This message was originally sent to students by email on August 31, 2026.

Dear International Huskies,

I am reaching out with some important immigration changes for international students on F-1 visas regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Unfortunately, the ISSS cannot authorize CPT at this time unless the internship is required for all students in the degree program.  The ISSS received two emails from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on 8/12/26 and on 8/24/26 defining how and when schools are allowed to authorize CPT.  These emails detail that CPT can only be authorized when the internship is required for all students in an academic program/major.  Further they instruct schools that enrollment in an elective internship course does not qualify students for CPT.   

The University is working to evaluate which of the many different scenarios in which students will engage in an internship are eligible for CPT. We are not processing CPT applications for now, unless it is a required internship or practicum and students and advisors can point us to where this requirement is published. Students can submit the CPT application through the ISSS portal but we can’t guarantee approval. The new guidance states that we can only authorize CPT if it’s an integral part of an established curriculum and the internship is required for all students participating in the academic program regardless of citizenship.  

 Here’s are the SEVP memos we received:

1. August 12, 2026 – Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization
2. August 24, 2026 – Guidance for Designated School Officials regarding Curricular Practical Training 

The timing of these messages is challenging and we recognize that this creates unexpected change in plans and hardship for students who were planning to engage in an internship this fall. We will continue to share information with students as we learn more.

Best regards,  

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)
(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)

Dear International Students and Scholars,

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a Final Rule that would make significant changes to how F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain other nonimmigrant categories are admitted and maintain lawful status in the United States. This rule was officially published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026 however is not yet in effect and no immediate action is required.

ISSS is reviewing the language of the final rule so we can best understand how it will impact the UConn community. In the coming days/weeks we will share important information with students, scholars and the university community. Please know we are also closely monitoring the government agencies enforcing the rule to identify any changes in policy or business practice as a result of the publication.

What You Need to Know

• The rule is not currently in effect, but is expected to take effect on Sept 15, 2026.
• There are no immediate changes to your immigration status or required actions needed.
• Current F-1 and J-1 regulations remain in effect until the new rule’s effective date.

What is changing?

The Final Rule would replace Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their F-2 or J-2 dependents.

If implemented as written, many individuals would receive an admission period with a specific expiration date, up to a maximum initial period of four years, rather than being admitted for the duration of their academic or exchange program. The rule also establishes procedures for requesting an Extension of Stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when additional time is needed for a program.

These changes do not prohibit students and exchange visitors from remaining in the United States for their initial authorized period of stay, but do mean that students and exchange visitors would have to request an extension in order to remain beyond that period. Additional changes will include revised grace periods and new procedures that will affect maintenance of status.

What does this mean for current students and scholars?

At this time:

• There is no action required.
• Continue to maintain your immigration status as you normally would.
• Continue to follow all current ISSS guidance regarding enrollment, employment authorization, travel, and reporting requirements.
• Do not submit any new immigration applications based solely on this announcement.

ISSS will provide updated guidance if and when changes become effective.

What is ISSS doing?

ISSS is currently:

• Conducting a detailed review of the Final Rule.
• Working with University partners to evaluate operational and compliance impacts.
• Monitoring implementation guidance from DHS, USCIS, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Developing communications, advising materials, and implementation plans to support our international students and scholars as well as our university partners.

Common FAQs

Is my F-1 or J-1 status changing today?
No. Current regulations remain in effect. There are no immediate changes to your immigration status.

Should I apply for an Extension of Stay now?
No. The procedures described in the Final Rule are not currently in effect. ISSS will provide guidance if future action becomes necessary.

Will this affect my current I-20 or DS-2019?
No. Your current immigration documents remain valid under existing regulations.

Will this affect OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training?
Current rules governing employment authorization remain in effect at this time. ISSS is reviewing the Final Rule to determine whether future implementation will affect these processes and will communicate any changes as they become available.

Will this affect transferring to another university or changing degree levels?

Current rules remain in effect at this time. ISSS is reviewing the Final Rule to determine whether future implementation will affect these processes and will communicate any changes as they become available.

