Day 1 CPT Timeline & Process
(Hybrid STEM Programs)

F-1 STEM Hybrid Programs
(CPT-Eligible from First Term)

Complete Timeline, Dependencies, Contacts & Scenarios (2026)

A. Master Timeline & Dependency Table (Authoritative)

Step Phase When to Do It (Timing) Depends On (Must Be Completed First) Who Handles It How to Contact Outcome / Proof
1 Admission & Initial I-20 2–6 months before program start Admission decision University DSO University email / portal Initial I-20 issued
2 F-1 Visa (if abroad) 1–3 months before travel Initial I-20 U.S. Embassy / Consulate In-person visa interview F-1 visa stamp
3 U.S. Entry Up to 30 days before start date Valid visa + I-20 CBP (DHS) Airport inspection I-94 record
4 SEVIS Check-In Within 1–10 days after arrival Physical arrival in U.S. University DSO Email + student portal SEVIS activated
5 Full-Time Enrollment First academic week SEVIS active Registrar / Academic Office Online registration Active F-1 status
6 CPT-Linked Course Enrollment First term Full-time enrollment Academic Advisor / DSO Email / portal CPT academic basis
7 Job Search After SEVIS activation Active F-1 status Student Employer outreach Job offer letter
8 CPT Application 30–14 days before work start Job offer + CPT course DSO Email + CPT form CPT review
9 CPT-Authorized I-20 7–21 business days after submission Approved CPT request DSO Email CPT I-20 issued
10 SSN Application After CPT I-20 issued CPT authorization SSA In-person only SSN receipt
11 Work Start On CPT I-20 start date CPT I-20 Employer Employer HR Lawful employment
12 CPT Extension / Change 30 days before change Active CPT DSO Email New CPT I-20

B. SSN Timing Table (Critical Compliance Section)

Action Exact Timing (2026) Required Documents Where Notes
Earliest SSN Application After CPT I-20 issuance AND at least 10 days after U.S. entry Passport, I-94, CPT I-20, Job Offer, Form SS-5 SSA Office (in person) SSA cannot process before SEVIS sync
Recommended Timing 3–5 business days after CPT I-20 Same as above SSA Office Reduces SAVE verification delays
SSN Processing Time 2–6 weeks (average) — SSA Delays possible during peak seasons
Can student work before SSN arrives? YES CPT I-20 is sufficient Employer HR SSN receipt letter acceptable
Deadline to apply for SSN No fixed deadline — — Must be during valid CPT dates

Government basis: SSA + SEVP SAVE verification rules

C. CPT Application Timing

Item Rule (2026)
Earliest CPT Start Only after CPT I-20 issuance
Latest CPT Application Minimum 14 days before start date
Recommended Buffer 30 days before start date
Retroactive CPT ❌ Not allowed
Employer Change Requires new CPT & new I-20
Location Change Requires DSO update

D. OPT Timing (For Later Stages)

OPT Stage Timing Rule
OPT Application Window 90 days before program end → 60 days after
Work Start Only after EAD approval
USCIS Processing 2–5 months (average)
STEM OPT Extension Apply 90 days before OPT end

E. Who to Contact & How (By Step)

Issue Who Contact Method
I-20 / CPT / OPT DSO Official university email only
Course enrollment Registrar / Academic Advisor Portal + email
Job offer questions Employer HR Email
SSN SSA In-person visit only
OPT approval USCIS Online account / receipt notice
SEVIS errors DSO → ICE SEVP Student never contacts ICE directly

F. Special Scenarios (Very Important)

1. First-Time F-1 Student (Outside the U.S.)

Additional Steps:

  • Must obtain F-1 visa before travel
  • Cannot apply for SSN before U.S. entry
  • CPT eligibility begins only after SEVIS activation + enrollment

Risk Point:

  • ❌ Working before CPT I-20 issuance = status violation

2. F-1 Transfer Student (Inside the U.S.)

Step Transfer-Specific Rule
SEVIS Transfer Must be completed before CPT
CPT Eligibility Determined by new school
SSN Same SSN reused (no reapplication)
Employment Old CPT ends on transfer date

Important:

  • CPT does not transfer automatically between schools.

