Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
August 25, 2026 Update
On August 12, and again on August 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent out communications to international student advisers nationwide regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which has for years provided international undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to gain professional, degree-relevant experience working off campus for U.S. employers while earning academic credit.
These communications stated that, going forward, CPT may only be approved for students if an off-campus internship:
- Is required for all students in the degree program, and
- The degree cannot be completed without it, as indicated in the program's bulletin.
Since students in the College of Engineering are not required to complete internships as a condition of graduation, unfortunately this change means that our students are no longer eligible for CPT. Students may still complete on-campus research positions, on-campus non-professional positions (e.g., dining commons), and short-term work experiences outside of the U.S., as these options do not require CPT.
PLEASE NOTE: International students with approved summer 2026 CPT who are currently finishing up their summer internships may do so; also, students who had CPT approved prior to August 12 for a fall 2026 internship may still complete their internship.