When will more information be available?
ISSS expects to provide additional guidance after full review of the final rule and DHS releases any implementation instructions.

Stay Informed

ISSS will continue to monitor this development closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available. Please continue to check the ISSS website and your email for official updates. If you have questions, please contact ISSS through the normal channels. Please bear in mind that this is a developing federal regulation, we may not yet have answers to every implementation question, but we will provide timely and accurate information as guidance becomes available.

Best Regards,

The Team at ISSS

This message was originally sent to all students by email on April 28, 2026. 

Dear International Huskies,

As the semester comes to an end, I want to remind you a few things to take care of before you leave campus for the summer.

Review Summer Break Work Hour Rules:
https://international.global.uconn.edu/2026/04/28/on-campus-work-hours-during-summer-break/

Be Prepared Off-Campus
If you are leaving Storrs for the summer and traveling around the U.S. please remember that all F-1 and J-1 visa holders need to travel with their immigration documents in the event they are asked to prove their immigration status to U.S. immigration officials or law enforcement.

This message was originally sent to all GAs by email on 2/18/2026.  This information is being sent to all GAs on an F-1 or J-1 visa.  If you are not graduating this spring, this information will not apply to you but it is still important to understand for the future.

Dear International Huskies,

Federal government regulations allow graduate students on F-1 and J-1 visas to hold on-campus employment while they are pursuing their degree. If you will be a Spring 2026 graduate, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after May 10, 2026, and can no longer work on campus beyond that date.

If you hold an academic year or spring GA appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is May 22, 2026. If your degree is conferred in May and you hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and your assistantship appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Employee Union (GEU), the time between the degree conferral date and the appointment end date should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before your degree conferral date. You will still receive your full spring GA stipend.

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to May 10, 2026, if you are graduating in May and hold a GAship this term. This means your grace period to depart the U.S., or your first eligible date to begin post-completion practical training, will begin May 11, 2026. Please plan for this accordingly. ISSS will adjust your I-20 or DS-2019 end date automatically based on notification that you have applied for graduation, or at the time you apply for post-completion OPT (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students), whichever comes first. ISSS will notify you when your adjusted I-20 or DS-2019 is ready to download from your ISSS portal account later in May.

If you will be offered a summer GA appointment and will complete your degree during Summer 2026, please be aware that the summer term will be considered your final semester, and you may be employed for no more than 20 hours per week. The date you submit all final degree requirements to Degree Audit will be your degree completion date and the last date you may be employed under a graduate payroll title. Your form I-20 will be shortened to this date.

Please reach out to ISSS at international@uconn.edu if you have any questions about this change as it relates to your visa status, I-20, grace period, or practical training timeline.

Leslie M. Shor
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services

____________
Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
Center for International Students & Scholars
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu
http://international.global.uconn.edu 
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global

This message was originally sent to all international students and scholars by email on January 17, 2026.

Dear International Students and Scholars!

Happy New Year!  I want to welcome all our international huskies back to campus this spring and share some important reminders.  CISS staff have been welcoming new international huskies from all over the world to UConn since last Monday and are participating in welcome activities for new students all weekend long. ISSS supports students at all of our UConn campuses and we are here for you during your time at UConn. We have full-time ISSS staff to help you in Storrs, Stamford and Hartford campuses and part-time staff to help you at the School of Law.  Students at the Waterbury and Avery Point campuses have dedicated ISSS advisors and should check their emails for updates from ISSS and to meet with staff when we come to your campus.  Students in Storrs can visit us at the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) located at 2019 Hillside Rd.  Please see some important reminders for new and continuing international students at UConn.

Reminders for All Students
Full-Time Enrollment – As a reminder all international students must be enrolled full-time and in predominantly in-person classes.  Only 3 credits of online coursework can count towards your full-time enrollment requirement.  Please review the full-time enrollment requirements here and contact your academic advisor if you have questions about your enrollment.  Follow these instructions to review your class schedule.

