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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, and more.

Immigration Resources

Updated February 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.

Wait to File Your Taxes with Sprintax

Federal and state tax returns are due on April 15, 2026. If you received any U.S. income—wages, a scholarship in excess of tuition, a fellowship for living expenses, or a travel grant, for example—you will need to file some U.S. tax forms. Wait to file with Sprintax!

Sprintax is our free tax software for internationals. If you’re a nonresident for tax purposes, you can’t use TurboTax or other tax software designed for residents. Save time and headaches and use only Sprintax. We will send an announcement by email when the access code is available, which is usually in mid-March.

  • The University Tax Office is offering Sprintax assistance through virtual office hours every other Wednesday, beginning February 11.
  • To prepare for filing, attend a Sprintax information session for Cornell international students. Register to attend on March 12 (5:00 ET). The session will not be recorded. 

Visas After Graduation

February 26 (5:30 ET): This virtual presentation for international students provides an overview of options for working long-term in the U.S. after graduation, including becoming a permanent resident (green card holder), if you desire.  Register now! Can’t attend? Find videos of our popular immigration workshops.

English Language Support for Grad Students

The English Language Support Office supports international graduate and professional students as writers, speakers, and language users. New courses for Ithaca-based students start March 11—register now! ELSO tutors offer individualized support for writing, presentations, and pronunciation. ELSO tutoring is now available to Cornell Tech students, as well. Weekly English Conversation Hours are offered in collaboration with the Language Resource Center.

Mental Health Support

Cornell Health offers resources to support your mental health and well-being.

Financial Concerns?

Are you facing unexpected trouble? Limited funding support may be available to international students experiencing a health care or family emergency. Visit Get Advice to find out more.

Monthly Immigration Update

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

New at Cornell? Status Activation

F and J students: If you’re new on campus or have changed your degree level, remember to complete a status activation. It’s required! If you don’t complete this first step, your SEVIS record will be automatically terminated.

New J-1 scholars and H-1B/O-1 employees must also complete an immigration status activation.

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.  

Extension of Stay​​​​

F and J students: Your I-20/DS-2019 form has a program end date. If you already know you will need more time to complete your degree or exchange program, it is not too early to apply for an extension (F-1 or J-1 student).

Faculty/staff: Many Cornell-sponsored work visas have summer end dates! If your work authorization is ending soon and your Cornell employment will continue, connect with your hiring department now to submit an extension of your status (J-1 scholar, H-1B, and other work visa extensions).

Changing Jobs at Cornell?

J-1, H-1B, O-1, and other Cornell-sponsored employees: Be aware that your employment eligibility is specific to the job at Cornell that you were hired to do. Moving to a new location or different position at Cornell is not possible without approval from International Services—and in H-1B or O-1 cases, may require a new petition to USCIS. Read Change in Employment to learn more. 

Marijuana and International Travel

Although medical and recreational cannabis is legal in many U.S. states and Canada, cannabis sale, possession, production, and distribution remain illegal under U.S. federal law and prohibited on Cornell’s campus. Be aware that crossing the border or arriving at a U.S. port of entry in violation of this federal law is very risky for international students and scholars! Possession may result in denied entry, fines, or arrest.

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