The United States remains the gold standard for higher education, but the cost of attendance often exceeding $50,000 per year makes it a financial impossibility for many. However, the most successful applicants leverage specific visa regulations like CPT and OPT to earn a US salary while pursuing their degree.
This “Work and Study” model allows you to legally finance your education by working for top US companies. Whether you are a mid-career professional or a recent graduate, understanding how to utilize these federally approved programs is the key to entering the US market without relying solely on savings.
What You Need to Know About Work and Study Visas
The US does not have a generic “work and study” visa like Canada or Australia. Instead, you must enter on a student or exchange visa and then unlock work privileges through specific legal pathways.
There are two primary pathways:
- F-1 Student Visa: This is for full-time academic study where the work component comes through CPT (internships during studies) and OPT (work after graduation). Some universities known as “Day 1 CPT” schools structure their programs to allow you to work full-time immediately upon arrival if the job aligns with your degree.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This is for specific work-based learning programs like “Intern” or “Trainee” which are sponsored by designated organizations and are usually valid for 12 to 18 months.
The Sponsorship Reality: In this context, sponsorship usually means the university authorizes your I-20 and CPT while an employer offers you a job. You pay for the education, but the opportunity allows you to earn a US salary that often ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 to cover those costs.
Eligibility for Work and Study Programs
To qualify for these specific visa opportunities, you must meet a stricter set of criteria than a standard tourist or student.
- Academic Standing: You must possess a recognized 4-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) to enter the Master’s programs that offer CPT.
- Professional Intent: For Day 1 CPT, you must demonstrate that the practical training is integral to your curriculum, meaning you typically need a job offer or a plan to find one in your field of study.
- English Fluency: You must be proficient in English (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent) to handle both graduate-level coursework and a professional American workplace.
- Financial Capacity: You must prove you have sufficient liquid funds to cover the first year of tuition and living expenses (usually $25,000+) before a visa is issued.
Best Work and Study Visa Sponsorship Opportunities in the USA
To maximize your ability to work, you should target institutions and programs that are specifically designed for working professionals or have robust corporate connections.
“Day 1 CPT” Universities
These universities are fully accredited and design their master’s programs to allow students to work full-time via CPT starting from the first semester. They include:
Trine University
Trine is a top choice for STEM and business students with campuses in Detroit and Phoenix specifically designed for international students who want to work while studying.
Trine offers CPT-friendly Master’s degrees in Engineering and Business Analytics to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and transcripts. The program costs approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per year and requires proof of English proficiency if previous education was not in English.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University is a STEM-focused powerhouse in Pennsylvania famous for its practical training focus and large population of working international students.
This university offers Executive Format M.S. programs in Analytics and Project Management that require campus attendance only three Saturdays per semester. Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, and tuition is approximately $16,000 per year.
Westcliff University
Located in California, Westcliff is ideal for those who want to work in the tech or entertainment hubs of Los Angeles or Irvine.
Westcliff offers regionally accredited MBA and MS Computer Science programs with weekly online classes and weekend residencies. Admission requires a Bachelor’s degree and an interview, with annual fees ranging from $13,000 to $18,000.
J-1 Intern and Trainee Sponsors
If you do not want to do a full degree, a J-1 program allows you to work in a specific role for 12 to 18 months through a designated sponsor. They include:
Cultural Vistas
Cultural Vistas is a non-profit designated by the US State Department to sponsor J-1 visas for interns and trainees.
Cultural Vistas handles legal compliance for J-1 internships for recent graduates or professionals with at least one year of experience. Sponsorship fees range from $2,000 to $3,000, and candidates must secure a host company offer before applying.
Check Out: $125k+ Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for Immigrants in the USA
How to Apply or Enroll
Getting a Work and Study visa is a multi-step legal process. You must follow the order exactly to avoid rejection.
Phase 1: The Academic Admission
Apply to the university first. For “Day 1 CPT” schools, you must clearly indicate in your personal statement that you intend to use practical training to enhance your studies. Once accepted, you must submit financial documents to prove you can pay the first year’s tuition.
