Washington – The Trump administration has issued a new memo that tightens the rules governing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for international students. The memo, dated August 24, warns that schools that fail to follow the updated regulations could lose their certification to enroll foreign students.
Federal guidance targets CPT abuse
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which operates under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says it has observed a rise in CPT authorizations that appear to violate the requirement that the training be an integral part of an established curriculum. The agency stresses that CPT is intended only for coursework that directly supports a degree program, not as a general work‑experience loophole.
University responses
In response, the University of California, Los Angeles announced it is pausing certain CPT authorizations while it reviews the new guidance. A UCLA spokesperson said the university is “reviewing recent federal guidance and determining next steps” before resuming processing.
UC Berkeley’s international office described the memo as “more narrow in focus, more direct, and includes content that is more restrictive in nature.” The campus has extended its pause on many CPT applications for the “foreseeable future,” though it will continue to process CPT that is a direct degree requirement and will resume processing CPT tied to doctoral dissertations and master’s theses.
Schools plan to adapt
Both campuses said they will consult legal experts to develop new processes that align with the updated federal requirements. The pause affects only certain categories of CPT; programs that are essential to completing a degree will still be approved.
Broader context of the administration’s higher‑education agenda
The memo arrives amid a broader push by the Trump administration to increase oversight of universities. Recent actions have included investigations into campus protests supporting Palestinians, diversity initiatives, admissions practices, climate programs, and transgender policies. Rights groups have raised concerns about free‑speech and due‑process protections at colleges.
Separately, the Justice Department has alleged that the George Washington University School of Medicine engaged in biased admissions favoring Black and Hispanic applicants. The university disputed the findings, stating its policies comply with the law.
Impact on students and institutions
International students rely on CPT to gain practical experience related to their studies. The new restrictions could limit opportunities for those whose programs previously used CPT for internships, research projects, or fieldwork. Universities are urged to communicate clearly with affected students and to explore alternative pathways, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), where appropriate.
While the administration frames the memo as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the U.S. student‑exchange system, critics argue it adds another layer of federal control over campus affairs. The coming weeks will reveal how many institutions adjust their processes and whether additional schools follow UCLA and UC Berkeley’s lead.
What’s next?
SEVP has indicated it will monitor compliance closely and may take further action against schools that do not align with the new CPT standards. Students and university officials are advised to stay informed about the evolving requirements and to seek guidance from their international‑student offices.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
