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Cornell University

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 October 6, 2026

We monitor changes in the federal landscape and share updates to support Cornell’s immigrant and international community.

Reminder for Cornell Travelers

All Cornell-related international travel must be registered in the Cornell International Travel Registry. Use the Travel Registry Guide for easy registration and visit Travel for travel support and resources. 

Taxes in the U.S.

United States taxes can be confusing. The University Tax Office offers virtual office hours to help you navigate tax rules and requirements for international students. Sessions are limited to 20 participants and held every other Wednesday morning at 11:00 (ET). Register now.

Read about the Tax Preparation Help Cornell provides for nonresidents. To prepare yourself to file your 2026 taxes, review U.S. Income Tax Basics and the difference between Nonresident or Resident and complete the Sprintax Calculus form from the Division of Financial Services tax office.     

Fall Flu Shots

  • Ithaca students: Protect yourself from illness this fall! Attend a Cornell Health flu vaccine clinic and get a COVID booster on or off campus.
  • Cornell Tech students on the student health plan: Schedule an appointment for a flu shot at CVS or Duane Reade on Roosevelt Island. Find out how to make an appointment in the October 7 Student & Academic Affairs newsletter.

Know Your Rights: What to Do if External Law Enforcement Visits Campus: Review university protocols and download a KYR presentation.

Monthly Immigration Update

Excerpted from the International Services Newsletter | Updated October 6, 2026

Download New CPT Employer Agreement 

Recent SEVP guidance significantly narrows F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility. Read this alert for details. For those who are eligible, CPT now requires a formal employer agreement. Visit the F-1 CPT page to download Cornell’s new CPT placement agreement template and employer cover letter. Step 2 describes how to prepare and submit your offer letter and placement agreement.    

Rule Ending D/S Temporarily Blocked

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the rule ending “duration of status” (D/S) for F and J nonimmigrants from taking effect on September 15. While the injunction is in place, your D/S designation remains intact, and the rule has no impact on your visa status.

Be aware that this order is not a final decision. The legal process could ultimately end with the rule or some of its provisions going into effect. Read the alert.

OPT for December Grads

There’s still time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if you’re graduating in December. F-1 OPT is a benefit and extension of F-1 student status for graduates. Remember, you must be in the U.S. when you file your application. For help with your application, don’t miss our OPT videos.    

Visas After Graduation

October 8 at 5:30 (ET): Learn about options for working long-term in the U.S. after graduation, including becoming a permanent resident (green card holder). This virtual event is open to students on all campuses. If you’re not able to attend, visit our website to watch the video.

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