Immigration Advice and Resources
Cornell offers many resources to support our international community. On this page, you'll find answers, advice, and allies for your immigration-related concerns, including campus resources for internationals, immigration emergency aid, and more.
Immigration Resources
Updated May 12, 2026
Cornell supports and stands by its immigrant and international community. Leadership and staff are working diligently to understand the changing federal landscape and how that impacts Cornell and universities around the nation.
Recent Statement: Reminder of Immigration Support and Resources
Know Your Rights: What to Do if External Law Enforcement Visits Campus: Review university protocols and download a KYR presentation.
International Graduation Celebration
May 16 (6:30 ET): Congratulations to all of our graduating international students! Celebrate with us at the international graduation reception on the Ithaca campus for refreshments, congratulations from Cornell's leadership, and speeches from this year’s Global Citizen Award winners. Guests are welcome. RSVP by May 12.
Resources for Alumni
Class of 2026: As you head into the world as an international alum, we hope you’ll stay connected. International Alumni Relations can help you meet fellow alumni, attend events in your area, and find career support. We also recommend that you update your CornellConnect information.
Take the Post-Graduation or Summer Experience Survey
Are you graduating in May or August 2026, or are you a continuing student with summer plans? Whether you're heading into the workforce, furthering your education, or taking some time off, we encourage you to share your plans. Career Services on the Ithaca campus is here to support you, whether you're still figuring things out or actively seeking opportunities. We're open all summer for students and alumni! Cornell Tech students can seek support from Career Management and fill out the career survey.
Open a Ticket—Don’t Email
International Services' ticket system is the best way to get advice in most cases. When you open a ticket, you'll find information you need quickly and get connected with an advisor if you need individual help.
Cornell Tech Students: For the fastest response from a Cornell Tech advisor, open a ticket.
Become a Prepare Mentor
Become a Prepare mentor and support new international undergraduate students as they get ready for their first semester at Cornell! As a mentor, you’ll help guide students through our multi-day Prepare orientation in August and facilitate activities on the Ithaca campus.
Mentors are able to move into on-campus housing early and receive free meals during the event. You must be an Ithaca-based undergraduate to be a mentor.
Monthly Immigration Update
Excerpted from the International Services Newsletter | Updated May 12, 2026
D/S Changes Expected
Our immigration team has learned that the rule ending duration of status (D/S) will be published soon. We will share information and guidance by email when that occurs, although the timing remains uncertain. For background, read the September D/S alert.
There will likely be a 60-day grace period before the new rule goes into effect, but we encourage anyone in F-1 or J-1 status to request any necessary extensions as soon as possible. F/J students: Visit the Extend Your End Date webpage. J-1 faculty and staff: Visit Maintain and Extend J-1 Status.
We understand this major policy change raises many questions for our international community. We’ll be in touch as soon as we have concrete information to share about specifics of the final rule.
Summer Travel
If you are planning international travel over the summer, be aware that U.S. federal travel restrictions could impact some international citizens' ability to reenter the country. Read the Current Travel Advisory for travel cautions and resources. Also review these resources: International Services Alerts, Travel Documents for Students or Travel Documents for Scholars, and Stopped at the Border.
Remember, if you are an H-1B or O-1 employee, submit your I-94 in myStatus once you are back in the U.S. Find H-1B/O-1 Employment Eligibility Review under University Employment. If you have an H-1B or O-1 petition pending with USCIS, contact us to make sure your travel plans won't disrupt your pending petition.
Leaving Cornell
If you’re an F/J student who’s graduating and leaving the U.S. or going to another university, here are some tips to help you get organized!
Are you a J-1, H-1B, or other Cornell-sponsored employee planning to leave Cornell? If you’re leaving before the end date on your DS-2019 (J-1) or I-797 approval notice (H-1B and O-1), you must complete the Leaving Cornell form so that Cornell can meet the federal requirement to notify the government of your departure.
OPT Reminder
F-1 students graduating in May: If you have not applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT), there’s still time! You must be in the U.S. when you file your application. Find out more about F-1 OPT.
