Federal government restricts internship opportunities for international students through CPT changes

A recent federal policy change, stemming from an August 24 memo by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), is limiting internship opportunities for international students. Universities across the country have begun declining Curricular Practical Training (CPT) applications, particularly for zero-credit internship courses that previously allowed international students to gain work experience not strictly required for their major. This change is seen as disadvantaging international students by hindering their ability to apply classroom learning in real-world settings and potentially reducing the appeal of U.S. universities for international enrollment.