3. B-1/B-2 Approved, but the Person Has NOT Traveled to the U.S. Yet

What this means

  • The person has a B-1/B-2 visa stamp
  • They have not entered the U.S.
  • Therefore, they are not in B-1/B-2 status
  • There is no status to change

👉 Because of this, Change of Status (COS) does NOT apply at all.

What they should do instead (Correct Path)

✅ Use Consular Processing For F-1

This is the recommended and standard process.

Step Action
1 Apply to an SEVP-certified school
2 Receive Initial I-20
3 Complete DS-160 for F-1
4 Book F-1 visa interview
5 Attend interview with I-20
6 Enter the U.S. on F-1 (up to 30 days before program start)

Important Clarifications (Very Important)

🔹 Can they “convert” the B-1/B-2 visa to F-1?

❌ No. Visas are not converted. They must:

  • Apply for a new F-1 visa
  • Even if they already hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa

Is there any disadvantage to already having B-1/B-2?

❌ No disadvantage by itself. But:

  • They must clearly explain the change of intent at the interview
  • This is normal and allowed

Is this risky? No, because:

  • No overstay
  • No COS
  • No USCIS processing
  • Clean immigration history

4. Change of Status (COS) from B-1/B-2 to F-1 Inside the U.S. (2026)

⚠️ Applies only to individuals currently inside the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 status who choose Change of Status (COS) instead of consular processing.

This option is high risk, slow, and restrictive.

Quick Overview

Topic Rule
What COS does Changes status only, not visa
Work allowed ❌ No work of any kind
CPT / SSN ❌ Not allowed until approval
Travel ❌ Not allowed while pending
Processing time Long and unpredictable (6–12+ months)

Step-by-Step COS Timeline (B-1/B-2 → F-1)

📍 Process Summary Table
Step Action Who Typical Time
1 Apply to SEVP-certified school Student 1–4 weeks
2 Receive Initial I-20 (COS purpose) University / DSO 5–10 business days
3 File Form I-539 Student → USCIS Immediately after I-20
4 COS pending period Student 6–12+ months
5 USCIS decision USCIS Varies
6 SEVIS activation DSO 1–10 days
7 Begin full-time enrollment Student Program start
8 CPT process (if eligible) Student + DSO After enrollment

Forms Required and Where to Submit

Form / Document Purpose Submitted By Submitted To How
Admission application School acceptance Student University Online
Initial I-20 (COS) Required for COS DSO Student Issued by school
Form I-539 Change of Status Student USCIS Online or mail
Proof of funds Financial eligibility Student USCIS With I-539
Passport, visa, I-94 Identity & status Student USCIS With I-539
Written explanation Intent to study Student USCIS With I-539
⚠️ Critical rule: Form I-539 must be filed before B-1/B-2 status expires.

Rules While COS Is Pending

Activity Allowed
Employment (any type) ❌ No
CPT / OPT ❌ No
SSN application ❌ No
Internships ❌ No
Remote work ❌ No
Travel outside U.S. ❌ No
Study Only if approved/deferred by DSO

USCIS Decision Outcomes

Outcome Result
Approved Status changes to F-1, I-797 issued
Denied Immediate loss of status, must depart U.S.

After COS Approval

Step What Happens
SEVIS activation DSO activates F-1 record
Enrollment Student must enroll full-time
CPT eligibility Only after enrollment + DSO approval
CPT authorization Requires job offer + CPT I-20

⚠️ COS approval does NOT grant CPT automatically.

After COS Approval

Topic Explanation
Visa stamp COS does not issue an F-1 visa
Future travel F-1 visa stamping required at embassy
Risk level Higher than consular processing

5. Change of Level (Bachelor → Master / Master → PhD)

  • New SEVIS record or new I-20 issued
  • CPT clock resets
  • OPT eligibility recalculated at new level

G. Dependency Logic (Simplified Flow)

Admission → Initial I-20

↓

Visa (if abroad)

↓

U.S. Entry → SEVIS Activation

↓

Full-Time Enrollment + CPT Course

↓

Job Offer

↓

CPT Application → CPT I-20

↓

SSN Application

↓

Work Start

H. Compliance Disclaimer

CPT and OPT are discretionary benefits governed by federal regulations. Authorization is never automatic and depends on academic justification, SEVIS compliance, and DSO approval.