Connect with Your ISSS Advisor – As a reminder view the CISS Advising Services to meet your ISSS Advisor and to schedule an appointment. Continuing students: please see the announcement about ISSS Advising changes that was emailed in December.

Reminders for New Students
If this is your first semester at UConn or you received an updated form I-20 or DS-2019 with a January 2026 start date you must complete the “Immigration Check-in” with ISSS by submitting your arrival documents and completing all steps in the Arrival Checklist after you arrive in the U.S. THANK YOU to all the new students who already completed their immigration check in, you do not need to do this again.

If you are working on campus in an on-campus job or as a graduate assistant, don’t forget to submit the Foreign National Information Form to the payroll office and to work with ISSS to apply for a social security number (SSN).

Please log in to MyHealth.uconn.edu and check your compliance with university immunization requirements.  If you are not 100% compliant please follow up with Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) ensure you are compliant. Storrs campus students can contact SHAW in person by visiting the SHAW at the Infirmary in the Hilda May Williams Bldg or by calling 860-486-4700 to schedule an appointment.

Regional campus students can contact the Nurse Navigators at their campus and they can help you find a local provider and submit documentation to SHAW online.  Students at the School of Law should follow guidance and procedures as instructed by the registrar at the School of Law.

Reminders for Continuing Students
All continuing students MUST complete the Continuing Student Checklist before the semester begins.  Please complete all 5 steps today!

Consider applying to the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB).  Submit your ISAB application by January 24, 2026.

Are you graduating in Spring 2026?  If you will be graduating in spring 2026 and you do not require a full course load to complete your degree, you can request to take a reduced course load for last semester from ISSS.   If spring 2026 will be your last semester and you only need to enroll in one course, it must be an in-person course and must be offered at UConn.   If you will graduate in Spring 2026 and you are interested to stay in the U.S. and work in your major field or complete an internship or training after graduation you should attend an OPT workshop and plan to apply for OPT with ISSS in February or March.  Review the Optional Practical Training (OPT) information and application procedures on our website.

Upcoming Events That We Recommend

“Winter Clothing Pickup” Monday-Friday @ CISS, Storrs Campus  2019 Hillside Rd. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Make sure you are prepared for the cold weather!  CISS received a small donation of new and used winter clothing specifically for international students who may need additional winter clothing. Come to CISS in person and ask the front desk to see the winter clothing.

Prepare for the Internship & Co-op Career Fair  Tuesday, January 29 2:00-3:00 PM online.

Internship & Co-Op Career Fair Tuesday, February 3 11:00-3:00 PM Student Union, 3rd Floor

The UConn Internship & Co-op fair allows you to connect with employers from dozens of industries who are specifically interested in hiring UConn students for internship and co-op opportunities. This event takes place in February each year.

Stamford Campus: Involvement Fair Thursday, January 22 – 12:00-1:30 pm

Stamford Campus: Campus Festival Wednesday, January 28 – 4:30-7:30 pm

Storrs Campus: Involvement Fair Wednesday, February 4 – 1:00-6:00 PM at Gampel Pavilion. Find new ways to connect, make friends and get involved at UConn – see over 400 different student clubs and organizations.

All Campuses: Talking About Taxes: International Student and Scholar Tax Filing Requirements, Friday, January 30, 4:00-5:30 pm

All Campuses: Finding Summer Research Opportunities, Friday, January 30, 4:00-5:00

We are excited to welcome you back to campus!  Enjoy these last few days before spring term starts.  Stay warm!

Best regards,

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global

This message was originally sent to all international students and scholars on December 23, 2025. 

Dear International Huskies,

Happy Holidays from the CISS!  The Center for International Students and Scholars Office will be closed  starting at 12:00 on December 24, 2025  and will reopen on January 5, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.  While we will periodically be checking messages, please be patient as your response may be delayed until January 5.

