Trump Administration Tightens Internship Rules for International Students
President Donald Trump’s administration issued a memo Aug. 24 ordering universities to enforce stricter Curricular Practical Training (CPT) rules for foreign students, warning that non‑compliance could trigger revocation of each school’s SEVP certification.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program said the guidance targets CPT authorizations that appear to violate the regulation requiring the training to be an integral part of an established curriculum.
“Failure to comply with SEVP regulations may result in an institution losing certification to enroll foreign students,” the memo warned.
UCLA has paused certain CPT applications while it reviews the new directives, a university spokesperson confirmed.
Berkeley’s international office called the memo “more narrow in focus, more direct, and includes content that is more restrictive in nature,” adding that it will limit processing of specific work‑authorization applications in the near term.
Berkeley will continue processing “degree‑requirement” CPT and resume “Doctoral Dissertation and Master’s Thesis Research CPT,” the office said, while it consults legal experts to align its procedures with the federal requirements.
DHS, ICE’s parent agency, stressed that the underlying regulations have not changed, but warned schools and employers that “abuse of this generous system will no longer be tolerated” under President Trump.
CPT permits eligible international students to intern when the work is integral to their academic program, a condition the memo reiterates.
Broader Visa Changes
In July, DHS ended the “duration of status” policy, capping most F, J and I visa stays at four years and requiring extensions through USCIS that involve background checks and fraud reviews; the post‑study grace period was cut from 60 to 30 days.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the outdated system “has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” and that the new limits will let the United States “reclaim its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders.”
A coalition of unions and advocacy groups is challenging the rule in court, arguing that it makes the United States less competitive for international talent.
ICE Finds Irregularities in Optional Practical Training
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said investigations uncovered more than 10,000 foreign students claiming employment with “highly suspect” employers, with site visits revealing empty buildings, locked doors and phantom employees who never reported to work.
Reuters contributed to this report.
