On August 12, 2026 and August 24, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) publised two broadcast messages that significantly narrow F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility standards.
To help you stay informed, OU ISS will continue to update this page with important information as we learn it, and we will email our students with any major news or updates.
Thank you for you patience and understanding.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for an off-campus internship or practicum that is required as an integral part of an established curriculum.
The first Broadcast Message from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) reminds all designated school officials (DSOs) of their responbilities regarding curricular practical training (CPT) authoization as well as increased program oversight concerning the proper use of CPT. SEVP has observed a rise in CPT authorization that do not meet regulatory requirements, specifically those not constituting an integral part of an established curriculum.
The second Broadcast Message from the SEVP provided further clarification on the first broadcast message stating that failure to comply with SEVP regulations may result in an institution losing certification to enroll foreign students and provided additional information on how CPT operates as an integral and required part of an educational experience.
Both Broadcast Messages can be found below in "Relevant Links".
On October 05, 2026, several groups including NAFSA: Association of International Educators filed a lawsuit against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice.
The University of Oklahoma's International Student Services has paused all CPT requests that came on or after August 24, 2026. OU ISS has been working with colleges and schools to review all majors and degrees to varify if an internship or practicum is integral and required for all students in the program to graduate.
Familiarize yourself with your academic program. Review your degree sheet with your academic department and OU ISS on whether an internship or practicum is an integral part of the established curriculum.
Learn more about other work authorization options with your International Student Advisor such as pre-completion and post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Stay informed: Follow the OU ISS website, email communications for the latest information.
A foreign student may be authorized by a DSO to participate in a CPT program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is training that is not an integral part of a student’s established curriculum. OPT is not intended to fulfill requirements of a student’s program of study and successful program completion does not require participation in OPT; it is optional. In contrast, CPT fulfills an integral element of an established curriculum and successful completion is contingent on participation in CPT.
Yes. The policy went into effect August 24, 2026. Currently, all CPT requests made on or after that date have been paused until furhter notice.
Yes. Unlike OPT, participation in CPT is not optional for any student participating in an established curriculum that the school has determined requires CPT as an integral part of the educational experience. This means that all students — foreign and American — are required to participate in practical training if they are enrolled in an established curriculum where practical training is integral.
Yes. International students must make an official request for authorization for CPT to their DSO so that the school can confirm that the student is participating in an established curriculum where practical training is integral, make a determination that the training is directly related to the student’s major area of study, and update the student’s SEVIS record to ensure that DHS can conduct proper oversight as required under federal law.
Yes. Schools should only enter into cooperative agreements with legitimate, bona fide employers who are able to provide a quality practical training experience to students.
CPT students should have access to practical training managed by an employer who has entered into a cooperative agreement with a school where it is agreed the employer will sponsor the school’s students for specific training such as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is specific to the student’s major area of study.
