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Global Cornell

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, university statements of support, and more.

Learn about how the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs advocates for Cornell's international community.

Monthly Immigration Update

Updated October 7, 2024

Planning for Optional Practical Training

There is 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.

Planning for Curricular Practical Training

Interested in an internship? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work legally off campus in connection with their field of study and academic curriculum. Check out our CPT videos to demystify F-1 Curricular Practical Training.

New Process to Submit Form I-515A

Nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors (F and J) who receive Form I-515A (temporary admission into the U.S.) from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer must email their required documentation to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The SEVP processing team can be reached at SEVIS, I-515@ice.dhs.gov.

If you get an I-515A at your port of entry, visit International Services, and we will help you complete the requirements.

Taxes in the U.S.

Taxes in the U.S. can be confusing! We’re here to help you understand the expectations and deadlines.

Beginning October 9, the University Tax Office will offer virtual office hours to help you navigate tax rules and requirements for international students. Register now for a session this semester. Sessions are limited to 20 participants and will be held every other Wednesday at 10 a.m.

To better prepare yourself for the 2024 tax season:

Each year, International Services works with Sprintax to offer free federal tax filing services for nonresidents. The tax filing window for nonresident tax filers occurs between mid-March and mid-April.

Protests and Your Rights

Do you feel passionate about a cause and want to get involved? As an international visitor in the United States, you have rights to protect you—but also some risks and restrictions when it comes to participating in demonstrations and protests.

How to Avoid Scams

This is a regular reminder to be cautious about potential scams. Scams can take many forms, and international students may be particularly targeted. Scammers often pose as police or government agents. They may contact you using what looks like a Cornell email or even hack an official Cornell email address.

There is little the university can do to help a victim recover money once it is lost in a scam. Be sure to read our page on Avoiding Scams to protect yourself and your friends.

Don’t reply to emails, and hang up and block contact if you receive a text or phone call from anyone threatening to arrest you or asking to collect fines or bail. The scammer will most likely move on. If you are concerned, visit the Cornell Police in Barton Hall, which is open 24 hours a day.

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.

Legal Assistance

Cornell Law School Clinical Programs provide free immigration legal advice and/or referrals for Cornell students on specific issues such as asylum and naturalization. Income guidelines may apply. Reach out to the clinical faculty team by email at immigrationhelp@cornell.edu or call the clinic at +1-607-255-4196.

Cornell Law’s immigration clinic handles immigration cases for the Cornell community. Contact Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, associate clinical professor of law, by email to discuss your case. In addition, the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School publishes free online law materials to help people understand the law.

Resources for undocumented and DACA student support can be found on the Student and Campus Life website.

Diversity, Equity, 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.

University Statements​ of Support (select)

Explore the complete archive of university statements.

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

Hotline to Combat Coronavirus Hate Crimes and Xenophobic Rhetoric

New York's Attorney General Letitia James created a hotline to report hate crimes and bias-based incidents. The hotline comes in the wake of rising reports of harassment and assaults, as well as rhetoric against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The attorney general urges those experiencing hate crimes and bias report an incident by email or by calling +1-800-771-7755. Learn more about the initiative.