Some U.S. Schools Are Reportedly Cashing In on Degrees That Double as Work Visas for International Students

Several U.S. universities are making millions by offering degree programs that serve as de facto work visas, providing a pathway for international students to remain in the country while working full-time.

Schools like Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania offer "Day 1 CPT" programs that allow foreign students to work legally while completing their studies, often with minimal in-person attendance requirements. This system attracts students from countries like India and China, many of whom are highly skilled professionals in fields such as tech and biopharma.

The appeal of these programs lies in their ability to sidestep the highly competitive H-1B visa lottery system.

The odds of securing an H-1B visa have diminished in recent years due to increasing demand, leaving many professionals seeking alternative ways to stay in the U.S. legally. According to a Bloomberg analysis, as of fall 2022, a record 24,000 students were enrolled in Day 1 CPT programs, with tuition fees likely exceeding $240 million, the media outlet estimates.

However, the programs operate in a legal gray area. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not explicitly authorize Day 1 CPT, it tolerates these programs as long as they meet certain guidelines. Schools compete for students by making attendance policies and other requirements as flexible as possible, raising concerns that standards may be too lax, potentially jeopardizing students' immigration status.

Harrisburg University has built a significant portion of its financial success on its Day 1 CPT program, which has grown to enroll thousands of international students, according to Bloomberg. Former employees, however, have raised concerns about the school's compliance with immigration regulations. In 2022, three of five staff members responsible for issuing student visas quit after clashing with administrators over attendance and policy issues. Harrisburg officials have denied any wrongdoing, stating that the university remains in compliance with DHS regulations.

Day 1 CPT programs are becoming more popular as schools across the U.S. tap into the demand created by an overwhelmed visa system. Schools like Trine University in Indiana have joined the market, offering cheaper degrees and fewer in-person requirements. However, as these programs expand, concerns about their long-term sustainability and potential for abuse continue to grow.

The situation underscores a broader issue within U.S. immigration policy, as highly skilled workers are forced into expensive and precarious workarounds to remain in the country.

Under U.S. immigration law, foreign students can work as part of their academic programs through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Typically, work authorization begins after one year of enrollment, but certain graduate programs—such as Day 1 CPT—allow students to work full-time from the start of their studies. After graduation, students can remain in the U.S. for up to three years if they work in a field related to their degree.