Update from August 28, 2026:
Based on written clarification received on August 27th from the Wisconsin SEVP representative, CPT can only be authorized for master’s or doctoral students if practical training or experiential learning is explicitly required of every student in the “program of admission at large.” This means that all students – American and international – have a requirement to complete practical training. We cannot authorize CPT for a dissertator whose approved dissertation proposal or research requires practical training, for example.
The following message was shared with all current F-1 students on August 25, 2026:
We know how incredibly valuable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities—like internships and co-ops—are to your academic journey and career goals. It is always our goal at International Student Services (ISS) to help you pursue these opportunities whenever possible.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program has issued updated guidance outlining a strict interpretation of the rules surrounding Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
To help protect your lawful F-1 status in the U.S. and your future benefit opportunities, we want to share an important update regarding CPT authorizations:
- ISS may only authorize CPT if experiential learning (such as an internship, clinical, or practicum) is a mandatory requirement for every student in your specific degree program to graduate.
- ISS may continue to authorize CPT for graduate students with thesis or dissertation requirements, where the experiential learning or internship is required for graduate students in those specific programs.
- If your degree can be completed and awarded without participating in the internship or co-op opportunity, federal guidance indicates that ISS may not authorize CPT for that opportunity.
ISS has received questions from students that we want to answer.
- Will ISS rescind CPT that was authorized before August 24, 2026?
No. CPT authorized before August 24th was reviewed under existing regulation and policy guidance. ISS will not retroactively rescind CPT approval.
- Will ISS continue to authorize CPT for Fall 2026?
ISS will authorize CPT requests for students in an academic program that requires all students to complete practical training, such as clinicals, co-op, internship, or practicum. The student is still required to upload proof from Guide that practical training is required for all students in the academic degree program.
If practical training is not an articulated requirement in the Guide for all students in the academic degree program, then ISS may not approve CPT for the practical training experience.
- What alternatives do students have to participate in practical training that does not meet the updated CPT guidance?
F-1 students may apply for pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is a multi-step application process. First, the student must apply to ISS for pre-completion OPT through Terra Dotta. Second, the student must apply to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-765 with the appropriate filing fee for pre-completion OPT. The student is not permitted to engage in practical training until they receive USCIS approval in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
We understand this may be disappointing news, especially if you have been actively looking forward to internships or have an offer in hand. This guidance is set by federal immigration authorities. UW-Madison and ISS are following this guidance to ensure both you and the university remain in compliance with the federal rules and guidance for F-1 students.
ISS is here to support you. If you have questions about your immigration status, or employment authorization options, please contact your ISS advisor.
In support,
Samantha McCabe