Fixed Admission Rule Temporary Pause
On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.
Curricular Practical Training: Updated Guidance
We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address concerns about the August 2026 SEVP broadcast messages to Designated School Officials (DSOs) about Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
University at Buffalo continues to authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students whose degree programs require practical training for degree completion, consistent with federal regulations and recent guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
On August 12, 2026, and August 24, 2026, SEVP issued broadcast messages to Designated School Officials with updated guidance on CPT authorization. Under this guidance, CPT may be authorized when the training is required for every student in a given degree program, not based solely on elective coursework or academic credit.
ISS is reviewing our CPT models in consultation with academic departments to confirm how this guidance applies across UB's degree programs, and we will share updates as this work continues.
A Broadcast Message is an official update from Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) about immigration requirements, policy guidance or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). On Aug. 12, 2026 and Aug. 24, 2026, SEVP issued Broadcast Messages providing new guidance to Designated School Officials (DSOs) about CPT.
CPT remains available to students in F-1 status when it meets federal requirements. Recent guidance from the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provides new direction on when CPT may be authorized, emphasizing that it must be a degree requirement for all students in the program, such that completion of the degree without the internship would be impossible. Eligibility depends on a student’s academic program.
Students who already hold CPT authorization for Fall 2026 may continue their approved training as planned.
This is determined by your academic department. Contact your department directly to confirm whether the training you're considering is required for every student in your specific program.
International students with questions about CPT should contact ISS. International Student advisors can provide guidance based on a student’s individual circumstances and academic program.