US Universities Pause CPT for International Students After Trump Warning

The University of California, Los Angeles, has paused certain Curricular Practical Training authorizations while it reviews the Aug. 24 memo from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a university spokesperson said. The University of California, Berkeley, extended its pause on some CPT approvals for the foreseeable future, though it will continue processing applications tied directly to degree requirements and to doctoral dissertation or master's thesis research.

The memo, issued by SEVP under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said federal officials have observed a rise in CPT authorizations that appear to violate regulatory requirements. CPT permits F-1 students to work off campus in internships or practical training that is directly connected to their academic program and recognized as part of the curriculum.

Berkeley's international office described the memo as more narrow in focus, more direct, and more restrictive in nature. The office said it plans to consult legal experts as it develops procedures to comply with the administration's requirements.

The Department of Homeland Security said the underlying CPT regulations have not changed, but warned that the Trump administration would take a tougher approach toward misuse of the system. "Under President Trump, abuse of this generous system will no longer be tolerated," the department said in a statement.

The new guidance follows another federal memo issued earlier in August and adds to uncertainty for universities managing employment programs for international students. The administration has also opened investigations into universities over campus protests, diversity programs, and other issues, and this week the Justice Department accused George Washington University's medical school of admissions practices that favored Black and Hispanic applicants, a charge the university denied.