Change in CPT Authorization Policy

On August 12, 2026, the federal government, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), issued a Broadcast Message “Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization” limiting when an international student in F-1 status may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

 

In light of this recent SEVP Broadcast Message, ISSS is only able to process at this time CPT requests for students enrolled in programs of study in which practical training is required for completion of the student’s degree or major (not minor), as specified in the university catalog. The internships of students in F-1 status who have already received ISSS authorization for CPT for the Fall 2026 semester will not be impacted. The programs which SEVP has on record as having a practical experience required for degree completion are the following: 

 

B.A. in Elementary Education 
M.A. in Education – Curriculum & Instruction + Teacher Licensure & Higher Education Master of Music Education with K-12 Teaching Certification 
Middle School Teacher, Music Education, or Secondary Teacher Licensure Program 

 

Master of the Environment 

B.A. in Dance  

B.A. & B.F.A. in Theatre Doctor of Audiology 
M.A. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Science – Professional Certification focus 
Certificate Program - Speech Language Pathology Assistant 

B.A. in Journalism – Multimedia Journalism & Broadcast Journalism tracks only 

B.A. in Media Studies 

Ph.D. in Psychology – Clinical Psychology subplan only 
M.S. in Museum & Field Studies 

Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering – Global Engineering emphasis only 
Ph.D. in Psychology – Clinical Psychology subplan only 
Professional M.S. in Creative Technology & Design – Social Impact track  

M.S. in Environmental Engineering – Global Engineering emphasis only 
Professional M.S. in Civil Engineering – Global Engineering emphasis only 

 

If SEVP releases additional guidance which allows for the authorization of CPT in additional situations, or there is an applicable court order that allows the same, ISSS can expand for whom we can authorize CPT.  

 

International students in F-1 status should not enroll in an internship course and likewise not submit CPT requests to ISSS unless they are currently studying in the programs listed above. 

We understand that this news may be disappointing. However, it is important that CU Boulder follows all U.S. immigration policies to help support and protect our visa holders while also ensuring the university remains in compliance. Please email ISSS with any questions.