The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new guidance that limits F-1 visa international students Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility. As you may know, many of our employers make use of CPT to hire individuals in the United States on an F-1 visa.

DHS has stated it will honor previously approved CPT agreements. Moving forward, however, DHS will only authorize CPT when practical training is a required component of a student’s degree program for all students in the major. Internships, research, work/study, service learning, or other arrangements not required of all students in a major are no longer eligible for CPT.

Each type of training has different rules, so always check with the designated school official with questions.

It is important for the AFM to understand the ramifications for our members.

Join us for the AFL-CIO’s International Student Worker Town Hall on Monday, September 28th at 4pm ET.  
We’ll hear from experts about recent changes at the federal level to rules and policies affecting international student workers. This includes updates on F-1 visas—such as new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance that narrows Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility, directly impacting how U.S. employers hire international talent. We’ll also cover information on knowing and asserting your rights, what to do if your rights are violated, and answer your questions.

You can register for the town hall at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Alif0uTRQLmqXtjERWuxMQ#/registration

We want to hear from you. If these changes are affecting your workplace, please email AFM Government Affairs Director Ben Kessler at bkessler@afm.org.