Phase 2: The I-20 and SEVIS
Once the school verifies your finances, they issue Form I-20. This is the most important document that details your program start date and funding. Check it for errors immediately.
Phase 3: The Visa Interview
Fill out the DS-160 form and schedule an interview at the US embassy. When asked about work, be honest but specific by stating you plan to utilize Curricular Practical Training to gain experience in your field as authorized by the university. The primary intent must always be education.
Phase 4: Job Hunting and CPT Authorization
Once you arrive in the US, you can interview for jobs. You cannot start working until you have the specific “CPT Authorization” printed on page 2 of your I-20 because working before this date is illegal.
Requirements
When preparing your application package, ensure you have the following documents ready.
Academic Documents
You will need your original Bachelor’s degree certificate and full academic transcripts. If your degree is from a non-English speaking country, get a certified translation and a WES evaluation.
Standardized Test Scores
While many CPT schools waive the GRE/GMAT for experienced professionals, you will need valid English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo).
Financial Proof
Bank statements (from you or a sponsor) dated within the last 3 months showing a balance of at least $25,000 to $30,000 are mandatory for the I-20 issuance.
Passport and ID
A valid international passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay is required.
Fees and Cost Breakdown
While you can earn money in the US, the entry costs are high.
Government Fees
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee of $350 to DHS before the interview. Additionally, the DS-160 Visa Fee is $185 and is paid to the US embassy.
University Costs
Expect an application fee between $50 and $100 and a tuition deposit of $500 to $2,000 to secure your spot. Tuition is roughly $5,000 per semester, though most CPT students use their salary to pay this in installments.
Living Costs
You will need roughly $1,500 to $3,000 for your first month’s rent and deposit upon arrival.
Tips to Choose the Right Program
Navigating the US education system can be tricky. Use these tips to stay safe.
Verify Accreditation
Ensure the university is Regionally Accredited by bodies like Middle States or WASC. Avoid schools that are only nationally accredited as their degrees are less respected by employers and immigration officials.
Choose STEM Fields
Always try to choose a STEM degree because these graduates get 3 years of OPT work authorization after graduation. Non-STEM graduates only get 1 year, making STEM students much more attractive to employers.
Location is Key
If you want to work in Tech, choose a school in California or Seattle. CPT rules often require you to work somewhat near your university or travel to campus easily, so physical proximity to job hubs matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work off-campus in my first year?
On a standard F-1 visa at a traditional university, you must wait one academic year. However, if you attend a university that offers Day 1 CPT, you are legally allowed to work off-campus in your first semester provided the work is related to your degree.
Is Day 1 CPT legal?
Yes, it is legal if properly administered. The regulations allow for immediate CPT if the program requires it, but you must attend all classes and maintain a high GPA to avoid scrutiny.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, your spouse and children can come on F-2 visas. However, F-2 dependents are not allowed to work in the US under any circumstances and can only reside or study part-time.
What is the difference between CPT and OPT?
CPT is for working while you are studying, while OPT is for working after you finish your degree. You get 12 months of full-time CPT usage before it starts eating into your OPT time.
How much can I earn on CPT?
There is no salary cap. If you secure a job as a Software Engineer or Data Analyst, you can earn the standard market rate. You are taxed just like an American resident but are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes for the first 5 years.
Can I get a Green Card from a student visa?
Yes, this is a common path. While working on CPT or OPT, your employer can sponsor you for an H-1B work visa or even directly for an EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card through a dual intent strategy.
What happens if I fail my classes?
If your GPA drops below 3.0 or you fail to attend the required onsite weekends, your SEVIS record will be terminated. If this happens, you lose your work authorization immediately and must leave the US.
Conclusion
The USA visa sponsorship opportunity: Work and Study in the US is the most viable pathway for self-made professionals to enter the American market. By enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program or a structured J-1 exchange, you gain more than just a degree. Take control of your journey by targeting the right universities and using this model to fund your American Dream.