F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Has USCIS eliminated CPT?
No. CPT remains a form of employment authorization available under federal immigration regulations. Penn is reviewing which programs and placements satisfy the updated federal guidance.

Why is Penn pausing decisions?
Penn is conducting an expedited, University-wide review so that CPT decisions are consistent, appropriately documented, and aligned with current federal requirements.

Does a prior CPT approval guarantee another approval?
No. Each authorization must be evaluated for the specific curriculum, student, position, employer, and requested dates under the requirements in effect at the time of review.

I already have CPT approved from before August 24 — is it safe for me to travel internationally and renew my F-1 visa?
Your existing CPT authorization is not affected by the pause, which applies only to new and pending requests. However, ISSS cannot guarantee the outcome of any visa application or renewal. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the consular officer reviewing your case, and the SEVP guidance issued in August 2026 does not itself restrict visa issuance for students with prior CPT approval — but heightened scrutiny of the CPT pathway generally means outcomes may vary by consulate and by individual case.

If you are planning to travel internationally while on CPT, we strongly recommend that you:

• Meet with an ISSS advisor before you travel to review your documentation.
• Carry clear evidence that your CPT is degree-required, including your I-20, a letter from your academic program confirming the training’s curricular necessity, and your transcript or academic progress record.
• Consider consulting an immigration attorney, particularly given the current environment — individualized legal advice may be more relevant to your specific circumstances than general guidance.
• Understand that any international travel during this period carries some inherent uncertainty regarding re-entry, independent of your CPT status specifically.
  
  Students should weigh the timing of international travel carefully and reach out to ISSS with questions well in advance of any planned departure.

Is registering for internship credit sufficient?
No. Academic credit may be relevant, but it does not independently establish CPT eligibility.

Will Penn change its curricula?
Academic requirements are established by Penn’s schools through the University’s academic- governance processes. Schools may review their programs, but Penn cannot promise that a curricular change will be made or that any change would guarantee CPT eligibility.

What should families do?
Families can encourage students to rely on official Penn communications and to speak directly with their academic program and ISSS. Because immigration and academic circumstances vary, Penn may need to discuss case-specific information directly with the student.

Who is responsible for CPT decisions?
Academic schools determine and document curriculum and degree requirements. ISSS evaluates individual immigration eligibility and issues CPT authorization. University leadership and the Office of General Counsel provide institutional and legal oversight. Students should not rely on informal advice, social media posts, or another student’s outcome as confirmation that an opportunity will qualify.