Elimination of Duration of Status: 10 things career advisors should know
Career services professionals are often the first campus resource students turn to for guidance on internships, employment and post-graduation opportunities. Under the new Department of Homeland Security rule set to take effect on September 15, 2026, employment decisions are even more closely tied to immigration status.
1. Students are no longer admitted for "Duration of Status."
International students will have an admission end date on their Form I-94. Employment planning must take into account both academic milestones and immigration deadlines.
2. Employment authorization is still required before a student can begin working.
International students cannot begin off-campus employment simply because they have received a job offer. They must have the appropriate employment authorization, such as CPT, OPT, Academic Training, or other approved authorization, before their first day of work.
3. Encourage students to start employment planning early.
Because some students may now need to file extension-of-stay applications with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employment planning should begin months before graduation or the start of practical training.
4. Practical training timelines are more important than ever before.
Students pursuing CPT, OPT, STEM OPT or Academic Training must meet strict eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Missing a deadline could delay or eliminate employment opportunities.
5. Academic changes can affect employment eligibility.
Changes that may affect a student's eligibility for CPT, OPT, or Academic Training include:
- Delaying graduation
- Changing majors or degree levels
- Dropping below full-time enrollment
- Taking a leave of absence
- Extending a program
Encourage students to consult with an immigration specialist at the Office of International Affairs before making academic changes.
6. Students may have less flexibility after graduation.
With a shorter grace period – 30 days - following program completion, students will have less time to make decisions about employment, graduate school, changing immigration status or departing the United States.
7. Employers may have more questions.
Students and employers may need additional guidance regarding work authorization, employment start dates and required documentation. Career advisors should be familiar with basic employment authorization options but refer immigration questions to the Office of International Affairs.
8. Hiring timelines may need to be more flexible.
Processing times for USCIS applications and extension requests may affect a student's ability to begin employment as planned. Encourage employers to build flexibility into start dates when possible and remind students not to begin working until they are authorized.
9. Collaborate closely with the Office of International Affairs
Career services advisors and immigration specialists should work together to educate students and employers about employment authorization, immigration timelines, and the impact of the new rule on career planning.
10. Early referrals help students avoid costly mistakes.
If a student is considering any of the following, refer them to the Office of International Affairs as early as possible.
- Accepting an internship
- Applying for CPT or OPT
- Negotiating a job offer
- Delaying graduation
- Considering a leave of absence
- Unsure about work authorization
Early planning can prevent employment delays and help students maintain their immigration status.
Key message for career services advisors.
Your guidance can help international students successfully navigate both their career goals and their immigration responsibilities under the new DHS rule by encouraging early planning and connecting them with resources at the Office of International Affairs.