Trump Administration Limits Internship Permits for International Students

According to a report by Matichon Online published on August 28, 2026, the Trump administration has issued a directive to universities regarding the issuance of internship permits for international students. The new policy mandates stricter limitations on the authorization of these permits, which are essential for students seeking practical work experience during their studies in the United States.

For Thai students currently enrolled in U.S. institutions or those planning to pursue education abroad, this development may impact their ability to secure internships or gain professional experience while on a student visa. The directive suggests a shift toward more restrictive oversight of international student work programs, potentially complicating the academic and career planning of non-citizen students.

At this stage, the full scope of the implementation remains to be confirmed. It is unclear how individual universities will adjust their internal administrative processes to comply with these new federal requirements or if there will be specific exemptions for certain fields of study. Students and prospective applicants are advised to monitor official communications from their respective university international student offices for updates on how these changes might affect their specific visa status or internship eligibility. As this is an evolving policy, further details regarding the duration and criteria of these limitations are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.