On August 24th, 2026 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a broadcast message to all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The guidance message communicates a narrower interpretation of when CPT may be considered an “integral part” of an established curriculum. The message indicates that CPT should only be authorized when the practical training is required for all students and the degree or program cannot be completed without it..
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is carefully reviewing the university’s CPT policy with Iowa State leadership based off of the broadcast message to help ensure compliance with federal regulations. We understand that students and departments will have questions regarding the guidance and we are working quickly to fully understand the guidance in regards to ISSO's CPT policy.
Effective immediately, ISSO is pausing authorization for new CPT requests where the work experience is not required for all students, regardless of citizenship, to complete their academic program. While the review is happening, students may continue to submit CPT requests, but only CPT requests that are required for all students to complete their academic program will be processed until the review is complete.
Previously approved CPT will remain authorized through the current end date.
ISSO understands that there will be many questions, and will provide another update as soon as we complete our review.