Update on the DHS Fixed Period of Admission Final Rule, 91 FR 44976 (July 17, 2026)
As we shared in our July 24 update on D/S changes, the new rules associated with the Duration of Status (D/S) were scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. However, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction on September 14, temporarily delaying the implementation of the new rule. The current D/S rules remain in effect while the litigation continues. We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
If you were trying to update your SEVIS record, you may continue working with Office of International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) on those updates until notified that the new rules take effect. While the current Duration of Status (D/S) rules remain in effect, we encourage students to focus on timely degree progression and completion. If you have any questions, we’re happy to assist.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update for F-1 Students
On August 12, 2026, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent guidance to all Designated School Officials (DSOs) regarding CPT authorization. Additional guidance followed on August 24, 2026. The guidance emphasized increased scrutiny of CPT authorizations and the need for schools to ensure that CPT complies with federal regulations. Since that time, we have been coordinating with national organizations and peer institutions to interpret the guidance and establish processes to ensure compliance.
Under the guidance, DSOs may authorize CPT only when the practical training is a required component of the academic program for all students as a degree requirement. As a result, elective courses cannot be used to establish CPT eligibility. The practical training associated with CPT must be an academic program requirement, such as required work hours, coursework, an internship, an educational experience, or another curricular component associated with academic credit that is required for all students in the established curriculum.
Since August 24, 2026, ISSC staff have been using the new guidance to approve or deny CPT requests. Academic leadership and departments have been informed of the new guidance and the CPT approval process.
Improper CPT authorization can have significant consequences for the university and an F-1 student’s immigration status and eligibility for future immigration benefits. We are committed to ensuring that students and academic departments understand and comply with CPT requirements overseen by the ISSC. Maintaining lawful F-1 status and ensuring that CPT is properly authorized are important for preserving eligibility for future immigration benefits, including Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT extensions (when applicable), and extensions of stay.
If a department can answer yes to all four questions below, CPT may be eligible for approval:
- Is the requirement listed in the UNLV catalog?
- Is it required of all students in the program or subplan?
- Is it a specific required course, not an elective?
- Is the number of times a student may take the course specified?
As additional guidance becomes available from DHS, UNLV Global, and ISSC will continue to provide updates by email, on our website, and during upcoming information sessions.
For questions, please contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC). The office is located in BEH 543 and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When you arrive, call 702-774-6477, and a staff member will meet you near the ground-floor elevator to provide access to the office. You may also email issc@unlv.edu for assistance with immigration compliance questions.
For general support, please contact Anne White, Senior Director of International Student & Scholar Success Programs at anne.white@unlv.edu.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate these significant regulatory changes together.
Best wishes,
Lindsey Gruber
Senior Executive Director of UNLV Global
Valerie Pierce
Point of Contact for the Office of International Student and Scholar Compliance, PDSO, RO
Director of the English Language Center
Anne White
Senior Director of International Student & Scholar Success Programs