The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has sharply restricted when international students in F-1 status may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in the United States. On August 12, 2026, SEVP issued a Broadcast Message titled "Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization," and on August 24, 2026, a second Broadcast Message reinforced and reiterated its contents. The University of Colorado Boulder confirmed the change in a policy notice updated on August 31, 2026.

Under the new federal direction, Designated School Officials (DSOs) may authorize CPT only when the practical training is a degree requirement for all students in the program — such that completing the degree without the internship would be impossible. Internships that are merely eligible for academic credit, but not required for degree completion, no longer qualify.

What CU Boulder changed

In light of the two Broadcast Messages, CU Boulder's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office states it can process CPT requests only 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 university lists the programs SEVP has on record as having practical experience required for degree completion:

School of Education

• 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

• 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

• 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

ISSS instructs students in F-1 status not to enroll in an internship course and not to submit CPT requests unless they are studying in one of the listed programs.

Who is affected

The federal guidance applies to all students in F-1 status, whether undergraduate or graduate. Its impact differs depending on each degree program's requirements. The university notes that the new policy follows a stricter reading of existing rules: the August 12 message reminds DSOs of their liability regarding CPT authorization, and the August 24 message reiterates the same points.

Who is not affected

Students in F-1 status who already received ISSS authorization for CPT for the Fall 2026 semester will not be impacted. They may continue to participate in their authorized internship or practical training.

Requests pending review follow a split outcome. If the internship is a requirement of the degree program, the request remains eligible for approval. If the internship is eligible for academic credit but not required for degree completion, it does not meet the new requirements and cannot be approved at this time.

Key rules for students

CU Boulder emphasizes one point without exception: students should not begin off-campus practical training, whether paid or unpaid, until they have received the appropriate CPT authorization.

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). Both the August 12 and August 24 messages provide new guidance to DSOs about CPT.

Possible expansion

ISSS states it can expand authorization to additional situations if SEVP releases guidance permitting CPT beyond the current limits, or if an applicable court order allows the same. The university adds that it must follow all U.S. immigration policies to support and protect its visa holders while keeping the institution in compliance.

Students with questions should contact their institution's international student office. At CU Boulder, ISSS advises students to email [email protected] for guidance based on individual circumstances and academic programs.

The SEVP Broadcast Messages are available on the ICE website: the August 12, 2026 message (BCM260801) and the August 24, 2026 message (BCM260802). Students and school officials should monitor SEVP announcements for any further guidance affecting CPT eligibility.