UCLA pauses work authorizations for some international students

UCLA has paused work authorizations for certain international students following an Aug. 12 memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving students to handle sudden changes in federal immigration rules. The federal memo states that universities providing Curricular Practical Training authorizations solely for employment risk losing their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. F-1 visas require this authorization for international students to participate in off-campus summer internships in the United States.

Immigration Memo Threatens Student Work Permits and University Certification

The ICE memo targets institutions that issue CPT approvals primarily for employment purposes, threatening the SEVP certification needed to enroll F-1 and M-1 students in nonacademic or vocational programs. Charbel Chehade, the Undergraduate Students Association Council International Student Representative, said that the administrative reaction by UCLA could harm professional development. “This could affect not only their professional development, but also their ability to compete for jobs after graduation,” Chehade said.

Talia Inlender, deputy director of the Miñana Family Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the School of Law, said the CPT memo aligns with federal goals to discourage international students and institutions from seeking opportunities. Meanwhile, Amit Azulay, a senior associate attorney at the Sostrin Immigration Group, noted that students working to finish their degrees face denied visa extensions. Azulay added that international students already encounter obstacles finding entry-level jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship, a process further complicated by a $100,000 fee imposed by the Trump administration on employers sponsoring international workers.

Dashew Center Supports Students Facing CPT Application Changes

A spokesperson for the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars said in an emailed statement that the center communicates directly with students affected by CPT application changes and remains committed to supporting them. The Dashew Center employs staff dedicated to assisting F-1 scholars and students holding employment-based visas. However, the university's response adds uncertainty to an already turbulent situation, risking changes to career plans without fully informed choices.