Dear Colleagues,

We are writing with an important update about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 international students.

CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience in their field of study through activities such as paid or unpaid internships, service practicums, cooperative education, externships, and service learning. Many programs may offer this internship option to students through two pathways: (a) an internship course offered through an academic department, or (b) an internship that is required for all students to graduate from the program.

Based on the August 24, 2026 Broadcast Message from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the Chancellor’s Office has directed all CSU campuses to temporarily suspend, until further notice, applications for Course-Credit CPT.

Course-Credit CPT applies to an internship or related experience that:

Is connected to an academic course; and
Is not a mandatory degree requirement for all students in the program.

As a result, the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) has paused processing CPT requests for students whose internships are not required for completion of their degree program. ISSS will continue to process Degree-Requirement CPT requests as usual when the internship is required for all students in the program.

Students who have already completed the CPT application process and received a CPT I-20 may participate in the opportunity specified on that document. ISSS will notify students currently participating in CPT about the SEVP communication and the potential for increased scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Students will also be advised to consult qualified immigration counsel regarding their individual circumstances.

We recognize that this temporary suspension may affect academic programs that offer internship courses, as well as international students who have worked hard to secure internship opportunities. ISSS is preparing additional communication for students and will share updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support of our international F-1 students.

Sincerely,

Rachel Camacho, Associate Vice President for Student Equity and Belonging/Senior International Officer

Magdalena L. Barrera, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Note: this message from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs is sent to all stateside employees (faculty, MPPs and staff) who are receiving this outside the regular SpartanMessenger cadence to communicate a matter compliant with California State University processes, and has been reviewed and approved by University Marketing and Communications. Any and all non-urgent and routine news to employees must still be submitted to SpartanMessenger. Non-urgent news to students may be sent through the Sammy app and/or email. Get the latest campus safety updates.

International Student and Scholar Services | Division of Student Affairs

One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192

sjsu.edu

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