Day-1 CPT Apply

🚨 Universities Sue DHS Over the New F-1 Rule! Does This Mean the September 15 Rule Is Delayed?

📌What Happened?
Several university associations, higher education organizations, and labor unions have filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to block DHS’s Final Rule before it takes effect on September 15, 2026.

They argue the rule could discourage international students, hurt U.S. universities, and create unnecessary uncertainty for F-1 students.

📌 Is the Final Rule Paused?
No. Filing a lawsuit does not automatically stop a federal regulation. Unless the court grants a preliminary injunction before September 15, the Final Rule is still expected to take effect on schedule.

📌 What Could Happen Next?
Three outcomes are possible:
✅ The court temporarily blocks the rule
The September 15 effective date could be delayed while the lawsuit continues.

⚠️ The court blocks only part of the rule
Some provisions may be paused while others still take effect.

❌ The court does not block the rule
The Final Rule is expected to take effect on September 15 even though the lawsuit continues.

📌 What Does This Mean for Day-1 CPT Students?
For now, nothing has changed. You should continue planning based on the current September 15 effective date.

⚠️One Important Reminder
Simply transferring your SEVIS record before September 15 is NOT enough.

If you’re trying to avoid the new EOS requirement, your new program must actually begin before September 15.

A transfer I-20 or SEVIS transfer alone generally does not satisfy the transition requirement if your program starts after the rule takes effect.

💡 Key Takeaway: The lawsuit is an important development and shows the Final Rule is facing a serious legal challenge. But until a court says otherwise, students should continue planning as if the rule will take effect on September 15.

We’ll continue monitoring the case and keep you updated on any major developments!

💬 Have questions about your timeline? DM Day-1 CPT Apply for a free consultation.

📘 Save this post if you’re planning an OPT-to-Day-1 CPT transition.

🚨 USCIS Announces Mandatory E-Filing Is Coming for More Immigration Forms

Starting August 11, 2026, a new DHS Interim Final Rule allows USCIS to require electronic filing for certain immigration forms. Under the new rule, USCIS can make e-filing mandatory only after a form has already been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. USCIS must also give the public at least 60 days’ notice before the change takes effect.​

💡 Key Point: Electronic filing is already available for many USCIS forms, so this is not a completely new filing process. The main change is that USCIS will now have the authority to make e-filing mandatory for certain forms in the future.​

Applicants who cannot file electronically may request a waiver if e-filing would cause undue hardship. Waiver requests will be reviewed at USCIS’ discretion.​

📅 Rule Effective: August 11, 2026
💬 Public Comments Due: October 13, 2026​

📘 Save this post for your next USCIS filing.
🔔 Follow Day-1 CPT Apply for more F-1, H-1B, OPT & immigration updates.

‼️Indiana Wesleyan University Just Added 7 New Master’s Programs!

If you’ve been considering IWU for Day-1 CPT, there are now even more options to match your program with your current job and career background.

The new programs add more specializations across Data Analytics, IT Management, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Informatics, and Business, with several STEM-designated options available.

📌 New Break Policy
Starting Fall 2026, students may take one semester off after completing three consecutive semesters.

- For most master’s programs, this one-time break can extend the program by approximately 4 months.
- The MBA - IT Management allows up to two breaks, extending the program to as long as 36 months.
- The DBA program may be extended up to 4 years.

📅 2 Upcoming Intakes Before September 15

IWU still has two Fall 2026 intakes before the DHS Final Rule takes effect:
• August 24, 2026
• September 14, 2026

If you’re hoping to start a new Day-1 CPT program before September 15, IWU is one of the schools that still gives you more than one intake option to work with your timeline!

💰 New master’s programs start at approximately $19,800 total tuition, depending on the program. Tuition figures are based on university’s officially published tuition. Additional fees, required credits, and other costs may apply and vary by program.

💬 Not sure which IWU program best matches your current job? DM Day-1 CPT Apply and we can help you compare the options.
📘 Save this post if you’re comparing Day-1 CPT programs.

Planning to Start a Day-1 CPT Program Before September 15?

If your OPT is ending soon and you‘re hoping to begin a new Day-1 CPT program before the DHS Final Rule takes effect, timing matters.

📌 Planning Tip: If your SEVIS transfer is completed before September 15, some Day-1 CPT schools may still allow you to start a later intake (such as October 26). Many schools accept SEVIS transfers up to 90 days before the program begins, but policies vary by university.

To make things easier, we’ve organized the upcoming Fall 2026 Day-1 CPT intakes by start date so you can quickly see which programs still fit your timeline.

📅 Mid-August Intakes
If your OPT is ending very soon, these may be your earliest options:
📍 McDaniel College - Aug. 15
📍 Sofia University - Aug. 16
⚠️ These deadlines are approaching quickly. Contact us as soon as possible to confirm application processing, I-20 issuance, and SEVIS transfer timelines.

📅 August 24 Intakes
📍 National Louis University
📍 Ottawa University
📍 Trine University
📍 Indiana Wesleyan University
📍 Texas Wesleyan University

These schools offer a little more preparation time, but you‘ll still need to plan ahead for admission, your SEVIS transfer, and CPT authorization.

