Dear Colleagues,
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in Illinois International is writing to share an important update regarding the new regulations affecting duration of status and academic mobility for F and J nonimmigrant status students and scholars. These regulations were scheduled to take effect today, September 15, 2026.
A coalition of higher education organizations and other groups filed a lawsuit challenging these changes. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign submitted a declaration supporting the plaintiffs' request to prevent the rule from taking effect while the litigation proceeds. On September 14, United States District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV ruled on this request, stating that the “plaintiffs have demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on their claims that the agency action (the adoption of the Final Rule) was arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706.”
As a result, the judge granted a nationwide preliminary injunction preventing the implementation of these new regulations while the litigation is proceeding. Until the final ruling on this case is issued, international students and scholars will continue to be admitted under duration of status upon entry to the United States and will be able to make changes to their academic programs as previously permitted beyond September 15, 2026.
ISSS will continue to monitor developments and rulings from the lawsuit closely, sharing timely updates as appropriate. The information previously communicated will remain online and available for informational purposes. We encourage Unit Executive Officers to share this information broadly. We have also encouraged our international population to remain informed regarding these proposed changes, referring to the in-depth FAQ created by ISSS to understand the impacts.
We will continue to support and advocate for a successful academic and professional experience for all members of our international community. We want to express our continued appreciation to our campus partners for their care and dedication to supporting our international students and scholars.
Sincerely,
Colleen Murphy
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Martin McFarlane
Assistant Provost, International Student and Scholar Services