On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule that changes the way F and J visa holders (including almost all international students and scholars at the University of Minnesota) are admitted to the United States. The new federal rule will go into effect on September 15, 2026.

This rule limits student/scholar admission to the U.S. and approved immigration status to a fixed period of time, and requires any request to extend a student’s or scholar’s immigration status to be reviewed and approved by an ISSS advisor and by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is a significant change that will require new fees, procedures, additional processing time and understanding of important immigration documents.

ISSS staff and colleagues from across the University’s five campuses will carefully review the final rule to determine the impact on international students, scholars, employees and their families.

For more details, see the ISSS Current Messages on Federal Immigration Changes.

Not immediately. The new federal rule will go into effect on September 15, 2026. Students and scholars making their initial entry into the U.S. will be most immediately impacted by the change, but those continuing current programs also need to be aware of how this will affect their status.

We understand that immigration policy changes can create uncertainty and anxiety. You do not need to navigate these changes alone. The most important thing you can do is stay informed through official University communications and ISSS updates. At this time:

• Continue your studies, research, or work as usual
• Maintain your immigration status as required
• International students, scholars, faculty and staff who have immediate questions or specific concerns about how this proposal impacts their status should contact ISSS.

If action is needed, the University will communicate the next steps as early as possible.

Any policy that increases administrative burden for international students and scholars has implications for University research continuity and global competitiveness. Research teams should build additional flexibility into recruitment and onboarding timelines, where possible, and engage ISSS early regarding international appointments.

To support your team, please:

• Share official University updates and refer immigration questions to ISSS, and avoid inadvertently speculating or interpreting unofficial information.
• Encourage any affected international students or scholars in your unit to work closely with ISSS.
• Share questions or potential impacts about this rule by filling out the ISSS form, and notify your dean or department head of emerging concerns.
   

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University cannot provide private student information to any law enforcement agency, including ICE, unless required by subpoena or court order or otherwise expressly permitted under FERPA.

Campus departments of public safety, including UMPD on the Twin Cities campus, do not enforce federal immigration laws and our officers do not inquire about an individual's immigration status. Their focus remains on public safety, fostering trust, and maintaining strong relationships across the University community.
 

Contact the Office of the General Counsel before taking any action. See also Guidance regarding law enforcement activity on University properties (University login required).

Additionally, Student Legal Service has guidance for students on this and other legal issues. Students are encouraged to reach out proactively to connect with SLS immigration attorneys, as appropriate.

International Student and Scholar Services has information on its website outlining some routine reasons the Department of Homeland Security makes site visits to a University office.

Changes to federal processes and policies may impact international travel, especially for those who are not U.S. citizens. Travelers should be aware of the possibility that re-entry requirements to the U.S. could change while they are overseas. The GPS Alliance’s International Health, Safety, and Compliance team is monitoring the situation and providing updated travel information and resources.

There are many resources available if you have questions or need support. View resources by campus below. In addition, students can reach out to Student Legal Service, which offers immigration legal counseling. In addition, the “Know Your Rights” section of the website offers easy-to-understand guidance. Eligible University employees can access limited legal consulting and a discount on referrals through the Employee Assistance Program. 

Community resources for those seeking information on the rights of foreign nationals, bystanders and supporters should they encounter law enforcement agents can be found on the Binger Center for New Americans’ website.