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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 April 15, 2024

Don’t Fall for It: 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.

OPT Fraud

Fake OPT employment is an emerging scam that universities across the country are tracking. You may be a victim of a fake OPT employment offer—or you may be tempted to commit OPT fraud. Don’t do it! There are severe consequences.

Find out how to spot a fake job offer from a fraudulent employer on this Department of Homeland Security webpage. If you have any questions about a recruiter’s guidance or doubts about a potential employer or job offer, contact International Services.

Some examples of OPT fraud include paying for an employment letter or proof of employment; not actually working for your reported employer and location; or claiming to be working in your field of study, but instead doing work that is not related. Learn more about OPT employment on our F-1 OPT webpage.

Be aware that reporting fraudulent employment, knowingly submitting incorrect information to SEVP, or showing a fake employment letter to a U.S. border official are considered fraud. Discovery can lead to refusal of entry into the U.S., OPT STEM denial, and visa cancellation. Fraud may also affect future U.S. visa applications, since fraudulent employment will remain permanently on your immigration record.

CPT and Internships​​​​​​

Looking for an internship? It is important to plan in advance of your anticipated start date to allow time for the authorization process! Start by checking out our page on F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to see if you are eligible for off-campus work authorization.

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

Transferring from Cornell

Leaving Cornell and need to transfer your SEVIS record? Please follow the Transfer from Cornell information on our website to request your transfer to another U.S. university or program. If you are approved to transfer from the Ithaca campus to the Cornell Tech campus, follow the procedures you receive from Cornell Tech’s Student and Academic Affairs office.

Focus: Travel for F-1 Students

Thinking about traveling outside the U.S. this summer? If you’re returning next fall to continue your academic program, you need to carry specific documents to reenter the U.S. Please review the important information on the Travel Documents for Students page before making travel plans.

I-20 travel signatures from the designated school official (DSO) can now be digital, but your own signature must be a “wet” ink signature. When International Services provides you with an electronic and digitally signed I-20 for travel, you are required to print the I-20 and sign it before reentering the U.S.

If you want to travel outside the country while your OPT application is pending, you need to follow certain rules and carry specific documents in order to reenter the U.S. Please read Travel on OPT before making travel plans.

Focus: Travel for J-1 Students and Scholars

Traveling internationally? You’ll need a valid travel signature on your DS-2019 in order to reenter the U.S. We can sign and send your DS-2019 form to you electronically. You may request a PDF copy of your DS-2019 with a new travel signature in myStatus. Be sure to bring all required travel documents for students or travel documents for scholars with you when you travel.

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.