📅 Late-August Intakes
📍 California Institute of Advanced Management - Aug. 29
📍 Harrisburg University - Aug. 29
📍 Westcliff University - Aug. 31
📍 New England College - Aug. 31
📍 Avila University Arizona - Aug. 31
📍 Benedictine University - Aug. 31

📅 Final Intakes Before September 15
📍 Monroe University - Sept. 9
📍 Indiana Wesleyan University - Sept. 14

These are the last scheduled Day-1 CPT intakes before the DHS Final Rule is expected to take effect.

💡 Not sure which intake fits your OPT timeline?
DM Day-1 CPT Apply for a free consultation. We’ll help you compare schools, review your timeline, and identify programs that best fit your situation.
📘 Save this post if you‘re planning an OPT-to-Day-1 CPT transition.

🚨USCIS May Deny Your Case Without an RFE

Starting August 5, 2026, USCIS officers may deny certain immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).

The policy is effective immediately and applies to requests that were already pending or filed on or after August 5, 2026.

📌 What This Means for Applicants
An RFE is no longer something you should expect as a second chance to complete your case.

USCIS may deny an application if the initial filing:
• Does not show that the applicant was eligible on the filing date
• Is missing required initial evidence
• Is incomplete or does not provide enough supporting documentation

✅ What You Should Do Before Filing
✔️ Make the initial submission as complete as possible
✔️ Confirm that you are already eligible before filing
✔️ Follow the form instructions and include all required initial evidence
✔️ Review the forms, supporting documents, signatures, and filing fees carefully
✔️ Do not submit a “placeholder” application expecting to fix it through an RFE later

💡Key Takeaway: USCIS has not eliminated RFEs.
Officers may still issue an RFE or NOID when they believe additional evidence could resolve the case. But they also have discretion to deny a filing that does not establish eligibility or include the required evidence from the beginning.

Your first filing may be your only chance to present a complete case.

📘 Save this post before submitting your next USCIS application.

🚨OPT Ending Soon? Here’s the New OPT-to-Day-1 CPT Timeline Under DHS Final Rule

Planning to move from OPT or STEM OPT into a Day-1 CPT program? Start early. Admission, SEVIS transfer, EOS, and CPT are separate steps and timing mistakes could create a work gap.

If you need Day-1 CPT to continue working without interruption, please pay close attention to program start dates before Sept 15!

Here’s the transition process after Sept 15👇
📌 start school selection 1–2 Months Before OPT Expires

1️⃣ Choose Your Day-1 CPT School
Confirm the program and intake date that fit your OPT timeline, work location, and academic background.
Then prepare and submit your application. 👉Contact us for a free consultation and application!

2️⃣ Receive Your Admission Offer
Many schools issue admission decisions within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on the program and whether your documents are complete.

3️⃣ Set Your SEVIS Transfer Release Date
Work with your current school and new school to choose the correct transfer date.
⚠️ Once the SEVIS Transfer Release Date takes effect, your OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization generally ends even if your EAD card still has time remaining.

4️⃣ Receive Your New I-20
After the SEVIS transfer is completed, your new school can issue your updated Form I-20.
⚠️Review the program dates and make sure all information is correct.

5️⃣ File Extension of Stay (Form I-539)
Under the DHS Final Rule, some students beginning a new program after September 15, 2026 may need to:
- File Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay, or
- Leave the U.S. and reenter with the new I-20
USCIS processing times vary, so do not wait until your current authorized stay is about to expire.

6️⃣ Apply for CPT Through Your DSO
EOS and CPT are separate processes. Filing Form I-539 does not automatically authorize employment.
⚠️Whether a school can authorize a new CPT period while EOS is pending may depend on future SEVP guidance and the school’s own procedures.

💬 DM for a free personalized support.
📘 Save this post before transferring your SEVIS record.

🚨 DHS Final Rule: Myths F-1 Students Should Stop Believing Part 2
In this post, we’re breaking down four common myths about the DHS Final Rule and what F-1 students actually need to know.

👉 Swipe through to learn:
❓ Can you work on CPT while your EOS is pending?
An already authorized CPT may generally continue for up to 240 days while a timely filed EOS application is pending.

❓ Can you continue studying while your EOS is pending?
Yes. You may generally continue studying if your EOS was filed on time and you continue maintaining F-1 status.
⚠️ Important: If you file your EOS during your F-1 grace period, you generally cannot continue working. A pending EOS does not extend employment authorization that has already ended.

❓ Can you premium process an EOS application?
Not at this time. Form I-539 is currently not eligible for Premium Processing, so students should plan ahead for standard USCIS processing times.

❓ Does a fixed end date mean you must return to your home country after completing your program?
Not necessarily. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to apply for an Extension of Stay, begin authorized practical training, change status, or leave and reenter with a new period of admission.

Understanding these rules now can help you avoid costly mistakes later!

💬 Have questions about your own timeline? DM for a free consultation.
📘 Save this post—you may need it again before September 15.