Northwestern Restricts International Internship Requests
The university limited Curricular Practical Training approvals to align with federal eligibility criteria.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Internships
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Northwestern University announced a new policy in August 2026 restricting Curricular Practical Training requests for international students. Requests are now only approved if they are explicitly required by an academic program.
Why it matters
This policy shift forces international students to ensure internships meet strict academic mandates or face the requirement of maintaining a full-time course load to preserve their F-1 visa status.
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for initial Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for subsequent authorizations. Previously, Northwestern University maintained its internship policy for 35 years before these updates.
The players
Northwestern University
A private research university located in Evanston that serves a large population of international students.
Department of Homeland Security
The federal agency responsible for overseeing U.S. immigration policies and visa authorization programs.
OISS
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides guidance to foreign students regarding visa status and work authorization.
The details
International students unable to secure approved internships must register for a full-time academic load to maintain legal status. This adjustment follows federal government clarifications regarding eligibility criteria for CPT authorizations.
Timeline
August 2026: Northwestern University announced the new Curricular Practical Training policy.
September 2026: OISS confirmed enrollment requirements for F-1 visa maintenance.
October 8, 2026: OISS informed students of proposed federal OPT fees.
November 9, 2026: Public comment period for proposed federal OPT fees ends.
Market Landscape
The university's move aligns with a broader trend of institutions tightening compliance to mitigate risks associated with federal F-1 visa status regulations. This shift places Northwestern in a more restrictive position compared to peers that have not yet modified their longstanding CPT frameworks.
International students must now secure internship offers that directly satisfy academic program requirements to receive CPT approval. Students without these approvals should prepare to maintain full-time enrollment to avoid risking their legal status in the U.S.
The takeaway
Students should proactively consult with their academic advisors to determine if their internship aligns with degree requirements under the new guidelines. Careful monitoring of federal updates remains essential for those relying on OPT authorizations for future work prospects.
Further reading
For broader context on current employment opportunities, see Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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