Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Changes – UPDATED 10/05/2026
- October 5th, 2026
- in Capstone International Services
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Changes – Effective 08/31/2026 (UPDATED 10/05/2026)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently issued two Broadcast Messages to SEVP-certified schools regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations.
The Broadcast Messages (BCM Numbers: 2608-01 and 2608-02) direct institutions to review their CPT processes and policies, and the Messages clarify that SEVP only considers valid CPT engagement to be that which is an integral part of an established curriculum. Regulatory Citation: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).
According to this new SEVP guidance, International Student Advisors should authorize CPT “only when the training is an integral part of an established curriculum and is directly related to the student’s major area of study.” The SEVP directive provides further clarification regarding CPT eligibility:
- CPT must be a core and essential part of a student’s established curriculum, without which, they would be unable to complete the degree.
- CPT cannot be authorized solely for the purpose of employment or for experiences that are not required or otherwise formally recognized as part of the academic program.
- CPT cannot be authorized if it is only required as part of an elective course. The CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum, and the practical training must be required for all students participating in that curriculum, regardless of citizenship.
- CPT authorization must be granted only where its absence would make the attainment of the degree an impossibility and the experiential learning associated with the CPT is required for all students pursuing this degree, regardless of citizenship.
Moving forward, International Student & Scholar Services will require academic departments to respond to additional questions when submitting a CPT recommendation for an F-1 international student, including:
- Will the student be able to earn this UA degree without engaging in the CPT experience?
- Is the academic basis for the CPT experience required of all students enrolled in the degree program or the degree program track?
- For thesis-track Master’s and Doctoral students, is the CPT experience required to complete the thesis or dissertation?
If the experience and engagement in CPT is required for the degree, this must be evidenced within the respective academic catalog.
More stringent CPT eligibility review will begin immediately.
The CPT Application Packet and CPT section of the student employment page have been updated to reflect these additional requirements.
The content of this message has been excerpted from SEVP Broadcast Message 2608-01, August 12, 2026 – Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization and SEVP Broadcast Message 2608-02, August 24, 2026 – Guidance for Designated School Officials Regarding Curricular Practical Training.
PRE-COMPLETION OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) – ALTERNATIVE TO CPT
An alternative to CPT, for work experiences that are related to a degree program but not required for the degree, is Pre-Completion OPT.
The process of applying for Pre-Completion OPT is similar to the standard OPT application process, but it takes time and will require filing fees. Students who wish to explore Pre-Completion OPT should book a OPT advising appointment to discuss this with an International Student Advisor.
CPT GUIDANCE – LEGAL CHALLENGES (UPDATED 10/05/2026)
On October 5, 2026, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Indpendent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), and the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration filed a lawsuit seeking to restore prior framework for Curricular Practical Training in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
- Read the Press Statement
- Read the Complaint