A group of higher education organizations went to federal court in Massachusetts on October 5, 2026, to contest the way ICE has narrowed Curricular Practical Training for F-1 students. The groups behind the case are NAFSA, the Association of American Universities, the Presidents’ Alliance, and AICUM, which speaks for independent colleges in Massachusetts. ICE, DHS, and the Justice Department are the defendants. The dispute centers on the two SEVP broadcast messages from August 2026, which we explained in SEVP Tightens F-1 Visa CPT Eligibility Rules in 2026.
What the Plaintiffs Are Arguing
According to the plaintiffs’ press release, the August 12 and August 24 messages reversed a position the federal government had accepted for more than 35 years, with no explanation and no opportunity for public comment. They also object to the warnings of institutional penalties and personal liability for school officials, and to the short window schools had to adjust internship programs that were already running. The complaint asks the court to restore the earlier CPT framework and to shield schools and students from penalties tied to authorizations made under the old approach.
Where Things Stand Now
The announcement describes a filing, not a ruling. We have not seen a court order that pauses or sets aside the August guidance, so students, designated school officials, and employers should expect SEVP’s narrower reading to keep shaping how CPT requests are reviewed until a court says otherwise. Other law firms have reported that some schools have already paused or re-examined CPT authorizations, which means the practical effect on students may vary from campus to campus.
Practical Steps While the Case Moves Forward
F-1 students planning an internship should talk to their DSO before accepting an offer, confirm how the school is currently handling CPT, and make sure CPT is authorized in SEVIS before any work begins. Employers who host CPT students should keep written confirmation from the school on file and avoid assuming that a pending lawsuit changes the rules in the meantime. Because court rulings can arrive quickly and without much notice, it is worth checking for updates before committing to a start date.
Who is behind the CPT lawsuit?
Four higher education organizations, including NAFSA and the Association of American Universities, brought the case. All four are named earlier in this post.
Does the lawsuit stop the August SEVP guidance?
From what has been reported, no. Filing a case does not suspend an agency’s guidance. Only a court order would do that, and we have not seen one.
What do the plaintiffs want from the court?
They want the prior CPT approach restored, along with relief from penalties tied to authorizations granted before the August messages.
Should F-1 students stop applying for CPT?
No. CPT has not been eliminated. Students should work with their DSO, who can explain how the school is applying the current guidance to a particular program and placement.
What should employers with CPT interns do now?
Keep documentation from the school showing that the placement is authorized, and confirm authorization dates before a student starts. If your organization relies on CPT hires regularly, an immigration attorney can help review those arrangements.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.