International students studying in the United States could face greater restrictions when seeking permission for off-campus internships following new federal guidance concerning Curricular Practical Training, commonly known as CPT.The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, operating under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has warned universities that CPT may only be authorized when the training is an integral part of an established academic curriculum.
Federal authorities said they had observed an increase in CPT approvals that appeared inconsistent with existing regulatory requirements. Educational institutions failing to comply could risk losing their certification to enrol international students.
Some universities, including UCLA and the University of California, Berkeley, have temporarily paused certain CPT authorizations while reviewing the guidance. UC Berkeley said it would continue processing training required for degree completion, along with qualifying doctoral-dissertation and master’s-thesis research placements.
The development could affect Indian students on F-1 visas who rely on CPT to obtain practical experience while completing their studies. Optional internships that are not clearly connected to curriculum or degree requirements could face greater scrutiny.
The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that the underlying CPT regulations have not been changed. The latest action represents stricter interpretation and enforcement of existing rules rather than the creation of an entirely new internship law.
Students should obtain authorization from their university’s designated school official before beginning any CPT employment. Working without proper approval could affect their immigration status and future eligibility for other employment benefits
