USARules changed
Internships for international students in the US just got harder: stricter test for course work placements
Covers the week of 31 August 2026 · published 10 September 2026
Updated 11 October 2026.
This article covers the week shown above. Rules may have changed since then, so check the linked source below before applying, paying or relying on a deadline.
In notices dated 12 and 24 August 2026, the US office that oversees international students (SEVP) told universities to apply a stricter test to curricular practical training (CPT), the work placements F-1 students take as part of their course. It says a placement only qualifies when every student on that course must do one, foreign or American. An optional placement, or one in an elective course, does not qualify, and a school that approves CPT wrongly risks losing the right to enrol international students.
Official source: Broadcast Message: Guidance for Designated School Officials regarding Curricular Practical Training
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