After the Trump administration placed new restrictions on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) this summer, a program that has historically allowed international students on F-1 visas — nonimmigrant student visas — to work off campus, some international students have had to turn down jobs, while others expressed uncertainty about future opportunities.
In August, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent a memo to colleges and universities directing them to issue CPT only when an internship or practical training experience is necessary for graduation. ICE did not issue new regulations, but is now enforcing a stricter interpretation of the existing policy. The memo states that “improper CPT authorization” could result in “administrative or legal consequences,” such as a college losing its ability to enroll international students.
Nelson Hernandez PO ’28, a student on an F-1 visa received a job offer at the end of July to do research at another 5C starting this fall. However, he was not able to start working; Pomona College couldn’t approve his CPT, as the job isn’t required to complete his degree.
“I didn’t know that CPT was a big issue … suddenly out of nowhere,” Hernandez said.
He said he found out about the restrictions through his off-campus employer and that Pomona did not “correctly” communicate the changes until he tried to apply for CPT.
“I never even got told that my CPT process was canceled or that you couldn’t go through, even up to [a couple of weeks before the semester began],” he said.
In a statement to TSL, a Pomona spokesperson said that the college’s International Student and Scholar Services is working directly with students impacted by these changes.
“Pomona College complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing Curricular Practical Training (CPT),” the statement said. “The College will authorize CPT for F-1 students when the opportunity is a formal requirement of the student’s degree program and successful completion of the degree is contingent upon the CPT experience.”
Hernandez estimated that he is one of about 30 students at Pomona who were forced to turn down off-campus job offers this semester due to the CPT restrictions.
Monique Arroyo SC ’27, an F-1 visa holder, said she was successfully approved for CPT the past two summers, but the new restrictions to CPT are “insane,” preventing international students from fully experiencing the benefits of studying in the U.S.
“It’s just sad because you come all the way here,” Arroyo said. “Sending your kid to the States is not easy. It’s also not cheap. You want to make the investment … and you can’t even have the opportunity unless it’s necessary.”
Maxine Le SC ‘27, another F-1 visa holder, said she was surprised by the restrictions.
“All these changes have been shocking because it just happened so suddenly,” she said. “I felt really bombarded.”
Scripps College has not made “any changes” to its CPT policies, according to an email to TSL from Emily Peters, Scripps’ senior communications manager.
“The spotlight on CPT is a good reminder for us to continually review our practices and procedures and ensure that they align with the best interest of our students while maintaining compliance with federal regulations,” Peters said.
Arroyo said Scripps has been helpful in guiding international students through the changing process.
According to Taivna Mills, the assistant dean of students for international student services at Claremont McKenna College, the college is “carefully evaluating CPT requests under updated federal guidance” and has met with students individually to address concerns.
Tricia Milford-Hoyt, Pitzer College’s vice president for communications and marketing, also said the college takes a “highly individualized” approach to supporting international students through the CPT process.
“We will continue to communicate directly with students as circumstances warrant and will share broader updates with Pitzer’s international student community when additional information would be helpful,” Milford-Hoyt said in an email to TSL.
Harvey Mudd College did not respond for comment.
Multiple international students said that their potential plans for after graduation have been impacted by the uncertainty of the visa program at large.
“Because of everything that’s going on, I just don’t even want to apply [for jobs] here,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo said the “barriers” international students now face in seeking CPT approval may also deter employers from hiring them.
“There’s just way more restrictions and that kind of discourages employers from even recruiting international students with F1 visas,” Arroyo said. “They’re making the process of CPT way more complex than it used to be.”
The Trump administration has also proposed several changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which lets F-1 visa holders work in the U.S. in a field related to their degree for up to a year after graduation. Potential changes include a four-year limit on student status and up to $70,000 in fees for colleges that approve F-1 students for OPT, which an Oct. 7 Department of Homeland Security press release said is meant to “combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers.”
Hernandez highlighted how altogether these changes limit employment options for international students. He said those whose jobs don’t qualify for CPT would typically rely on OPT after graduation, and without that option, students face a “tricky” situation.
Le emphasized that international students “are a big part of the country’s economy” and culture.
“Diversity is what makes America great,” Le said.
Arroyo said that uncertainty surrounding working on a visa may deter international students from applying to schools in the U.S.
“It’s discouraging people from coming here in the first place if they can’t work,” she said.
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