r/day1cpt

Hi,

So, I did not get picked in this year’s H1B lottery, which was unfortunately my final attempt. I had already enrolled in a Day 1 CPT Master’s program in 2024, so technically 2026 was my last eligible shot at it.

Now I’m trying to evaluate whether pursuing yet another degree makes sense. I already have two master’s degrees, and continuing would mean enrolling in a third program, specifically another Day 1 CPT Master’s.

My company is still willing to sponsor me and support the process, which makes the decision even harder. But at the same time, I’m barely able to build any meaningful savings while continuing to live in this cycle of visa uncertainty.

So I’m genuinely trying to figure out: is pursuing a third Master’s really worth it at this point, or is it more practical to move back to India and rebuild from there?

Thoughts ?

Hi all,

I’m looking to connect with someone who is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) program at Trine University. I’m hoping to get some firsthand insights about the program before making a final decision.

It’s a significant financial and time commitment, so any guidance, experience, or advice would be truly appreciated. If you’re currently in the program or have recently completed it, please let me know if I can reach out.

Thank you so much!

Hi Everyone,

I have a pending I-485, but my STEM OPT EAD is expiring soon. I'm trying to figure out the best way to continue working while waiting for the AOS EAD.

Has anyone enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program after filing I-485 just to maintain work authorization until the new EAD arrives? If yes, how was your experience? Any issues with SEVIS transfer or any issues later during the green card process? I will also like to know if it is risky to apply for a second masters program.

My employer allows Day 1 CPT, also, I have completed a Masters program before. I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually done this or have heard about someone else who did this.

Thanks in advance!

⚠️Everyone’s situation is different. Proceed at your own risk. ⚠️

My national ID card had been expired for about 2 months, so I planned to travel back to my home country to renew it and also spend some time there.
My actual travel period were around 4 weeks.

Before traveling, I had searched online and saw some people say that departure records may not be automatically shared with the school, but entry records definitely are.

About half a month before my trip, I contacted my DSO and advisor in advance and told them I had to go back to my home country because my ID card had expired.

I told my DSO that I would be outside the U.S. for two weeks because, during the semester, leaving the U.S. for more than two weeks may require an early withdrawal of the I-20. Also, if you leave the U.S. for more than two weeks while school is in session, CPT may need to be paused. I didn’t want to make things complicated, so I only said two weeks.

My DSO approved it and told me to prepare employer approval and proof of funds, but I actually didn’t prepare those documents.

I also asked my advisor, who was also my course instructor, for overseas access. He agreed immediately, but in the end, he forgot to give me access. Before I left the U.S., I had already submitted all my assignments in advance.

On the day I left the U.S., there was no exit inspection or anything like that. My outbound route included a domestic layover in the U.S. before my international flight, so I simply walked to the international gate after arriving at the layover airport.

When I reentered the U.S., I arrived at Newark in the afternoon, and there was basically no line.

The officer only asked me one question: “What are you studying?”
I said, “Business Analytics.”

Then he let me in. The whole process took about 3 minutes.

This was also my first time entering and exiting the U.S. after transferring my SEVIS record to Trine. Honestly, there was no special treatment or extra questioning because it is a Day 1 CPT school. To CBP, I was just a master’s student.

But again, I’m only sharing my personal experience. Everyone’s situation is different, and maybe I was just lucky. I don’t recommend using my case as a reference for your own situation.

my program is MSBA, Reston campus

Hi everyone! I’m planning to start at Trine University this summer, but I already have a U.S. master’s degree.

With the possible D/S End policy coming, does anyone know when it may officially take effect? Will students pursuing a second master’s be affected?

If a second master’s is no longer a safe option, what other legal ways are people considering to stay in the U.S.?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking into Day 1 CPT programs for the Fall intake and wanted to ask if anyone has recent experience with doing a second master’s.

I already have a master’s degree from the U.S., but my current status is coming close to the end, so I’m considering another master’s program that would be related to my current job/career path. I’m trying to understand whether this is still a realistic option and what risks I should be aware of.