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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 January 20, 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.

New Immigrant Visas Paused for 75 Countries

The U.S. will stop issuing immigrant visas on January 21 to people applying from 75 countries. International students and scholars at Cornell—including F/J students, J-1 exchange visitors, and H-1B workers—are not affected by this measure. It only affects individuals applying for visas that lead to lawful permanent residence status (obtaining green cards) at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Read the alert.

Tax Season

If you received any U.S. income in 2025—wages, a fellowship for living expenses, or a travel grant, for example—you will need to file some U.S. tax forms by the April 15 filing deadline. After Cornell has mailed all tax-related documents to the international community and our free tax software, Sprintax, is updated for the year, we will remind you by email about tax requirements and forms and how to file. Please wait until you hear from us—usually in the middle of March. 

If you are a nonresident for tax purposes, you can’t use TurboTax or other tax software designed for residents. You will instead use our free Sprintaxtax preparation software for international students!

To prepare for filing, attend a Sprintax information session for Cornell international students. Register to attend a virtual session on February 3 (noon ET) or March 12 (5:00 ET). The sessions will not be recorded.

Current Travel Advisory

(Dec. 2025) If you're planning international travel, be aware that U.S. federal travel restrictions continue to evolve. Read our updated guidance before you book your winter flights.

Duration of Status Proposed Rule

(Sept. 2025) The Department of Homeland Security has proposed replacing duration of status (D/S) with fixed periods of stay for F and J nonimmigrants. Read our guidance on the proposed rule. We will share additional information if the rule takes effect.

Free Consultation with Immigration Attorneys

(March 2025) To help support its community members, Cornell has engaged Miller Mayer immigration attorneys to provide free consultations for Cornell students, faculty, and staff who wish to discuss immigration-related issues.

Local Legal Resources

(Feb. 2025) Cornell cannot provide personal legal advice, but we recognize that community members may have legal concerns related to immigration and other matters. Visit a list of local legal resources that offer support. 

Monthly Immigration Update

Excerpted from the International Services Newsletter | Updated January 20, 2026

Spring 2026: Welcome Back!

Visit our FAQ for International Students to find answers about the upcoming semester, travel, employment and taxes, and more.    

New at Cornell? Status Activation

F and J students: Remember to activate your immigration record when you arrive. It’s required! New J-1 scholars must also complete an immigration status activation.

For H-1B/O-1 Employees

New to Cornell: Welcome! Once your Cornell employment begins, you are required to submit the H-1B/O-1 employment eligibility review form in the university employment section of myStatus.

H-1B/O-1 scholars who traveled over break: After you reenter the United States, you are required to upload your new I-94 to the H-1B/O-1 employment eligibility review form in the university employment section of myStatus. Be sure to check your I-94 end date for accuracy every time you reenter the U.S.    

F/J Students: Stay Enrolled Full-Time

All students are required to take at least 12 credit hours per semester in the fall and spring. Failure to enroll and maintain full-time enrollment could impact your immigration status and your ability to remain legally in the U.S. If you are considering a leave of absence or a reduced courseload, reach out to discuss your situation. Cornell Tech students should contact Student & Academic Affairs.

Internships and CPT

Hoping to land an off-campus internship this summer? Visit Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to see if you meet the F-1 requirements for off-campus employment authorization. It’s important to plan for CPT well in advance of your anticipated employment start date. Remember that International Services for Ithaca students or Student & Academic Affairs for Cornell Tech students must approve any off-campus employment on the I-20 before you begin your employment. 

If your internship is on campus, consult On-Campus Work. Be sure to confirm that you’re eligible for on-campus employment before applying. If you’re registered for summer classes, your work time may not exceed 20 hours per week.    

Social Security and Taxes

If you have a paid job, remember to apply for an SSN while still employed. This is important if you’re employed on campus or working off-campus (CPT or OPT), since you’ll need the number to file an income tax return. Cornell Tech students should work with Student & Academic Affairs and review this information.

If you have an on-campus job, like an assistantship or other hourly work, remember to complete a Foreign National Questionnaire, as well. This form will ensure Cornell correctly applies any available tax treaty benefits to your pay. Have questions about the Foreign National Questionnaire or Sprintax Calculus? Contact the university tax office.

For New Permanent Residents

If you’ve become a permanent resident (obtained a "green card"), upload a copy of the front and back of your card in myStatus on the general services tab. We will then update your work authorization and close out your prior immigration records. If you have changed to a different nonimmigrant status not sponsored by Cornell, let us know!

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