Stanford and Cornell Restrict CPT Internship Permits for F-1 Indian Students: New Rules Here

Stanford University and Cornell University have restricted Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorisations for international students on F-1 visas, affecting students who planned to take elective internships, summer placements and certain co-op programmes in the United States. The changes follow August 2026 guidance issued by the US Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

The development is particularly important for Indian students studying in the USA on F-1 student visas, as CPT is a common route to gain practical work experience during a degree. However, the universities have not stopped every form of CPT. Internships that are compulsory for completing a degree may still qualify, subject to university approval and immigration requirements.

What Has Changed in Stanford and Cornell CPT Rules?

The two universities have updated their interpretation of which internships qualify for Curricular Practical Training. Students should understand the distinction between a compulsory degree requirement and an elective internship.

At Cornell, an internship must be directly related to the student's major, required for degree completion and supported by a formal employer agreement. Stanford's Bechtel International Center has also confirmed that non-required CPT applications are paused until further notice.

Students should check their university's latest international student employment guidance before accepting an internship offer.

Can F-1 Indian Students Still Apply for Summer Internships in the USA?

Indian students on F-1 visas may still be eligible for certain internships, but their options depend on the academic programme and the applicable work authorisation.

The following distinctions are important:

• Degree-required internships: These may remain eligible for CPT if the internship is compulsory for all students in the relevant degree programme and meets other requirements.
• Elective internships: Optional internships taken for additional experience or elective course credit may no longer qualify under the revised interpretation.
• Summer internships: Students cannot assume that a summer placement automatically qualifies for CPT. It must meet the applicable curricular requirements.
• Engineering co-op programmes: Optional co-op arrangements may not qualify for CPT under the updated criteria.
• Day 1 CPT programmes: Students should not assume that a programme offering immediate internship access guarantees CPT eligibility. The work must satisfy federal and university requirements.

Students should obtain written confirmation from their university's international student office before accepting or starting off-campus employment.

Stanford and Cornell CPT Restrictions for F-1 Students FAQs