US immigration authorities tighten scrutiny of student work permits; warns colleges over improper CPT approvals

The US Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has warned designated school officials (DSOs) that they could face administrative or legal action for improperly authorising Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students.

The warning comes as SEVP increases scrutiny of CPT approvals that do not form an integral part of an established academic curriculum, according to a broadcast message dated August 12.

Also Read| US loses ground as study destination amid weak safety, visa perceptions: Survey


The message does not announce a new CPT eligibility rule. Instead, it reiterates existing requirements and signals closer oversight of how schools approve practical training.

SEVP said CPT can be authorised only when it is directly related to a student’s major and is required or formally recognised as part of the academic programme.

“CPT must be integral to the curriculum,” the agency said. It added that CPT cannot be authorised solely to create employment opportunities or provide work experience that is not part of the academic programme.

SEVP said it may seek documents and other evidence from DSOs to determine whether CPT is a “core and essential part” of a student’s studies and whether the student would be unable to complete the degree without it.

The agency said schools, and not the US government, define the academic requirements for their degrees. However, it warned that it would investigate institutions that “attempt to undermine or purposely bypass federal regulations or oversight.”

Why SEVP has issued the warning

The message indicates that SEVP is concerned about CPT being used to create work opportunities rather than support academic study.

DSOs were reminded that F-1 students attest under penalty of perjury that they are in the US “solely for the purpose of pursuing a full program of study.”

If SEVP suspects that a school is abusing CPT, it may subject the institution and its officials to additional scrutiny and action from SEVP and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Also Read| Harvard warns international students to plan US return before new four-year visa limit begins

Such action could include withdrawal of the school’s SEVP certification.

For students, the warning could mean that universities may examine CPT requests more closely and seek stronger evidence showing how the proposed training relates to their degree requirements.

DSOs face personal liability

When DSOs sign or re-sign Form I-20 to authorise CPT, they certify under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.

This includes confirming that the CPT is required or otherwise integral to the student’s curriculum.

SEVP said improper authorisation could expose both the institution and the individual DSO to administrative or legal consequences. These may include penalties for providing false information or misrepresenting the nature of the training.

The agency has asked DSOs to review all CPT requests and their institutions’ academic requirements across different fields of study.

They should authorise CPT only when its absence would make completing the degree impossible and when the work is required for all students pursuing that degree.

DSOs must also maintain records supporting the curricular necessity of each CPT approval and consult their SEVP field representative when they have questions about a specific case.