Office of International Students and Scholars

Under the new rules, students entering the U.S. will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94 rather than D/S. The authorized period will generally be the length of the student’s academic program or four years, whichever is shorter. For example, a student entering a two year master’s program would generally receive an AUD based on the two-year program end date, while a student entering a five-year doctoral program would initially be admitted for no more than four years. 

Students who need additional time beyond their AUD to complete their program may have to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS) rather than having OISS extend their immigration status through SEVIS. 

The rules also shorten the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 to 30 days and place new restrictions on changing major 

Identify the issue early and refer the student to OISS. This is especially important for doctoral and thesis students, whose research and completion timelines may be difficult to predict. 

Under the new framework, Lehigh may determine academically that a student needs additional time, but that does not by itself extend the student’s authorized stay. The student may need to apply to USCIS for an Extension of Stay (EOS). We are still awaiting additional federal guidance on aspects of the EOS process and how it will apply in particular circumstances. 

Lehigh is developing new processes to identify students who may need additional time well before their immigration deadlines, ensure students and advisors have access to key dates and status information, and provide clear guidance on when and how students should begin the EOS process. Faculty and programs do not need to determine whether an EOS is required; their role is to monitor academic progress, identify potential delays early, and refer students to OISS. 

Consult OISS before the change is approved or processed. The new rule places significant restrictions on academic changes for F-1 students. 

Graduate F-1 students may not change majors or transfer during their graduate program. For example, a master’s student in Computer Science could not switch to a master’s in Data Science, and a doctoral student in Chemistry could not switch to a doctoral program in Bioengineering. Undergraduates must complete their first academic year before changing majors or transferring. 

Students also face restrictions on beginning another degree at the same or a lower educational level after completing a degree. For example, a student who completes a master’s degree could not begin a second master’s degree, and a student who completes a PhD could not then pursue an MBA or another master’s degree in F-1 status. 

If a student raises a change of major, graduate program, degree level, dual degree, transfer, or similar change, faculty should not try to determine whether the change is permitted under immigration regulations. Refer the student to OISS. 

Students may still take an academically permitted Leave of Absence, and qualifying F-1 students may still receive an authorized Reduced Course Load. What has changed is the importance of understanding the immigration consequences before the action occurs. 

An academic LOA does not automatically allow an F-1 student to remain in the United States. Similarly, a student cannot simply drop below the required full-time enrollment because a faculty member or academic program approves it. Students considering either action should consult OISS before the leave, withdrawal, or reduction in enrollment is finalized.

F-1 students can still travel internationally, but travel after September 15 can change the immigration framework that applies to them.

A student currently enrolled at Lehigh under D/S who leaves and reenters the U.S. on or after September 15 will receive a fixed AUD on the new I-94, based on the program end date on the I20 and subject to the maximum allowed period. 

The student will then be subject to the new rules, including the 30-day F-1 grace period.  For example, a doctoral student currently in D/S who has two years remaining on the I-20 and travels after September 15 would generally receive an AUD corresponding to that program end date, not automatically another four years.  

Faculty should therefore encourage students to consult OISS before international travel rather than advising them that travel will have no immigration consequences. 

Yes. Conference attendance, research travel, fieldwork, professional meetings, and other university-related travel outside the United States are subject to the same immigration rules as personal international travel.  

This includes travel to a student's home country and travel to Canada or Mexico. Faculty planning or approving international travel for an F-1 or J-1 student should encourage the student to consult OISS before travel arrangements are finalized. 

Students from countries currently subject to U.S. travel restrictions require particular caution because departure from the United States may affect their ability to return. Faculty should never assure a student that reentry will be permitted; refer the student to OISS for individualized advice. 

Yes. The new rule does not eliminate OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, or J-1 Academic Training, but the requirements and timing for these activities are important.

 CPT is available only when the internship or practical experience is an integral part of the student’s established curriculum and is required by the academic program. Faculty should not assume that enrolling a student in an optional internship course is sufficient to qualify the experience for CPT. Students considering an internship or other off-campus practical experience should be referred to OISS before making an employment commitment. 

Graduating master’s and doctoral students should consult OISS early regarding OPT/STEM OPT planning, because program completion dates, the student’s authorized period of stay, and the shortened 30-day F-1 grace period may affect the timing of post-completion plans. J-1 students considering Academic Training should similarly work with OISS on eligibility and timing. 

Doctoral students warrant additional attention because their timelines are often less predictable. 

Faculty advisors should: 

• discuss expected completion timelines regularly and flag significant delays early;  
• encourage OISS consultation if a student may need additional time;  
• consult OISS before a student changes programs, takes a leave, reduces enrollment, or exits a doctoral program early;  
• refer students to OISS before international travel, particularly students already well into their doctoral programs; and  
• encourage students approaching completion to speak with OISS early about OPT and other post-completion plans.  

The objective is early identification, not immigration advising by faculty. 

It is fine to acknowledge the question and help the student identify the appropriate university resource, but do not speculate or rely on your understanding of the previous rules. 

A simple response is: “The immigration rules have changed, and the answer may depend on your individual circumstances. Before you make this decision, please check with OISS.”