Review Winter Break Work Hour Rules:

https://soapbox.uconn.edu/public/storyView.php?id=271791&cid=53&iid=29693

Review ISSS Advising changes coming in Spring 2026:

https://soapbox.uconn.edu/public/storyView.php?id=271804&cid=53&iid=29693

The holiday season is approaching, which is a busy time for international travel. Before deciding whether to travel internationally, please read the following detailed information carefully. More than ever, it is important to follow all international travel procedures and meet with your ISSS Advisor prior to international travel if your proposed trip falls outside of approved travel policy. We encourage you to monitor the CISS website for up-to-date information.

Report Your Travel

You must report your travel to ISSS every time you depart the U.S.  Complete a Travel Information Record in the ISSS Portal before you leave the U.S.  All students must return to UConn by the start of Spring term.  We recommend returning to campus no later than January 18, 2026, so that you have time to move back into your housing and get settled prior to the first day of classes.     

Valid Travel Signature

All students and scholars need a valid travel signature before you depart the U.S.  The “Travel Endorsement” section on page 2 of your Form I-20 for F-1 students or the “Travel Validation” space on page 1 of your Form DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders should contain a signature from our office, not more than one year old as of the date of your intended return. If you need a travel signature this fall, see the options below.

All Students/ All Campuses – 1) Complete a Travel Information Record in the ISSS Portal. 2) Download and print the updated I-20/DS-2019 with travel signature and sign page one or pick up your documents at your campus ISSS before departing the U.S.

Valid Visa Stamp

You must have a valid visa stamp in your passport to enter the U.S.* (with possible exception for short trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands**). If your visa stamp has expired or will expire before your planned return to the U.S., you must make a non-immigrant visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate in your country of residence. If you need a new visa stamp, we recommend that you reconsider your travel during winter break as there may not be enough time to secure your visa and return in time for the start of spring term.  Consider traveling over summer break to make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Be aware that U.S. Consulates are busy this time of year and will be closed for U.S. and local holidays. As always, the issuance of visa stamps is at the discretion of the Consular Officers.

*Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement.  ** Please contact your ISSS advisor if you have questions about automatic visa revalidation.

Prepare for Reentry to U.S.

Every time you travel abroad and reenter the U.S. the CBP officers at the port of entry will evaluate your request to reenter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder. Be sure to travel with all the documentation we recommend in our Travel Advisory (passport, visa, paper copy of form I-20 with travel signature for F-1 visa holders, paper copy of form DS-2019 with travel signature for J-1 visa holders, proof of funding, official UConn transcript, class schedule for spring term, proof of teaching or research assistantship, proof of participation in UConn athletics, proof of employment or invitation to UConn for J-1 scholars).  Don’t give the port of entry officers any opportunity to question your legitimacy as a UConn student.  This means arriving on-time for the start of the semester and traveling with all your required documentation.  This means traveling only during vacation periods, not when school is in session. When possible, try to schedule your flight to arrive Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, this way the ISSS will be open should the CBP officer call. If you arrive after hours and the CBP wants to call the ISSS they should call the UConn Police at 860-486-4800

Restrictions on Working Abroad

As a reminder, F-1 and J-1 students are not permitted to engage in remote employment while outside of Connecticut, this includes GA or TA work performed from abroad.  Students engaged in student labor on-campus employment may not continue working from abroad when traveling home.  Graduate Assistants appointed as RAs or TAs should plan to use time off and may not perform any GA duties unless their department has secured approval of an exception in advance from graduatedean@uconn.edu and potentially from UConn’s Export Control officer as well.

Download the myUConn App and Connect with ISSS

Follow these instructions to download the myUConn app and “Opt In” to communications from International Student and Scholar Services. If there are any urgent notifications we need to communicate, ISSS will push a notification through myUConn with instructions on how to get more information or what steps you need to take.

Thank you for reading this important information. If you have travel or visa-related concerns or questions after reviewing the above information, please email international@uconn.edu and an advisor will be in touch with you.  We wish you a safe and warm winter season.

Best regards,

Arthur
___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global