US universities challenge new CPT restrictions for international students

Universities and higher education institutions in the US have challenged the new restrictions on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students, arguing that the policy was introduced abruptly and changes how schools previously interpreted CPT eligibility.

In August, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is part of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), issued two broad messages to schools, outlining a narrower interpretation of the requirements for F-1 students seeking CPT, according to Yale University's Office of International Students & Scholars.

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Under the new interpretation, Designated School Officials can authorise CPT for an internship or other practical training only when it is required for all students in the degree programme to complete their degree.

The interpretation is narrower than the guidance universities had previously relied on to approve CPT.

Yale said its Office of International Students & Scholars has followed the new interpretation since August 24. It is now processing CPT requests only when the practical training is an integral part of an established curriculum and is required for all students in the programme to complete their degree.

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The university has also been working with individual schools and programmes to ensure they are revising their programmes to meet the new requirements.

The policy has now been challenged in court. On October 5, the Association of American Universities, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

The groups are objecting to the government's implementation of the SEVP broadcast messages.

Yale said it is monitoring the litigation and will provide updates as the case progresses.

Yale has recommended everyone who has a pending CPT request or is considering practical training to meet with their assigned international student adviser prior to beginning work.

Students are not allowed to report for CPT until authorized and updated Form I-20 has been issued.