Saint Peter’s University Day 1 CPT Approval Revoked, Students Affected

Key Takeaways

• SEVP revoked Saint Peter’s University’s Day 1 CPT programs for M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Data Science on February 18, 2025.
• F-1 students in these programs risk losing legal status if SEVIS records aren’t transferred to an SEVP-certified institution immediately.
• CPT work authorization is suspended; students must halt employment, find new institutions, or explore alternative immigration options promptly.

On February 18, 2025, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) officially revoked approval for the Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs offered by Saint Peter’s University (SPU) 🇺🇸. Specifically, this action targeted the university’s Professional Hybrid M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Data Science programs. This decision has left many international students uncertain and scrambling for solutions to maintain valid immigration status. For those enrolled in these programs—or considering similar programs elsewhere—it’s crucial to understand the immediate and long-term effects of this revocation.

What Happened?

The SEVP’s decision to revoke these programs was effective immediately on February 18, 2025. From that date, SPU lost eligibility to allow new enrollments or continue offering its programs to current F-1 visa holders. This affects every international student enrolled in these programs, leaving them at risk of losing their legal status because of the inability to meet F-1 visa requirements.

Key details of the SEVP action include:

• Programs affected: M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Data Science.
• Effective date: February 18, 2025.
• Scope: Both new students and those currently enrolled fall under the revocation.

This is not a minor administrative change; it alters the academic and immigration future of all impacted students.

Immediate Impacts on Students

For the many F-1 students enrolled under Saint Peter’s University’s now-revoked programs, this development raises complex challenges. Failing to take urgent steps could lead to losing their F-1 status, which is required to lawfully reside and study in the United States.

Urgency of Action

1. Immigration Status: A student’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record is directly tied to their F-1 status. However, SPU’s loss of SEVP program approval puts these records at immediate risk of termination. Without active SEVIS records, students lose the ability to legally work under CPT, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and even participate in on-campus employment opportunities.

2. Employment Authorization Halted: International students who worked under Day 1 CPT are no longer authorized to engage in work or training. Continued work becomes a violation of immigration laws, further jeopardizing their standing.

3. Academic Uncertainty: Students must urgently find an institution eligible to enroll them in a comparable program. Failing to secure admission and transfer their SEVIS records to another SEVP-certified institution could result in unlawful presence in the United States.

Required Actions for Affected Students

For those caught in this unexpected situation, the following steps are critical:

1. Find a New Institution: Students must seek immediate enrollment at another SEVP-certified school to avoid termination of their SEVIS records. Some nearby universities, including GBC, Harrisburg, and NEC, have been identified as potential transfer options. Choosing a university with Day 1 CPT opportunities could ease the transition for those seeking immediate work authorization.

2. Pause Any Work Authorization: Students employed on CPT must notify their employers and halt all work to remain compliant with U.S. immigration law. Delayed action could lead to violations, complicating future stays in the U.S.

3. Communicate for Guidance: SPU has reportedly urged students to reach out directly for advice regarding transferring and maintaining compliance with immigration rules.

Time is of the essence for these students. Taking quick, informed steps is required to prevent interruptions in their status or progress toward degree completion.

The Role of Day 1 CPT

Day 1 CPT programs allow some international students to begin authorized employment from their first semester of enrollment, unlike traditional CPT, which requires a student to complete a full academic year before becoming eligible. This employment benefit has made Day 1 CPT programs particularly appealing to those looking to complement their education with real-world training. However, such programs have increasingly attracted scrutiny from immigration authorities.

At Saint Peter’s University 🇺🇸 prior to this revocation, Day 1 CPT was implemented as follows:

• Programs included: Professional Hybrid M.S. in Business Analytics (STEM-designated) and M.S. in Data Science (STEM-designated).
• Eligibility: Students were approved for CPT from their first semester if they met university requirements.
• Program tuition and duration: The programs cost $25,000–$28,000, spanning two to 2.5 years.
• Commitment: Students were required to visit the campus on-site at least once every semester.
• Accreditation: SPU’s programs held accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

These programs were highly regarded for the flexibility and professional opportunities they provided, drawing a significant number of international students.

