Effective immediately, most F-1 international students at CU Anschutz are no longer eligible for CPT unless practical training is a documented requirement of their degree program.

On August 12, 2026, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), issued a Broadcast Message “Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization” limiting when an international student in F-1 status may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

To align our CPT authorization policy with this guidance, ISSS is only able to approve CPT requests for students enrolled in programs of study in which practical training is required for completion of the student’s degree.  The requirement must be specified in the university catalog.

The CU Anschutz programs that currently have a documented requirement for a practical training experience for degree completion are the following: 

Colorado School of Public Health

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

PhD in Epidemiology

PhD Students and Research Required for Thesis or Dissertation

In addition, certain PhD students may be eligible for CPT if they must engage in an off-campus practical training experience that will provide research necessary for their thesis or dissertation.

If SEVP releases additional guidance or if there is an applicable court order, ISSS may be able to expand or may need to further limit students who are eligible for CPT.  

International students in F-1 status should not enroll in an internship course or submit CPT requests to ISSS unless they are currently studying in the programs listed above or are PhD students who require CPT for necessary thesis or dissertation research. 

It is critically important that CU Anschutz comply with all U.S. immigration rules and regulations to safeguard our ability to enroll international students and to protect our visa holders. ISSS understands that this news will raise questions and concerns. 

Please contact us at [email protected] or schedule an ISSS appointment to review your specific situation and your options.

Schedule Appointments with International Student & Scholar Services