Faculty and Academic Advisors

The 2026 Department of Homeland Security Final Rule set to take effect on September 15, 2026 changes how international students maintain lawful status in the United States. Faculty and academic advisors play an important role in helping students avoid immigration problems by recognizing when academic decisions may have immigration consequences.

1. A student’s F-1 or J-1 immigration status now comes with significant academic restrictions 

After September 15, 2026, undergraduate students will not be able to change their major or transfer schools until they have completed one academic year unless they receive permission from the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) (which is rare and granted on a case-by-case basis). Graduate students are never allowed to change their program or transfer schools, unless they receive permission from SEVP (which is rare and granted on a case-by-case basis). Changes to a student's academic plan can directly affect their ability to remain in lawful status. Encourage students to consult with the Office of International Affairs before making significant academic changes.

2. Students no longer have unlimited time to complete their degree.

Under the new rule, students will be admitted to the United States until a specific date listed on their Form I-94, rather than for “duration of status.” If students need more time to complete their program, they must apply to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay.

3. Delayed graduation can affect immigration status.

If a student falls behind academically or needs an extra semester or year, they should meet with an immigration specialist with the Office of International Affairs as soon as possible. Delays can trigger immigration filing deadlines that did not exist under Duration of Status.

4. Changes in academic plans may require immigration review.

Students should first be referred to the Office of International Affairs before approving or recommending academic program changes such as:

• Changing a major within the first year for undergraduates
• Changing programs for graduate students at any point during their program of study
• Changing degree levels 
• Adding or dropping a major 
• Taking a leave of absence 
• Reducing course load 
• Extending a program 
• Transferring to another institution 

5. Reduced course loads are not automatically permitted.

International students generally must maintain full-time enrollment. Even well-intentioned advice to "drop a class" or "take a lighter semester" could place a student out of status if proper authorization has not been granted.

6. Leave of absence decisions require immigration planning.

Medical leaves, personal leaves, research interruptions, withdrawals, retroactive withdrawals or extended absences may have significant immigration consequences. Always refer international students to the Office of International Affairs before approving or discussing these options.

7. Timing matters more than ever before.

Late registration, delayed enrollment, incomplete grades, dissertation delays or postponed graduation may affect a student's immigration timeline. Early communication gives students more options.

8. Understand which academic milestones may trigger immigration action.

Many routine academic events now have immigration implications, including:

• Program extensions 
• Changes in expected graduation dates 
• Degree level changes (e.g. bachelor's to master's) 
• Thesis or dissertation delays 
• Leaves of absence 
• Transfers to another institution 

When these situations arise, notify or refer the student to the Office of International Affairs as early as possible. Early intervention gives students more time to meet immigration deadlines and avoid interruptions to their studies.

9. Early referrals can prevent serious problems.

If an international student mentions any of the following, encourage them to meet with an immigration specialist at the Office of International Affairs before making any academic decisions that could impact their immigration status.

• Difficulty completing degree requirements 
• Academic probation 
• Withdrawing from classes 
• Changing majors 
• Needing more time to graduate 
• Taking time away from school 

10. Collaboration across campus is more important than ever before.

The elimination of Duration of Status means student success now depends on close coordination among faculty, academic advisors, graduate program coordinators, the Graduate School and the Office of International Affairs. Timely communication can help students remain in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Key message for faculty and advisors.

You are often the first person an international student turns to for advice. When an academic decision could affect a student's enrollment, graduation timeline or course load:

• Pause before approving changes. 
• Refer the student to the Office of International Affairs 
• Encourage early planning as much as possible