Archive · 27 Aug 2026
US Tightens Scrutiny of F-1 Student CPT Work Rules
The United States is checking more carefully how international students receive permission to work during their studies.
This permission is called Curricular Practical Training, or CPT.
Officials said CPT must be an important and genuine part of a student’s academic program.
It cannot be approved just to help a student find a job.
Universities may need to show documents explaining why the training is needed for the student’s degree.
UC Berkeley and UC Davis temporarily stopped accepting some applications for CPT offered for course credit.
They will continue processing training that is formally required by a degree program.
Students may now experience more questions, paperwork, or delays when applying.
SEVP warned universities against improperly authorizing Curricular Practical Training for F-1 students.
The warning reiterates existing federal requirements rather than creating a new CPT eligibility rule.
UC Berkeley paused Course Credit CPT applications while continuing Degree-Requirement CPT processing.
UC Davis suspended Course Credit CPT applications until further notice but preserved already issued CPT approvals.
Students may face more documentation requests, delays, and closer reviews of training’s academic connection.
- Who
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, university officials, Designated School Officials, and F-1 international students.
- What
- SEVP reiterated federal CPT requirements and warned that improper authorizations could lead to investigations or other consequences.
- When
- SEVP issued its broadcast message on August 12; UC Davis announced its suspension on August 19.
- Where
- The United States, including the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Davis.
- Why
- To ensure that CPT is genuinely connected to students’ academic programs and to prevent authorization primarily for employment opportunities.
SEVP and ICE
Universities and Students
CPT eligibility
SEVP and ICE
Training should be authorized only when it is an integral, academically necessary part of the student’s established program and not simply a route to employment.
Universities and Students
Universities must determine their own academic requirements, but they are reviewing whether course-credit training meets the federal standard.
Response to the guidance
SEVP and ICE
SEVP expects Designated School Officials to maintain supporting records, review requests carefully, and consult field representatives when uncertain.
Universities and Students
UC Berkeley and UC Davis paused Course Credit CPT applications while consulting legal counsel and assessing the guidance.
Effect on students
SEVP and ICE
Closer oversight is intended to protect compliance with immigration rules and ensure students are primarily pursuing full-time study.
Universities and Students
Students may face additional documentation, delays, or restrictions, while universities say their precautions are intended to reduce risks to immigration status and preserve their ability to host international students.
- Program
- Curricular Practical Training allows eligible F-1 students to undertake practical training connected to their studies.
- SEVP position
- CPT must be integral to the curriculum, directly related to the student’s major, and required or formally recognized by the academic program.
- August 12 message
- SEVP reiterated existing federal requirements and signaled closer examination of CPT approvals.
- UC Berkeley
- Temporarily stopped accepting Course Credit CPT applications and continued processing Degree-Requirement CPT.
- UC Davis
- Suspended Course Credit CPT applications until further notice while continuing Degree-Requirement CPT processing.
- Already approved applications
- UC Davis said students who had received a CPT I-20 before the suspension would not be affected.
- Potential consequences
- Improper authorizations could expose Designated School Officials and institutions to administrative or legal action, including possible loss of SEVP certification for an institution.