To the Case Western Reserve University community,
As a new semester nears, I wanted to share information about a recent federal immigration policy change that will affect some of our international students and scholars.
While I recognize this change will not impact everyone in our community directly, I am sharing it because it will affect many of your classmates, colleagues and friends. International students and scholars are an essential part of Case Western Reserve University, and we remain committed to supporting them as we work to understand the implications of this new federal rule.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a “final rule” changing how long individuals holding F, J and I visas can stay in the United States while pursuing their education. Instead of the current "duration of status" framework, admission to the U.S. after Sept. 15, 2026, will generally be based on a fixed period of stay.
While the impact of the rule is still being analyzed, several significant changes include:
As a new semester nears, I wanted to share information about a recent federal immigration policy change that will affect some of our international students and scholars.
While I recognize this change will not impact everyone in our community directly, I am sharing it because it will affect many of your classmates, colleagues and friends. International students and scholars are an essential part of Case Western Reserve University, and we remain committed to supporting them as we work to understand the implications of this new federal rule.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a “final rule” changing how long individuals holding F, J and I visas can stay in the United States while pursuing their education. Instead of the current "duration of status" framework, admission to the U.S. after Sept. 15, 2026, will generally be based on a fixed period of stay.
While the impact of the rule is still being analyzed, several significant changes include:
- A move to fixed time periods, or “Admit Until Date”—determined by a student’s program end date or four years from entry into the U.S., whichever is shorter;
- New requirements for extensions of stay;
- Significant changes to academic program changes and transfer rules;
- Shorter grace periods following degree or Optional Practical Training (OPT) completion; and
- Reduced timelines for OPT applications.
This is a complex and evolving situation that may create uncertainty for many members of our international community. The VISA Office has put together answers to frequently asked questions to help all of us understand the rule, and they will continue communicating directly with affected students and scholars as additional guidance becomes available.
International students and scholars should review the answers to the frequently asked questions. Those with questions should contact the VISA Office at visa@case.edu, 216.368.6964, or by scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment. Walk-in hours are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. All members of the university community, but especially F and J visa holders, are encouraged to visit the VISA Office website and subscribe to VISA News for further updates.
We recognize that policy changes like these can be stressful. Students can reach University Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or by scheduling an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare; faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007 or the AllOneHealth website.
We will continue to monitor developments, share updates as additional guidance becomes available and support our international students and scholars throughout this process.
Thank you for helping us foster a welcoming and supportive community for everyone at Case Western Reserve University.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President
Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair
International students and scholars should review the answers to the frequently asked questions. Those with questions should contact the VISA Office at visa@case.edu, 216.368.6964, or by scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment. Walk-in hours are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. All members of the university community, but especially F and J visa holders, are encouraged to visit the VISA Office website and subscribe to VISA News for further updates.
We recognize that policy changes like these can be stressful. Students can reach University Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or by scheduling an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare; faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007 or the AllOneHealth website.
We will continue to monitor developments, share updates as additional guidance becomes available and support our international students and scholars throughout this process.
Thank you for helping us foster a welcoming and supportive community for everyone at Case Western Reserve University.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President
Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair