Archive · 2 Oct 2026
New US CPT Rules Narrow International Students’ Internship Options
Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, lets some international students work or intern while studying in the United States.
New federal guidance says the work must be a required and important part of the student’s degree program.
An internship that is merely optional may no longer qualify.
The University of Rochester has paused most new CPT approvals while it studies the guidance.
Cornell University has reviewed pending applications and contacted students who may be affected.
Both universities say students should ask their international offices for help before working off campus.
Federal officials say they are checking CPT more closely because some approvals may not follow the rules.
Schools and their officials could face serious consequences if they approve CPT improperly.
The University of Rochester has paused most new Curricular Practical Training approvals while reviewing stricter federal guidance.
Cornell University says CPT will generally require curriculum integration, degree-wide necessity and a formal employer agreement.
Optional internships, practica and clinical experiences may no longer qualify unless they are required for degree completion.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program cited increased oversight after identifying CPT approvals that may not meet regulatory requirements.
Students are being advised to consult their designated school officials before beginning or changing off-campus work.
- Who
- International students, the University of Rochester, Cornell University, designated school officials and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program are involved.
- What
- Federal guidance is narrowing eligibility for Curricular Practical Training, leading universities to pause or restrict approvals for many internships and other work experiences.
- When
- The changes follow Student and Exchange Visitor Program messages issued in August and affect the fall 2026 planning period described by the University of Rochester.
- Where
- The changes apply to international students studying at approved schools in the United States, including the University of Rochester and Cornell University.
- Why
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Program said it found an increase in CPT authorizations that may not be integral to an established curriculum and is increasing oversight.
Federal Oversight and Compliance
Student Access and University Flexibility
Reason for tighter rules
Federal Oversight and Compliance
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program says some CPT authorizations were not an integral part of an established curriculum and that increased oversight is needed to enforce regulatory requirements.
Student Access and University Flexibility
Universities and affected students must manage the disruption caused by narrower eligibility, including paused approvals and changes to planned internships.
Optional internships
Federal Oversight and Compliance
Federal guidance indicates that CPT should not be used solely to create employment opportunities or support experiences that are not required or formally recognized in an academic program.
Student Access and University Flexibility
The University of Rochester and Cornell University acknowledge that students with optional internships, practica or clinical experiences may lose access to previously anticipated work opportunities.
Future program design
Federal Oversight and Compliance
Designated school officials are being told to authorize CPT only when it is essential for degree completion and to maintain detailed records.
Student Access and University Flexibility
Cornell University says colleges and departments are exploring new internship options and may add required experiential learning components to degree programs.
- Program
- Curricular Practical Training allows qualifying international students to undertake work-study or internships through agreements between an employer and a school.
- New eligibility standard
- Training generally must be integral to an established curriculum and required for students to complete their degree.
- University of Rochester
- The university has paused new CPT approvals except for training confirmed as a degree requirement.
- Cornell University
- Cornell says qualifying work must be curriculum-embedded, required of all students for degree completion and supported by a formal employer agreement.
- Student requirements
- Students generally must have completed one full academic year and be lawfully enrolled full-time at an approved school.
- Work authorization
- CPT requires authorization from a designated school official; students do not need a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services application or Employment Authorization Document.
- Compliance risk
- Schools could face action affecting their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, while officials may face personal responsibility for improper certifications.