CPT restriction for international students: Universities challenge new ICE policy, says it was announced abruptly

CPT crackdown has been legally challenged by universities in the US.

International students in the US were suddenly told by their colleges in August that they would no longer be allowed to do Curricular Practical Training as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent messages to colleges that if practical training is a must for the course, then American students should also do it — otherwise there should be no room for practical training only for international students. Colleges and universities issued notices immediately to this effect which practically stopped CPT.Now, the Association of American Universities, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts challenged the ICE memo and said colleges and universities were not given adequate time to respond.

Abrupt changes; international students come to US for internships

Prompted by the ICE memos, colleges and universities across the US paused or halted CPT authorizations. The lawsuit said that CPT has been a hallmark of US education, as it offers hands-on training to international students. “Changing how CPT is administered through broadcast messages, without formal rulemaking, is an aberration that must be challenged,” said NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Fanta Aw. “These abrupt changes have placed Designated School Officials—the professionals responsible for advising international students and ensuring institutional compliance—in an untenable position, forcing them to navigate significant new restrictions and uncertainty without the clarity and due process that formal rulemaking provides. Hands-on, experiential learning is a hallmark of a U.S. education, and restricting access to it in this way is already disrupting opportunities for international students. The consequences extend well beyond individual students and campuses. Driving away international student talent will have long-term consequences for U.S. research, innovation, workforce development, and global competitiveness.”

Here’s what happened to CPT in August 2026

CPT is an internship program only for F-1 students. Unlike OPT, CPT is authorized by the school’s DSO (Designated School Official) in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and does not require an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. The administration saw this as a backdoor for F-1 students to gain entry to the job market.On August 12, ICE said that CPTs could be authorized only if the training is integral ro the course and in that case, all students should do that — not only international students.On August 24, another message followed that said CPT can’t be optional. If it’s optional, then there is already a program for it — OPT.Only a lawsuit has been filed and no order has been passed. But the outcome will decide whether elective, for-credit internships reemain available to international students.