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Change in CPT authorization policy & FAQs

Updated 8/31/2026
 
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). On August 24, 2026, SEVP issued a second Broadcast Message reinforcing and reiterating the contents of the first.
 
In light of these recent SEVP Broadcast Messages, at this time ISSS is only able to process 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: 
 

School of Education Programs

  • 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 

College of Arts and Sciences Programs

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

College of Communication, Media, Design, & Information

  • B.A. in Journalism – Multimedia Journalism & Broadcast Journalism tracks only 
  • B.A. in Media Studies 

College of Engineering & Applied Sciences Programs

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering – Global Engineering emphasis 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.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Broadcast Message is an official update from SEVP to schools about immigration requirements, policy guidance or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). On Aug. 12, 2026 and Aug. 24, 2026, SEVP issued Broadcast Messages providing new guidance to Designated School Officials (DSOs) about CPT.

CPT remains available to students in F-1 status when it meets federal requirements. Recent guidance from the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provides new direction on when CPT may be authorized, emphasizing that it must be a degree requirement for all students in the program, such that completion of the degree without the internship would be impossible. Eligibility depends on a student’s academic program.

Yes. Students who already have CPT authorization for Fall 2026 may continue to participate in their authorized internship or practical training. 

It depends. If your CPT request pertains to an internship that is a requirement of your degree program, it will be eligible for approval. If your CPT request is for an internship that is eligible for academic credit but is not required for degree completion, it does not meet the new requirements set forth in the recent federal guidance and cannot be approved at this time. 

No. Students should not begin off-campus practical training, whether paid or unpaid, until they have received the appropriate CPT authorization. If you have questions about your situation, contact an ISSS advisor.

 The federal guidance applies to students in F-1 status regardless of whether they are undergraduate or graduate students. However, its impact may differ depending on the requirements of a student’s degree program. Students should contact ISSS with questions about their individual circumstances.

International students with questions about CPT should contact ISSS. ISSS can provide guidance based on a student’s individual circumstances and academic program.