A federal memo issued on August 24 warns colleges that many Curricular Practical Training authorisations may no longer meet the required standards. The Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says it has noticed a rise in CPT approvals that do not appear to form an integral part of an established academic curriculum.
Universities that ignore the rules could lose their ability to enrol foreign students. The warning has already led several campuses to halt certain work authorisation requests. UCLA announced it has paused some CPT applications while it reviews the new guidance. UC Berkeley called the latest memo more focused, more direct, and more restrictive than previous instructions. The university has extended its pause for the foreseeable future, though it continues to process degree-required CPT and selected research authorisations linked to doctoral and master’s work.
The Department of Homeland Security stressed that the actual regulations have not changed. Officials said schools and employers should treat the message as a clear warning that misuse of the programme will not be accepted under the current administration.
This action fits into a larger campaign by the Trump administration against universities. The government has launched investigations and threatened funding cuts over campus protests, diversity programmes, climate initiatives, and related policies. Rights groups have voiced concern that the new limits could restrict academic freedom and due process for international students.
In a related move, the Justice Department claimed that admissions practices at George Washington University’s medical school favoured Black and Hispanic applicants. The university rejected the findings and insisted its policies follow the law. Similar claims have been made against other institutions as the administration continues its focus on diversity efforts.
Many international students now face uncertainty about future practical training opportunities. Campus offices are consulting lawyers to create new procedures that satisfy the stricter federal expectations. For students who depend on CPT to gain work experience while completing their degrees, the sudden restrictions create significant new barriers.
