This message was originally sent to students by email on August 31, 2026.
Dear International Huskies,
I am reaching out with some important immigration changes for international students on F-1 visas regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Unfortunately, the ISSS cannot authorize CPT at this time unless the internship is required for all students in the degree program. The ISSS received two emails from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on 8/12/26 and on 8/24/26 defining how and when schools are allowed to authorize CPT. These emails detail that CPT can only be authorized when the internship is required for all students in an academic program/major. Further they instruct schools that enrollment in an elective internship course does not qualify students for CPT.
The University is working to evaluate which of the many different scenarios in which students will engage in an internship are eligible for CPT. We are not processing CPT applications for now, unless it is a required internship or practicum and students and advisors can point us to where this requirement is published. Students can submit the CPT application through the ISSS portal but we can’t guarantee approval. The new guidance states that we can only authorize CPT if it’s an integral part of an established curriculum and the internship is required for all students participating in the academic program regardless of citizenship.
Here’s are the SEVP memos we received:
- August 12, 2026 – Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization
- August 24, 2026 – Guidance for Designated School Officials regarding Curricular Practical Training
The timing of these messages is challenging and we recognize that this creates unexpected change in plans and hardship for students who were planning to engage in an internship this fall. We will continue to share information with students as we learn more.
Best regards,
___________
Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)
(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)