Unauthorized employment may result in termination of F-1 status.

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F-1 STEM Hybrid Programs
(CPT-Eligible from First Term)

Complete Timeline, Dependencies, Contacts & Scenarios (2026)

A. Master Timeline & Dependency Table (Authoritative)

Step Phase When to Do It (Timing) Depends On (Must Be Completed First) Who Handles It How to Contact Outcome / Proof
1 Admission & Initial I-20 2–6 months before program start Admission decision University DSO University email / portal Initial I-20 issued
2 F-1 Visa (if abroad) 1–3 months before travel Initial I-20 U.S. Embassy / Consulate In-person visa interview F-1 visa stamp
3 U.S. Entry Up to 30 days before start date Valid visa + I-20 CBP (DHS) Airport inspection I-94 record
4 SEVIS Check-In Within 1–10 days after arrival Physical arrival in U.S. University DSO Email + student portal SEVIS activated
5 Full-Time Enrollment First academic week SEVIS active Registrar / Academic Office Online registration Active F-1 status
6 CPT-Linked Course Enrollment First term Full-time enrollment Academic Advisor / DSO Email / portal CPT academic basis
7 Job Search After SEVIS activation Active F-1 status Student Employer outreach Job offer letter
8 CPT Application 30–14 days before work start Job offer + CPT course DSO Email + CPT form CPT review
9 CPT-Authorized I-20 7–21 business days after submission Approved CPT request DSO Email CPT I-20 issued
10 SSN Application After CPT I-20 issued CPT authorization SSA In-person only SSN receipt
11 Work Start On CPT I-20 start date CPT I-20 Employer Employer HR Lawful employment
12 CPT Extension / Change 30 days before change Active CPT DSO Email New CPT I-20

B. SSN Timing Table (Critical Compliance Section)

Action Exact Timing (2026) Required Documents Where Notes
Earliest SSN Application After CPT I-20 issuance AND at least 10 days after U.S. entry Passport, I-94, CPT I-20, Job Offer, Form SS-5 SSA Office (in person) SSA cannot process before SEVIS sync
Recommended Timing 3–5 business days after CPT I-20 Same as above SSA Office Reduces SAVE verification delays
SSN Processing Time 2–6 weeks (average) — SSA Delays possible during peak seasons
Can student work before SSN arrives? YES CPT I-20 is sufficient Employer HR SSN receipt letter acceptable
Deadline to apply for SSN No fixed deadline — — Must be during valid CPT dates

Government basis: SSA + SEVP SAVE verification rules

C. CPT Application Timing

Item Rule (2026)
Earliest CPT Start Only after CPT I-20 issuance
Latest CPT Application Minimum 14 days before start date
Recommended Buffer 30 days before start date
Retroactive CPT ❌ Not allowed
Employer Change Requires new CPT & new I-20
Location Change Requires DSO update

D. OPT Timing (For Later Stages)

OPT Stage Timing Rule
OPT Application Window 90 days before program end → 60 days after
Work Start Only after EAD approval
USCIS Processing 2–5 months (average)
STEM OPT Extension Apply 90 days before OPT end

E. Who to Contact & How (By Step)

Issue Who Contact Method
I-20 / CPT / OPT DSO Official university email only
Course enrollment Registrar / Academic Advisor Portal + email
Job offer questions Employer HR Email
SSN SSA In-person visit only
OPT approval USCIS Online account / receipt notice
SEVIS errors DSO → ICE SEVP Student never contacts ICE directly

F. Special Scenarios (Very Important)

1. First-Time F-1 Student (Outside the U.S.)

Additional Steps:

  • Must obtain F-1 visa before travel
  • Cannot apply for SSN before U.S. entry
  • CPT eligibility begins only after SEVIS activation + enrollment

Risk Point:

  • ❌ Working before CPT I-20 issuance = status violation

2. F-1 Transfer Student (Inside the U.S.)

Step Transfer-Specific Rule
SEVIS Transfer Must be completed before CPT
CPT Eligibility Determined by new school
SSN Same SSN reused (no reapplication)
Employment Old CPT ends on transfer date

Important:

  • CPT does not transfer automatically between schools.

