Stay, Study & Work in the U.S. — Day 1 CPT Graduate Programs | EduConnect USA

Day 1 CPT · Work & Study in the U.S.

Work While Studying With Day 1 CPT Graduate Programs

If your U.S. visa is expiring soon, you may have options to continue living, working, and studying in the United States.

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EduConnect USA students studying and working in the United States

Are You Currently in the U.S.?

You may have options to stay, study & work

Whether you're here as an Au Pair, a J-1 Work & Travel participant, a J-1 Intern or Trainee, a tourist (B1/B2), or another temporary visa holder, you may be able to continue your journey in the United States by enrolling in an accredited graduate program. We'll walk you through it, step by step.

Au Pair J-1 Work & Travel Tourist (B1/B2) F-1 Transfer Other Temporary Visa

Work From Day One

Keep Working While You Study

Our programs include Day 1 CPT, USCIS authorized work tied to your degree, so you can keep earning in your field from the start of the program.

Stay After Graduation

Work Up to 3 More Years in the U.S.

After graduation, you get 12 months of work authorization (OPT), and because our programs are STEM-designated, you can extend that by another 24 months.

We Help You Find the Job

You're Not Alone in the Process

Our CareerConnect team matches you with a paid position before classes start; resume help, employer intros, and placement support included.

See if you qualify - request more information

Tell us a bit about your situation and we'll take it from here. A real EduConnect advisor will reach out as soon as possible to walk you through your options, no commitment required.

Your information is 100% confidential and never shared.

Why Students Choose Us

An officially accredited university, a recognized degree, and a real path to stay

EduConnect USA and Alliant University give you a structured, reliable pathway to live, work, and study in the U.S. from day one; backed by an accredited graduate degree that's recognized worldwide.

WASC Accredited ACBSP Accredited STEM Designated

How it Works

Start working & studying in 3 steps

Our programs use something called Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a U.S. work authorization for students whose program includes practical training as part of the curriculum. Alliant authorizes you to begin from the first day of class, which is why it's called Day 1 CPT. Here's what that looks like:

Apply & Get Your I-20

Apply through EduConnect to Alliant. Once admitted, you'll receive your admission letter and I-20 (the official document that lets you study in the U.S. on an F-1 visa) with Day 1 CPT noted.

Line Up a Paid Job

Already have an employer? Great, we help you transition smoothly. If not, our CareerConnect team matches you with a paid position before classes start.

Start Working & Studying

From your first day of classes, you're legally authorized to work full-time off-campus in your field while earning your accredited graduate degree.

Start Your Application

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Hear from our current students in the U.S.

4.9 Google reviews

"I can't say enough about my experience with EduConnect. From the moment I started my visa and school application, everything was handled so professionally and efficiently. They supported me not just with paperwork, but with every step of the journey."

Loic Rabeariveloa week ago

"I'm thrilled with my experience with EduConnect USA. A special thanks to Sandra and Aubrey for their kindness and professionalism. I highly recommend EduConnect to anyone planning to study in the U.S."

Landy Lalaina Hanitrinialaa week ago

"I had a great experience with EduConnect USA. The entire process felt much smoother and less stressful because of their support and guidance."

Collins Valdez10 hours ago

"They are extremely professional. Amazing group of people — specially Anastasia, she is really attentive and helpful."

Abhishek Ray5 days ago

"Big shoutout to Aubrey. She really helped me all the way through this whole process. She didn't just guide me — she supported me emotionally, kept me calm, and boosted my confidence when I needed it most."

Kristian Galinatoa month ago

"From the first consultation, the team was professional, clear, and responsive. They explained the program structure, tuition, visa process, and work authorization in a way that was easy to understand."

Brian O'Hara3 months ago

"Fantastic experience with EduConnect USA! Their team provided clear, supportive guidance throughout the entire process. They took the time to understand my goals and matched me to the right opportunity."

Grace Julius3 months ago

"I had a great experience with EduConnect. They really helped me understand the process of studying in the U.S. and guided me step by step. Highly recommend to any international student!"

Hanitra Aïcha3 weeks ago

Day 1 CPT & STEM OPT Eligible

Choose a program that fits your goals

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Build leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills to advance your career across industries.

$6,000 grant + payment plans

Master of Science in Data Analytics

Master data modeling, machine learning, business intelligence, and predictive analytics.

$5,500 grant + payment plans STEM OPT Eligible

Master of Science in Healthcare Analytics

Apply data science to healthcare operations, outcomes research, and clinical decision support.

$5,500 grant + payment plans STEM OPT Eligible

Master of Science in Information Systems Technology

Focus on cybersecurity, systems architecture, and AI-driven enterprise technology.

$5,500 grant + payment plans STEM OPT Eligible

All programs delivered at Alliant University, regionally accredited by WASC and ACBSP.

Find My Program

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Our Students & Success

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Your Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

My J-1 visa ends in a few months, can I stay in the U.S.?

Yes, you may have options. One of the most common paths is to apply to a graduate program and change your status from J-1 to F-1 (student), a process called a Change of Status (COS). With a Day 1 CPT program, you can also keep working from your first day of classes. Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether you qualify.

I'm an Au Pair. Do I have to go home after my program ends?

Not necessarily. Many former Au Pairs choose to continue their journey in the U.S. by enrolling in an accredited graduate program. We help you understand the Change of Status process, choose a program, and line up paid work, so you can stay, study, and keep building your life here.

I came on a tourist visa (B1/B2). Can I become a student?

In many cases, yes. You'd typically apply to a university, receive your I-20, and then file a Change of Status from B1/B2 to F-1. Timing and details matter, so the best first step is a free consultation, we'll review your situation and tell you honestly whether it's a fit.

Can I keep working and study at the same time?

Yes, that's exactly what Day 1 CPT is designed for. Students in our programs are authorized for full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) from day one, so you can keep your job (or start a new one) while taking classes on a hybrid schedule.

What's the difference between CPT and OPT in plain English?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization during your studies, it's part of your program. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is work authorization after you graduate. You get 12 months of OPT standard, and because our programs are STEM-designated, you can extend it by another 24 months, for a total of 3 years of work in the U.S. after graduation.

What if I already have an employer?

Perfect, that makes things easier. We help you transition your current job to be compliant with your CPT authorization, so you can keep working with the same employer starting day one of your program.

What if I don't have a job yet?

No problem. Our CareerConnect team works with employer partners across the U.S. to match students with paid positions before their program starts. We help you find a role that aligns with your degree, so you know exactly where you'll be working before your first day of class.

Will using Day 1 CPT affect my OPT eligibility later?

If you use 12 or more months of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT. Our academic advisors help you plan your CPT usage carefully, so you protect both your work authorization during school and your OPT (plus STEM OPT extension) after graduation.

Still Have Questions?

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