University of California campuses review international student work programs

Several University of California campuses are reviewing or suspending off-campus employment programs for international students following a memorandum from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The memo, sent on August 12 to schools certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), warns of increased oversight regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT). ICE stated that the agency has seen an increase in institutions failing to meet federal requirements, emphasizing that CPT must be an academic requirement and cannot be used “solely for the purpose of employment.”

UC Berkeley has already suspended all CPT applications until further notice. This decision affects approximately 6,400 international students holding F-1 visas, many of whom face risks of being unable to start scheduled internships.

UC Santa Barbara is also “closely reviewing” its CPT guidance to understand the implications of the Department of Homeland Security's directive. Other institutions, such as UCLA, have reportedly taken similar actions in response to the federal guidance.