Key Implications of Program Revocation

While finding a new academic institution is often the first solution, the implications of this revocation extend far deeper for the affected students:

1. Disruption to Academics: Transferring to another school often means delays in degree completion. Since not all universities accept prior coursework, students may face the additional burden of retaking specific classes or adjusting to entirely new academic structures.

2. Financial Losses: Many students have already invested substantial sums—not only tuition but also related living and travel costs. Whether refunds of unused tuition will be provided remains unclear.

3. Employment Interruptions: Students who leveraged the Day 1 CPT benefit to secure jobs must cease working until they successfully reauthorize employment. Employers are likely to face similar challenges, creating tension for both parties.

4. Uncertainty Over Status: Current or pending immigration applications connected to students’ studies through SPU could now face delays or rejection, potentially unraveling years of academic or career planning.

5. Need for Rapid Relocation: Depending on transfer requirements, students may be forced to move to a new area entirely, incurring costs for housing and associated relocations.

Broader Implications for Day 1 CPT Programs

The revocation of Saint Peter’s University’s programs points to a larger trend of increased oversight into Day 1 CPT eligibility. VisaVerge.com reported earlier scrutiny of similar programs at other universities, signaling long-term concerns from U.S. authorities regarding compliance. This case could have a ripple effect for universities and international students nationwide.

Looking ahead, universities known for offering Day 1 CPT may face:

• Tightened regulatory audits: Officials may review SEVP-certified schools to ensure compliance with F-1 visa regulations.
• Stricter program eligibility rules: Federal agencies may pursue additional restrictions to limit Day 1 CPT eligibility, narrowing pathways to employment-focused programs.

Alternatives for Students Moving Forward

For students impacted by SPU’s program revocations, here are alternatives worth considering:

1. Enroll at Another SEVP-Certified Institution: Research and transition to schools offering CPT or OPT-compatible programs that align with current academic and career goals.

2. Explore Educational Level Changes: Some students may opt to apply for a Ph.D. program or an alternative degree level to maintain legal status.

3. Change Immigration Status: Students could explore switching to another visa type, like H-4 (if a dependent), or move to a different non-immigrant status while adjusting plans.

4. Re-enter the U.S.: For students who return to their home country, obtaining a new I-20 from another institution would allow them to re-enter and resume studies under legal status.

Conclusion

The decision to revoke Saint Peter’s University’s Day 1 CPT programs has put the spotlight on compliance issues in international education. Effective immediately on February 18, 2025, students must take urgent steps to maintain their lawful presence. While this case demonstrates the precarious nature of immigration approvals, it also emphasizes the importance of researching program accreditation and long-term stability when choosing an institution.

Students from the affected programs must act quickly to transfer to a certified school, pause employment activities, or explore alternatives to safeguard their future. At the same time, universities offering Day 1 CPT must anticipate increased federal scrutiny and consider adjusting their program structures to ensure ongoing compliance. Those pursuing higher education in the U.S. should remain adaptable and informed while navigating these shifting regulations.

For official details on CPT and related F-1 policies, visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s website.

Learn Today

SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) → A U.S. government program managing F-1 and M-1 visas for international students and their schools.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) → A work authorization for F-1 visa students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study.
F-1 Visa → A non-immigrant visa for international students pursuing academic studies or language training in the United States.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) → A database used by U.S. authorities to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors.
Day 1 CPT → A program allowing F-1 students to work in their field of study starting their first semester.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saint Peter’s University’s Day 1 CPT programs were revoked on February 18, 2025, leaving international students scrambling to maintain F-1 status. This action highlights rising scrutiny on immigration-compliant programs. Students must urgently transfer to SEVP-certified schools, pause employment, or explore alternative visas to avoid legal issues. Proactive action is imperative.
— By VisaVerge.com

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