Immigration, Global Mobility, and Higher Education: F-1 Updates

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on F-1, J-1, and I visas. This regulation goes into effect on September 15, 2026 and arguably contains the most significant changes to student and exchange visitor visas programs in the U.S. since the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

The most impactful aspect of the rule is the establishment of a fixed period of admission for international students and exchange visitors. However, the rule will also impact students and sponsoring institutions in many significant ways, including restricting transfers and student-athlete eligibility — and increasing USCIS scrutiny.

Join us as Higher Education partners Dan Cohen, Michael Durham, and Tejas Shah discuss:

• The rule’s most impactful changes to the F-1 and J-1 programs
• Key practical challenges for Universities and international students from this rule
• Athletics related impacts of this rule and prospective solutions for Universities enrolling international student athletes
• Prospective litigation that could impact the scope of the rule

1.0 hour CLE credit and 1.0 hour HRCI credit pending. This program is valid for 1.0 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®

Questions? Email Angela Pruitt or call 317-261-7927.