Day-1 CPT

At Bay Atlantic University, eligible F-1 students may participate in Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) when practical training is an integral part of their academic program. Day 1 CPT allows students to begin employment or internships from the first day of their program, including paid or unpaid work in private, nonprofit, or government organizations, as long as it is directly related to their major and authorized by the university.

Students may work full-time (more than 20 hours/week) or part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during the program. Students must maintain valid F-1 status at all times. Additionally, CPT is authorized on a per-semester/session basis. CPT authorization for one semester does not automatically carry over; a new request must be submitted if the internship continues into the next semester.

Day 1 CPT – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for Day 1 CPT?

To be considered for Day 1 CPT, students must:

Maintain valid F-1 status throughout the CPT period
Complete class registration for a full course load
Be enrolled in an academic program in which practical training is a required or integral curricular component
Obtain a job or internship offer that is directly related to the student’s major field of study

2. Can students participate in Day 1 CPT on a continuous basis?

Yes. Eligible students may participate in Day 1 CPT throughout their program and during official winter and summer breaks, provided they intend to register for the following required semester. CPT is approved on a per-semester basis and must be renewed each semester.

3. Is full-time or part-time employment permitted under Day 1 CPT?

Students may be authorized for part-time or full-time Day 1 CPT, provided they maintain a full course load and remain in good or excellent academic standing.

4. When can students submit a request to renew their Day 1 CPT authorization?

Students may submit a CPT renewal request after completing class registration for the applicable semester and before the new CPT start date. A current or updated job/internship offer letter must be provided, and employment may not continue until the renewed CPT is authorized and listed on the student’s Form I-20.

5. What information is required in a Day 1 CPT job or internship offer letter?

The employment offer letter must include:

Employer’s name and physical address
Job title and detailed description of duties
CPT start date
Number of work hours per week
Employer’s signature

Incomplete or noncompliant offer letters may delay or prevent CPT authorization.

6. I am in my final semester during the Spring, but I want to do full-time CPT. Is this allowed?

Full-time CPT during a required semester (Fall or Spring) is only permitted if you are enrolled in 4 credits or less and are completing your final degree requirements. At least one of your remaining courses must be in-person or hybrid to maintain F-1 status.

7. Can I switch to a different company during Day 1 CPT?

Yes. Each CPT authorization is employer- and period-specific. To switch employers, you must inform the DSO so that the current CPT can be ended in SEVIS and a new CPT authorization can be issued for the new employer. Employment may not begin with the new employer until the new CPT is authorized.

8. My internship starts in the Winter break and continues into the Spring semester. Do I need two separate authorizations?

Yes. CPT is approved one session at a time. You must submit a request for the Winter break and a subsequent request for the Spring semester. You will need to provide an updated offer letter and ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate academic credit for both sessions.

Compliance Notice

Day 1 CPT authorization is granted in accordance with 8 CFR §214.2(f)(10)(i). Students are responsible for maintaining valid F-1 status and complying with all enrollment, employment, and reporting requirements. Unauthorized employment constitutes a violation of F-1 status.

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