Dear international students, staff and faculty on J-1 visas, and alumni on OPT or OPT STEM:

This morning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule that ends “duration of status” (D/S) for F and J nonimmigrants. The rule takes effect on September 15.

This rule eliminates the longstanding D/S policy for international students and scholars, replacing it with a defined period of stay. Until now, international students and exchange visitors could complete their studies or work without needing to file for an extension. The new rule stipulates that admission to the United States for F/J students and scholars is granted with a fixed expiration date: either the program end date or four years, whichever is shorter. 

The rule is designed to be implemented over a four-year timeline, so it is unlikely to impact you if you're in the U.S. when the rule takes effect. Most people will retain D/S for up to four years, provided they maintain their status and do not travel abroad or require a program extension.

This alert summarizes what we know now and will be expanded as we learn more.

We’re working with national organizations and other universities to understand the changes and will share more information and guidance shortly. Be aware that the new policy has been classified as a major rule subject to congressional review. The effective date is currently September 15, but congressional review could change the start date or terminate the rule. 

We understand this change is unsettling and raises many questions for our international community. Cornell's immigration experts and leadership are actively working to understand the rule and its implications for Cornellians.

We will be in touch with more details once we have analyzed the rule. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support in the meantime.

Sincerely,

Laura Taylor, Director of International Services
Brandon Lanners, Executive Director of the Office of Global Learning
Wendy Wolford, Vice Provost for International Affairs