Updated SEVP Guidance on Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

September 8, 2026

On August 12 and August 24, 2026, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued updated guidance narrowing how universities may authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The guidance was issued through the following SEVP Broadcast Messages:

What's Changing

SEVP now interprets CPT eligibility more narrowly. Academic credit or course enrollment alone no longer establishes eligibility. Practical training must be a required component of the established curriculum, required of all students in that curriculum, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, and completion of the degree must depend on satisfying that requirement.

This means:

An internship or research course offered as an elective does not qualify, even if it satisfies a degree requirement.
If a student could complete the degree through another course or option that doesn't involve practical training, CPT is not authorized.
A department's past approval of CPT for similar students does not establish continued eligibility under this guidance.

What VIS Is Doing

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) has revised its CPT eligibility criteria and review procedures to align with this guidance. VIS has communicated with students and academic departments about this change. VIS will independently evaluate each CPT request against the student's established curriculum, and may request additional documentation from the academic department when the published curriculum does not clearly establish the practical training requirement.

View Updated CPT Policy

What This Means for You

If you are planning to request CPT, work with your academic department early to confirm that your practical training is a required, not elective, part of your curriculum. Your department will need to certify this as part of your CPT request.