Brown University Suspends Undergraduate CPT Authorizations

Brown University has made a significant change to its Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy for undergraduate students. Effective November 9, 2026, the university has indefinitely suspended all undergraduate CPT authorizations. This decision impacts F-1 visa students who rely on CPT to gain work experience related to their studies. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) informed students of this change on November 11, 2026.

The university stated that internships are not a mandatory requirement for undergraduates to complete their degrees. For students seeking off-campus work opportunities, Brown is directing them to consider pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) as an alternative. The exact status of CPT authorizations that were already issued remains unclear following this announcement.

Understanding Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is a work authorization that allows F-1 international students to engage in internships, co-ops, or other work experiences that are an integral part of their academic program. For CPT to be approved, the practical training experience must be directly related to the student’s major field of study. Typically, universities have the authority to approve CPT requests based on their academic guidelines.

However, recent guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has prompted universities to re-evaluate their CPT policies. SEVP clarified that for CPT to be considered eligible, the practical training must be a required component for degree completion. This stricter interpretation means that if an internship is optional, even if it’s part of a professional track, it may not qualify for CPT.

Brown’s Rationale for the Suspension

Brown University’s decision to suspend undergraduate CPT stems from SEVP’s updated interpretation of CPT eligibility rules. The university conducted a review of its own guidelines in light of SEVP’s message, which was sent to universities in August 2026. SEVP emphasized that noncompliance with CPT regulations could jeopardize a university’s ability to enroll international students.

Brown’s policy specifically addresses the distinction between a degree requirement and an optional academic track. While some undergraduate programs at Brown may offer optional professional tracks that include internships, the university concluded that internships are not a universal requirement for all undergraduates to graduate. Consequently, the suspension of undergraduate CPT authorizations was deemed necessary to align with SEVP’s stricter stance.

Exceptions to the New Policy

While undergraduate CPT authorizations are suspended indefinitely, there are specific exceptions. Students enrolled in six master’s programs at Brown University will continue to be eligible for CPT. This eligibility is granted because, for these particular master’s programs, an internship or practicum experience is a mandatory requirement for graduation.

It is important to note that this exception is narrow. It does not extend to other master’s students who may have optional internships as part of their curriculum. The university’s policy clearly delineates that only those in the six specified master’s programs with a required practical training component will retain CPT eligibility.

Alternative Work Authorization: Pre-Completion OPT

For undergraduate students at Brown who are seeking off-campus work opportunities, the university is recommending pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) as the primary alternative to CPT. Unlike CPT, which Brown previously approved directly, OPT requires students to submit an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application process involves a fee of $470.

A key consideration for students choosing pre-completion OPT is that the time spent on this authorization before graduation counts towards the total one year of OPT allowed per degree level. Students must carefully plan their use of OPT to ensure they do not exhaust their eligibility before or after graduation. Advisers at ISSS are available to help students understand their program requirements and explore all available practical training options.

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