorships. But others say don’t waste each other’s time and cut to the sponsorship question in the HR interview 