3. B-1/B-2 Approved, but the Person Has NOT Traveled to the U.S. Yet

What this means

  • The person has a B-1/B-2 visa stamp
  • They have not entered the U.S.
  • Therefore, they are not in B-1/B-2 status
  • There is no status to change

👉 Because of this, Change of Status (COS) does NOT apply at all.

What they should do instead (Correct Path)

✅ Use Consular Processing For F-1

This is the recommended and standard process.

Step Action
1 Apply to an SEVP-certified school
2 Receive Initial I-20
3 Complete DS-160 for F-1
4 Book F-1 visa interview
5 Attend interview with I-20
6 Enter the U.S. on F-1 (up to 30 days before program start)

Important Clarifications (Very Important)

🔹 Can they “convert” the B-1/B-2 visa to F-1?

❌ No. Visas are not converted. They must:

  • Apply for a new F-1 visa
  • Even if they already hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa

Is there any disadvantage to already having B-1/B-2?

❌ No disadvantage by itself. But:

  • They must clearly explain the change of intent at the interview
  • This is normal and allowed

Is this risky? No, because:

  • No overstay
  • No COS
  • No USCIS processing
  • Clean immigration history

4. Change of Status (COS) from B-1/B-2 to F-1 Inside the U.S. (2026)

⚠️ Applies only to individuals currently inside the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 status who choose Change of Status (COS) instead of consular processing.

This option is high risk, slow, and restrictive.

Quick Overview

Topic Rule
What COS does Changes status only, not visa
Work allowed ❌ No work of any kind
CPT / SSN ❌ Not allowed until approval
Travel ❌ Not allowed while pending
Processing time Long and unpredictable (6–12+ months)

Step-by-Step COS Timeline (B-1/B-2 → F-1)

📍 Process Summary Table
Step Action Who Typical Time
1 Apply to SEVP-certified school Student 1–4 weeks
2 Receive Initial I-20 (COS purpose) University / DSO 5–10 business days
3 File Form I-539 Student → USCIS Immediately after I-20
4 COS pending period Student 6–12+ months
5 USCIS decision USCIS Varies
6 SEVIS activation DSO 1–10 days
7 Begin full-time enrollment Student Program start
8 CPT process (if eligible) Student + DSO After enrollment

Forms Required and Where to Submit

Form / Document Purpose Submitted By Submitted To How
Admission application School acceptance Student University Online
Initial I-20 (COS) Required for COS DSO Student Issued by school
Form I-539 Change of Status Student USCIS Online or mail
Proof of funds Financial eligibility Student USCIS With I-539
Passport, visa, I-94 Identity & status Student USCIS With I-539
Written explanation Intent to study Student USCIS With I-539
⚠️ Critical rule: Form I-539 must be filed before B-1/B-2 status expires.

Rules While COS Is Pending

Activity Allowed
Employment (any type) ❌ No
CPT / OPT ❌ No
SSN application ❌ No
Internships ❌ No
Remote work ❌ No
Travel outside U.S. ❌ No
Study Only if approved/deferred by DSO

USCIS Decision Outcomes

Outcome Result
Approved Status changes to F-1, I-797 issued
Denied Immediate loss of status, must depart U.S.

After COS Approval

Step What Happens
SEVIS activation DSO activates F-1 record
Enrollment Student must enroll full-time
CPT eligibility Only after enrollment + DSO approval
CPT authorization Requires job offer + CPT I-20

⚠️ COS approval does NOT grant CPT automatically.

After COS Approval

Topic Explanation
Visa stamp COS does not issue an F-1 visa
Future travel F-1 visa stamping required at embassy
Risk level Higher than consular processing

5. Change of Level (Bachelor → Master / Master → PhD)

  • New SEVIS record or new I-20 issued
  • CPT clock resets
  • OPT eligibility recalculated at new level

G. Dependency Logic (Simplified Flow)

Admission → Initial I-20

↓

Visa (if abroad)

↓

U.S. Entry → SEVIS Activation

↓

Full-Time Enrollment + CPT Course

↓

Job Offer

↓

CPT Application → CPT I-20

↓

SSN Application

↓

Work Start

H. Compliance Disclaimer

CPT and OPT are discretionary benefits governed by federal regulations. Authorization is never automatic and depends on academic justification, SEVIS compliance, and DSO approval.

Unauthorized employment may result in termination of F-1 status.

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