The federal government has issued new guidance that restricts the circumstances in which Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be authorized for international students with F-1 status.

CPT is the federal authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to participate in paid and unpaid, off-campus internships, cooperative education, and other practical training directly related to their major.

Under the new guidance, CPT generally may only be authorized for paid, practical training that is a required curricular component.

As a result, several dozen UMass Amherst students are no longer authorized for off-campus employment that previously qualified for CPT - primarily paid internships related to (but not a degree requirement for) their studies. 

This change does not revoke students' F-1 status or visas, but it may affect their authorization to participate in specific off-campus employment.

The Office of Global Affairs is contacting affected students individually to assess the impact, provide guidance, and identify ways the university may support students whose academic or employment plans are affected.

The University has activated a high-level team led by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Global Affairs, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel, to coordinate the response and provide centralized support to affected students. 

Please do not attempt to address individual student situations or provide guidance about CPT on your own. Faculty, staff, and administrators should not contact affected students independently about their employment authorization or attempt to arrange alternative employment. Academic leadership of schools with affected students will be regularly updated on the status of the university’s support efforts. 

Please route any questions through Executive Director of Immigration Services Ken Reade at [email protected]. This centralized approach will ensure that students receive consistent, accurate guidance and have a clear, consistent point of contact throughout this process.