Welcome Back! Important F-1 Updates for Fall 2026

August 25, 2026

Greetings Seawolf!

Welcome—or welcome back—to Stony Brook University for the Fall 2026 semester!

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) is here to help you understand your immigration responsibilities and maintain your F-1 status throughout your time at Stony Brook.

We know your inbox gets busy, but please always read emails from VIS carefully. Our messages include important information about your F-1 status, deadlines, employment, travel, and changes to U.S. immigration regulations.

Here are a few important updates and reminders to help you start the semester strong.

Important This Fall: New DHS Rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a new rule that makes significant changes to F-1 student regulations. The new rule takes effect September 15, 2026.

The changes may affect your period of admission to the United States, immigration documents, and options during and after your studies.

Attend an information session that applies to you to learn what is changing and what you need to do:

• Undergraduate Students: Preparing for Success Under the New DHS Rule
• Graduate Students: Preparing for Success Under the New DHS Rule
• Students on or Applying for OPT/STEM: Preparing for Success Under the New DHS Rule

VIS Has a New Website!

Our redesigned VIS website makes it easier to find information about maintaining your status, employment, travel, accessVIS requests, workshops, and more.

Bookmark it: www.stonybrook.edu/visa

Key Reminders For F-1 Students

Keep Your Information Updated

• Address: Report changes within 10 days. Update your local address in SOLAR and keep your foreign address current.
• Contact Information: Keep your personal (non-SBU) email and U.S. phone number current in accessVIS under Biographical Information.

Check Your I-94 After International Travel

Each time you enter the United States, retrieve your I-94 from the CBP’s I-94 website. Make sure it correctly shows your F-1 status and admission information. Contact VIS immediately if you notice an error.

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

F-1 students must enroll in and complete a full course of study each required semester:

Remember:

• You may take additional online courses after meeting the minimum in-person/hybrid requirement.
• In your final semester, you must take at least one in-person or hybrid course (even with Reduced Course Load).
• Grades of NF, NR, NU, or W do not count toward full-time enrollment and may affect your F-1 status.

Reduced Course Load (RCL)

You may qualify to take fewer than the required number of credits for certain academic difficulties, medical reasons, or during your final semester. Learn more about Enrollment Exceptions and Reduced Course Load Options.

Employment Rules & Reminders

On Campus Employment:

• F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• Before starting a job, make sure the position qualifies as on-campus employment. If you are unsure, ask your VIS adviser before you begin working.
• Need a Social Security Number (SSN)? Submit an SSN Authorization Letter request in accessVIS.

Off-Campus Activities

Do not begin off-campus employment, an internship, or practical training without the required authorization.

This may include unpaid internships or training opportunities. Starting an activity without the required authorization can violate your F-1 status.

Interested in an internship or other practical training? Attend a CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Group Advising & Information Session before you begin.

Graduating in December?

If you will complete your degree in December 2026, your Post-Completion OPT application window begins September 18, 2026.

We strongly recommend attending an OPT Group Advising & Information Sessions before applying.

Stay Connected with VIS

VIS offers workshops and information sessions throughout the semester on CPT, OPT, immigration updates, employment after graduation, taxes, and more.

View All Upcoming VIS Events & Workshops

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Email vis@stonybrook.edu or schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Have a great semester!

Sincerely,
Meghan Gambino
Senior Assistant Dean
Visa and Immigration Services