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Changes to CPT (Curricular Practical Training) Policy

Last updated 8/27/2026

Subject: All CPT applications are suspended until further notice


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy and clarified their earlier CPT guidance issued on August 12. 

Due to these recent updates, and out of an abundance of caution and to protect our students’ immigration status and future benefits, as well as the Cooper Union's ability to continue supporting international students, The ISSO is temporarily suspending all CPT applications until further notice.

The ISSO understands the uncertainty and frustration this temporary pause may cause. We are currently consulting with legal counsel to determine how we should proceed. Please continue to monitor the ISSO website and your Cooper Union email for updates coming from the ISSO! 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.