On August 24, 2026, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued Broadcast Message 2608-02, further clarifying that CPT must be an integral and required part of an established curriculum that applies to all students (domestic and international) participating in the same program.
Effective September 15, 2026, F-1/J-1 students and J-1 scholars will be admitted to the U.S. until the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019. There are no immediate changes to your immigration status or required actions at this time. Additional guidance and instructional webinar schedules will be forthcoming.
For individualized guidance, you may contact OIS through drop-in advising.
On Dec. 16, 2025, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing entry restrictions on nationals of 38 countries.
Due to the Dec. 16, 2025 presidential proclamation, students holding passports from certain countries who do not have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa are advised against international travel at this time.
OIS would like to share several important reminders to help students maintain F-1 or J-1 status and plan travel during the winter recess.
Please review the OIS travel and emergency contact information below before traveling during spring or winter recess.
OIS Executive Director Esther C. Lee welcomes students to the fall 2025 semester at USC.
On Aug. 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a proposed rule that would change the initial admission period for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
The U.S. Department of State announced on June 18, 2025, that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will soon resume scheduling F and J visa appointments.
