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Due to the preliminary injunction by a federal court on September 14, 2026, which paused a new federal immigration rule change affecting international students and visiting scholars in the United States, immigration information on this website is subject to change. Ohio State is monitoring these developments and will update this website as additional information becomes available.

Immigration Updates

Recent federal immigration actions and proposed rule changes affecting Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training and Duration of Status can raise questions and uncertainty for international students. Ohio State continues to closely monitor federal rules, legal developments and guidance, assess how they may affect our international community, and share timely information and resources as they become available.

Ohio State’s international students contribute greatly to enhancing the Buckeye experience for all students, faculty and staff. The Office of International Affairs and the broader Ohio State community remain committed to providing international students with clear guidance, timely resources and compassionate support as they navigate changes that may affect their academic and personal journeys.

Optional Practical Training

On October 8, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule that would require all schools, including Ohio State, to pay fees for all Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. The rule would impose a $70,000 fee on initial OPT applications, pre-completion and post-completion, and a $30,000 fee for any subsequent OPT applications.

Ohio State intends to submit a public comment outlining the basis for its opposition to the proposed rule by the November 9 deadline.

Action taken by Ohio State

  • Sent a message to all international students notifying them of the proposed rule.
  • Updated the OPT webpage to include information about the proposed rule; while the proposed rule is under review, current OPT application procedures remain unchanged.

Curricular Practical Training

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program issued guidance on August 24, 2026 specifying that Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be authorized only when the practical training is an integral and required part of an established curriculum.

Based on this recent guidance the Office of International Affairs can only approve CPT for students whose academic program requires an internship as a mandatory requirement for graduation. Ohio State must follow the guidance set by federal authorities to ensure students and the university remain in compliance with the federal guidance.

Action taken by Ohio State

  • Sent a message to all international students and Ohio State’s University Career Services Committee notifying them of the CPT guidance.
  • Updated the CPT webpage to reflect the eligibility requirements and guidance, including application procedures.

Duration of Status

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule in the Federal Register that ended “duration of status,” which previously allowed those on F or J visas to remain in the United States as long as necessary to complete their academic program, practical training or research activity provided they continue to meet all immigration requirements.

Just before the government’s scheduled implementation, a federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the rule from taking effect on September 15. As a result, the immigration regulations for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors remain unchanged while litigation continues.

Action taken by Ohio State

  • On September 26, 2025 Ohio State submitted comments regarding the proposed rule change, which in its current form would risk disrupting university teaching and research and placed obstacles in the path of students wishing to pursue advanced degrees. 
  • Messages were sent to new and current international students, Ohio State leadership and academic advisors notifying them of the proposed rule, the final rule and the preliminary injunction that blocked the rule from taking effect as litigation continues. 
  • Updated and created the following website resources:
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