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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 April 7, 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 by April 15

Tax day is April 15 this year! If you received any U.S. income, you 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.

Use our free Sprintax tax preparation software for internationals! The Sprintax access code is now available. Find instructions on our Sprintax page to learn how to obtain it. When you enter the code on the payment page, the fee for your 2025 federal return will be removed.

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!

Watch Recorded Immigration Workshops

International Services offers a variety of workshops and presentations on topics such as applying for work authorization, visa options after graduation, and starting a business in the United States. Find recordings of past presentations on our website.

Health and Wellness Resources

Cornell offers useful wellness resources to help you through the end of the semester:

  • Spring is here, and it’s a great time to get outside! Find opportunities on and near the Ithaca campus on Cornell NatureRX.
  • Cornell Health’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free self-paced online workshops!

Cornell Tech students can connect with resources at Medical and Mental Health Resources or by reaching out to the Student Wellness team.

Monthly Immigration Update

Excerpted from the International Services Newsletter | Updated April 7, 2026

Know Your Rights​​​​​

On or off campus, it is Cornell’s policy that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are only allowed to enter a closed university space or private residence if they have a valid judicial warrant or if someone voluntarily allows them to enter. This alert connects you to university protocols and a downloadable Know Your Rights presentation.

Proposed Prevailing Wage Change

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a proposed rule that would significantly increase required minimum wage levels for employers sponsoring H‑1B, E-3, and EB-2 PERM workers. If the new rule goes into effect, prevailing wage levels across all four wage tiers would rise. We are actively monitoring the situation and will share updates as more information becomes available. Read the alert.​​​​​​

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.

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 & Academic Affairs office.

Traveling Internationally

Thinking about traveling outside the U.S. this summer? Be sure to carry the documents you’ll need to reenter the U.S. Start by consulting the Current Travel Advisory, then review Travel Documents for Students or Travel Documents for Scholars.

If you are on OPT or have applied for OPT, please read Travel on OPT before making travel plans. If you are an F-1 student or a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you may request a PDF copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 with a new travel signature in myStatus.

Stopped at the border? If you are arrested or detained by a federal officer, or if you have experienced a serious accident or injury, call Cornell’s 24/7 partner International SOS. International SOS will immediately notify Cornell. Do not call 911 for immigration-related emergencies!

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