Turkish students in the U.S. Attention: CPT applications halted!

UC Berkeley, one of the United States' leading universities in the state of California, has temporarily suspended applications for Course Credit Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows international students in F‑1 status to undertake paid internships in exchange for course credit. The Berkeley International Office announced that the program is currently unavailable due to new guidance issued by ICE.

Warning from ICE to Universities!

Behind the decision is guidance sent to universities on 12 August 2026 by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency emphasized that CPT must be an integral and inseparable part of a student's educational program, and that permits failing to meet these conditions will be scrutinized more closely.

Personal Liability Warning to Officials

ICE's message noted that school officials who grant CPT approvals in violation of the rules could face legal liability. It also warned institutions that CPT permits that do not comply with federal regulations could jeopardize the universities' SEVP certification that allows them to accept F‑1 students.

What Is Course Credit CPT?

CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F‑1 students to gain work experience related to their field during their studies. At Berkeley, under the Course Credit CPT program, students could earn academic credit in exchange for internships or practical work. However, the university announced that, as of August 12, 2026, new applications in this category will no longer be approved.

Awaiting Comments from Legal Counsel

Berkeley International Office reached out to legal advisors following ICE's guidance. The office said that new applications would not be processed until they receive a review from legal counsel. The university also acknowledged that the decision could affect international students' education and career planning.

Outside the Scope of Previously Approved Applications

The suspension decision does not cover Course Credit CPT applications that had already been fully processed. Berkeley International Office announced that students who had previously received a CPT I‑20 will not be affected by the current approvals.

Every CPT Application Was Not Stopped

The new policy does not mean that all CPT types at UC Berkeley have been eliminated. According to the university’s statement, Degree Requirement CPT applications, which are explicitly listed among the student’s graduation requirements, continue. The university also notes that CPT must be directly tied to the academic program.

OPT Application Continues

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which should not be confused with CPT, is not directly affected by this decision. OPT is a separate work‑authorization mechanism that allows F‑1 students to work in their fields after completing their academic programs.

Berkeley Is Not the Only University

The changes to CPT are not limited to Berkeley. According to recent reports, UC Davis has also halted Course Credit CPT processing. Some other universities are evaluating federal guidance.

New Semester for International Students in the U.S.

The decisions taken by universities indicate that the connection between paid internships undertaken by F‑1 students during their studies and their academic program will be examined more closely. In Berkeley’s current practice, CPT must also be directly linked to the student’s department and the work experience must be considered part of the academic program.