SEVP issues stricter internship rules for international students

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), under the Department of Homeland Security, has issued new guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students. The federal memo signals a stricter interpretation of existing regulations, specifically targeting the requirement that training must be an “integral part of an established curriculum.”

Under this new interpretation, universities may only authorize off-campus internships if the credit is absolutely necessary for graduation and required for all students within a specific major. Previously, the term “integral” was interpreted more broadly to include programs deemed important to a degree but not strictly mandatory for graduation.

In response to the warning, institutions such as MIT have temporarily paused pending CPT authorization requests and are reviewing current authorizations. Other institutions, including Luther College, report that the change impacts students relying on these internships for experiential learning, graduate school applications, and future employment opportunities. The SEVP has warned that failure to comply with these regulations may result in an institution losing its certification to enroll foreign students.