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 March 10, 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.

Recent Statement: Reminder of Immigration Support and Resources

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

File Your Taxes with Sprintax 

Tax day is April 15 this year! Even if you did not receive any U.S.-based income, you may still need to file some U.S. tax forms. U.S. tax law is very complex. Read our U.S. Income Tax Basics for a brief introduction. 

If you are a nonresident for tax purposes, use our free Sprintax tax preparation software for internationals. Find instructions for filing and obtaining the Sprintax code on our Sprintax page. Got questions about your taxes? The Sprintax Live Chat team are online 24/7 to support you. To chat, create your Sprintax account or login here.

Sprintax Calculus is a separate module used at the Division of Financial Services to help you determine your U.S. tax status and eligibility for a U.S. tax treaty and to help Cornell evaluate your U.S. tax status for proper tax withholding. Submit a service request to that office if you have questions on Sprintax Calculus.

Sprintax Information Session

March 12 (5:00 ET): To prepare for filing, attend our free, virtual tax prep session for Cornellians. Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, state returns, implications of misfiling, and how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return. Register for the session.

Become a Prepare Mentor

Become a Prepare mentor and support new Ithaca-based international undergraduate students as they get ready for their first semester at Cornell! As a mentor, you’ll help guide students through our multi-day Prepare orientation in August and facilitate activities.

Mentors are able to move into on-campus housing early and receive free meals during the event. You must be based on the Ithaca campus to be a mentor. Register by April 17!

Nominate a Global Citizen

Everyone is invited to nominate graduating international students (undergraduate or graduate/professional) from the Ithaca campus for a Global Citizen award. Nominate a student who has advocated for international student engagement and success, making a positive impact on the international community at Cornell. Self-nominations accepted.

Awardees will speak at this year’s International Graduation Reception on May 16. Submit your nomination by Monday, April 6.

Avoiding Scams

Scammers are targeting Cornell international students and employees. Be aware that scammers may pose as potential employers for jobs, internships, or campus research opportunities. Read Avoiding Scams to learn how to recognize a scam, what you can do to protect yourself, and how to get help—and watch the video of International Frauds and Scams, a November event hosted by Cornell University Police.

Monthly Immigration Update

Excerpted from the International Services Newsletter | Updated March 10, 2026

Traveling Internationally on Break?​​​​​

If you’re leaving the United States during break, it’s time to start preparing your documents for travel and reentry. See 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. Be sure to check our Alerts for the most up-to-date information on any new rules that could impact your international travel.

Need More Time to Graduate?

If the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is approaching, and you need more time to complete your academic program, file for an extension. You must submit your extension request before your current form expires.

Apply for F-1 OPT

Graduating? If this is your last semester of enrollment and you want to work in the United States, you can apply for Optional Practical Training as early as 90 days before your program end date. You can only apply for OPT while you’re in the U.S. You do not need a job offer to apply. Watch our videos about how to get started and complete your application. 

CPT and Internships

Looking for an internship? It’s important to start planning in advance of your anticipated start date, because the authorization process takes time! Start by checking out our F-1 Curricular Practical Training page and CPT videos 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. Ithaca students work with International Services immigration advisors. Cornell Tech students work with Student and Academic Affairs.

Focus: Employment for Students​​​​

A campus job can be an exciting way to round out your Cornell experience. Remember to follow the 20-hour per week limit while you are a registered student. (Cornell Tech students: You are encouraged to limit your CPT to 10 hours per week but may work 20 hours per week with permission from your program director.) While you are still employed, you will also need to apply for a Social Security number. Work authorization is not required for campus positions, except for those on J-1 student visas.

If you’re considering an off-campus job through CPT or OPT, remember that work authorization is required before you begin employment. Read more about maintaining your legal status as an F/J student.

Focus: Employment for Scholars

If you are a Cornell employee with a Cornell-sponsored visa status that allows you to conduct research or teach, you are allowed to pursue additional employment only in very limited situations. Please reach out to us if you are interested in changing your employment at Cornell or pursuing employment outside of Cornell.

Remember that many Cornell-sponsored work visas (H-1B, O-1, etc.) have summer end dates! If your work authorization is ending soon and your Cornell employment will be continuing, work with your hiring department to submit an extension of your status.

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