While you are on post-graduate OPT employment and the OPT STEM extension, you must report key details about your employment to International Services. Employment reporting is mandatory in order to maintain your legal status and continue working in the United States. Learn more at Report Your OPT or OPT STEM Employment.
If you’re still seeking employment for OPT, learn more about Finding Diverse OPT Employment Options, and schedule an international student support appointment with Career Services on the Ithaca campus.
CPT Internships
Do you have a summer internship? Be aware that authorization is required for off-campus work! Start by checking out our page on F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to see if you are eligible.
Remember: All off-campus employment must be approved on your I-20 before you begin working. If you’re on the Ithaca campus, work with International Services. Cornell Tech students should seek authorization from Cornell Tech Student and Academic Affairs.
Summer Jobs On Campus
Did you know that you can work full-time on campus during the summer if you are a continuing student and not registered for the summer term? You can start your full-time job after the end of the spring term. If you are registered for summer term, you may only work 20 hours per week.
F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. You can work at any type of job on campus. J-1 students must obtain a J-1 student on-campus employment authorization letter from International Services before starting work. Visit On-Campus Work to find out more.
Got a New Place? Update Your Address
If you’re an active F-1 or J-1 student or scholar, you must report changes in U.S. address, phone number, or email address to International Services within 10 days. This time frame is a legal requirement. F-1 students should use the F-1 student address update form, and J-1s should use the J-1 SEVIS address update form. Everyone else must notify USCIS of address changes.
International Services Student FAQ
Find more answers to questions about student travel, visa status, employment rules, and more.
Support at Cornell
International Services
Cornell’s Office of Global Learning International Services is here to help students and scholars from around the world thrive at Cornell. Talk with International Services staff about general immigration information, including visas and jobs, finding your niche in Ithaca, campus resources, and more. Get advice from International Services.
Emergency Assistance
If you are a current student, faculty, or staff member experiencing an immigration-related emergency, find out how to get the help you need at any hour on International Services' Stopped at the Border page.
Diversity and Inclusion
Belonging at Cornell provides diversity, equity, and inclusion resources, including anti-racism resources, resources to combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia, and other biases due to religion to the university community.
Resources for undocumented and DACA student support can be found on the Student and Campus Life website.
Learn about how the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs advocates for Cornell's international community.
Guidance and Counseling
- Part of Cornell Health, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) includes the Let’s Talk program. Talk confidentially with a trained healthcare professional and find support for stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relationship difficulties, questions about identity, managing an existing mental health condition, or other issues. Call CAPS at +1-607-255-5155 to speak with a staff member.
- Cornell's Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives offers general advising on personal and academic support, as well as planning for academic and professional aims and referrals for undocumented students as part of the Trailblazers program.
- Cornell's Office of Graduate Student Life serves the Cornell community in many capacities: discussing student concerns, providing available resources and services, and sharing options for handling difficult academic and personal situations. Contact Janna Lamey to identify appropriate resources.
- The staff in the Dean of Students office is available for support, advice, and guidance in navigating various circumstances. Contact the office by email or call +1-607-255-1115.
- Cornell's Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers free, confidential guidance and support to benefits-eligible employees and their partners to address issues that may be affecting their personal lives and job satisfaction or performance. This resource is part of Cornell's broad commitment to foster and support the mental health and well-being of the campus community.
Housing in Ithaca
- If you're an international student concerned that visa issues will limit your ability to travel to your home abroad during university breaks, on-campus housing may be an option. Send an email in confidence to find out more.
- International Services provides general housing information on its website. Visit Your First Week and Student Resources.
Support from Off-Campus
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides updates on official government policies related to immigration into the United States.
- Informed Immigrant offers important resources for immigrants and allies.
- American Civil Liberties Union provides information and resources to help defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
- Miller Mayer, an Ithaca-based immigration law firm, provides immigration policy news and free webinars on legal topics. Learn about additional local legal resources.
- Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition is a network for immigrant community empowerment.