I’d lined up a second Master’s on Day 1 CPT, but now I’m seriously eyeing a PhD instead. Friends say it buys extra H‑1B lottery chances and looks more “legit” on your visa record. Plus, finishing means another shot at OPT. With all the visa uncertainty, every extra year you can legally stay and work counts.
Problem is, a PhD takes three to five years, and there’s no guarantee you’ll win the lottery afterward. I’m not after academia, just trying to stay legal and work. Some Day 1 CPT PhD folks I’ve talked to regret it, others swear by it.
So, anyone here doing a Day 1 CPT PhD or weighing the same choice? What’s your experience been like?
Hi! I’m weighing the same choice. For me, the biggest draw is another shot at OPT and to buy a lot more time to find a job that’s willing to sponsor. If you’re already working and your company is willing the sponsor, then I can see the PhD option being less appealing for you.
I was in your exact shoes earlier this year — had a Day 1 CPT master’s lined up (second one), but kept going back and forth about doing a PhD instead. Ended up talking to 4–5 folks in CPT PhD programs and… honestly, it’s a mixed bag.
The upsides are real:
Yes, you get another OPT if you finish.
Yes, it can look more “legit” than another master’s when it comes to visa officers.
And yes, more time in status = more H-1B lottery attempts = more peace of mind.
But you’re absolutely right — if you’re not aiming for academia, the grind can get brutal. Most of the people I talked to said it’s a lot of solo research, very little structure, and often less CPT support than business-focused schools. One guy even said his DSO didn’t really know how to handle Day 1 CPT for PhD students.
Another thing to watch: some CPT PhD programs are super flexible (and maybe a little sus), while others have actual research expectations and mandatory check-ins. If you go this route, vet the program hard.
If your goal is just staying in status and working while you keep trying H-1B, a “structured” DBA or STEM master’s might honestly be more straightforward.
Would love to hear from others too — especially if anyone actually finished a CPT PhD.
So doctoral programs are more demanding compared to master’s, and if they’re not, they’re potentially non-compliant? Any programs that people here have vetted that strikes a good balance? Would really appreciate any input, thanks!
I feel like the academic load for a PhD naturally makes it more intense than a master’s. I’m also curious which schools actually strike that balance between doable and legit.