SEVP Issues New Guidance on CPT Eligibility – Changes Interpretation of “Integral Part of Established Curriculum”
August 31, 2026
Dear international students,
On August 24, 2026, the USDHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message (2608-02) providing new guidance on F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
As you may know, CPT refers to practical educational experiences such as internship, experiential learning, or cooperative education in which international students may be authorized to participate.
What does the new guidance mean?
In summary, the government’s new guidance limits F-1 student eligibility for CPT authorization to only those experiences that are required of all students in the degree program (U.S. citizens and foreign nationals) and established by a “cooperative agreement” between the school and the sponsoring/host employer or organization. The new guidance also makes authorization unavailable for experiences that are “optional”, including internships/experiences as part of Professional Practice Requirements (since the internship is one option available to complete the requirements).
What steps is MIT taking?
After consulting with campus leaders and outside experts, MIT has decided to take the following actions:
- temporarily pause all new CPT authorization requests received by/pending with the ISO as of August 24, 2026 for experiences that are not required of all students in the program to complete the degree; and
- contact all international students who have already been issued CPT authorization for the Fall 2026 to discuss options.
What’s next? What do I need to do?
We understand the frustration this may cause. If you are affected by this change, your ISO advisor will reach out to you. In the meantime, you may want to talk with your academic advisor and/or department administrator about possible impacts to your academic goals and alternative plans. In addition, please contact your ISO Advisor with any questions.
Sincerely,
David C. Elwell
Associate Dean and Director, International Students Office
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International Students Office
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building E18-Room 219 (E18-219)
(Physical Location: 50 Ames Street, 2nd Floor, Room E18-219)
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 253-3795
Fax: (617) 258-5483
Email: iso-help@mit.edu
https://iso.mit.edu
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