A August 24 memo from SEVP/ICE tightens restrictions on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students and warns universities that noncompliance could jeopardize their ability to enroll foreign students.

The guidance notes a rise in CPT approvals that don’t meet regulatory requirements and states CPT should be an integral part of the curriculum and required for all students, not elective.

Universities that fail to comply with SEVP regulations risk losing their certification to enroll foreign students.

DHS/ICE emphasizes regulations haven’t changed, but enforcement will target abuse of the CPT system, keeping institutions and employers on notice.

The CPT changes come ahead of broader F-1 rule changes expected to take effect mid-September, including possible shifts like fixed four-year stays and required extensions for remaining students.

Universities such as UCLA and UC Berkeley paused or narrowed CPT processing to review guidance and adjust procedures, focusing on degree-requirement CPT and related research CPT for now.

Other major universities are also reviewing work authorization processes to ensure compliance with revised guidance.

The move fits a broader administration pattern of scrutinizing universities over protests, diversity programs, climate initiatives, and transgender policies, amid concerns about free speech and due process.

Context notes that the administration’s actions toward universities and international students occur within wider policy debates and funding tensions.

DOJ actions alleging biased admissions at some institutions accompany broader measures affecting campus governance and compliance.

The memo stresses CPT must be an integral, mandatory part of the curriculum, reinforcing existing rules rather than creating new ones.

As a result of the guidance, universities are re-evaluating CPT categories to ensure alignment with requirements and to avoid jeopardizing certification to enroll international students.