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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 October 7, 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

October 8 at 3:00 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. 

Immigration Policy Updates: What Cornell’s International Community Should Know

(March 2025) Cornell legal and immigration experts provided guidance and answered questions on U.S. immigration policy changes. Topics included travel restrictions, alien registration, visa challenges, and university resources. View video of the session and corresponding slides on the Cornell Executive Order Information website (NetID required).

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 October 7, 2025

Apply for Visas in Your Home Country

Applicants for nonimmigrant visas (including F/J) should schedule visa interview appointments in their country of nationality or residence, according to new instructions from the U.S. Department of State. Read this alert to find out what you need to know.

H-1B Visa Fee Increase

A September 19 presidential proclamation announced a new H-1B fee of $100,000 payable by employers. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Review this updated alert to learn more about potential changes and impacts.

Planning for Optional Practical Training

There’s 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. For help with your application, don’t miss our OPT videos.

Planning for Curricular Practical Training

Interested in an internship? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work legally off campus in connection with their field of study and academic curriculum. Check out our videos to demystify F-1 CPT.

Taxes in the U.S.

Taxes in the U.S. can be confusing! Beginning October 8, the University Tax Office will offer virtual office hours to help you navigate tax rules and requirements for international students. Sessions are limited to 20 participants and will be held every other Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Register now.

Read about the Tax Preparation Help Cornell provides for nonresidents. To prepare yourself to file your 2025 taxes:

If you have questions about Sprintax Calculus, contact the University Tax Office using this support request. 

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