Skip to main content

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, and more.

Immigration Resources

Updated November 11, 2025

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.

Upcoming Webinar: Immigration Policy Updates

November 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET: A Cornell immigration law expert and International Services leader discuss current and proposed changes affecting students, faculty, and staff. Topics include student visas, social media vetting, travel, know-your-rights guidance, and updates on the proposed duration of status rule and H-1B proclamation. Find out more and register to attend.

Duration of Status Proposed Rule

(Sept. 2025) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed replacing duration of status (D/S) with fixed periods of stay for F and J nonimmigrants. If the new rule goes into effect, admission to the United States will come with a fixed expiration date: either the program end date or four years—whichever is shorter. Read our guidance on the proposed rule and we will share additional information and guidance if the rule takes effect.

Read the most recent travel guidance.

(June 2025) A travel ban affecting citizens of 19 countries took effect on June 9. If you are planning international travel, be aware that U.S. federal travel restrictions are evolving. New restrictions could impact your ability to enter or reenter the country. The State Department has resumed scheduling new visa interview appointments, but expect delays. Read guidance on Visa Interview Scheduling and Screening. 

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 November 11, 2025

H-1B Fee Update

A new H-1B fee payable by employers was announced in September. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has provided additional guidance on the fee. Review this updated alert about who is subject to the fee and an important travel caution for individuals with H-1B petitions pending.

Traveling Internationally on Break?

If you’re leaving the United States during break, be sure to review our Current Travel Advisory. Check out Travel Documents for Students if you’re a continuing student or Travel Documents for Scholars if you’re on a J-1, H-1B, O-1, or other faculty/staff visa. For those on OPT/STEM OPT, visit Travel on OPT.

Immigration Policy Updates

November 19 at noon ET: Don’t miss the second webinar in this virtual series. Join immigration law and International Services experts to discuss emerging issues relevant to Cornell’s international community. Topics include updates on the H-1B fee increase and winter travel guidance. Find out more and register to attend.

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.​​​​​​​

Plan Ahead for Summer Internships 

It’s important to plan well in advance of your anticipated start date, because the authorization process takes time! Start by checking out our videos on F-1 CPT to see if you’re eligible for off-campus work authorization and learn how to apply.

Remember: All off-campus employment must be approved on your I-20 or DS-2019 before you begin employment. If you’re on the Ithaca campus, work with International Services. Cornell Tech students should seek authorization from Cornell Tech Student and Academic Affairs.

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. Ithaca students: Check out Global Internships for exciting Cornell-funded opportunities. International students are eligible!

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