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International Student News & Updates

Important Updates for Our International Student Community

We encourage the international student community to stay informed with the latest news and important updates for international students. This section provides timely information on policies, procedures, and announcements that may impact a student's status and experience. Because the immigration environment for international students is constantly evolving, we strongly encourage you to check this page regularly to remain compliant and up to date.

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May 6, 2026

Important Update Regarding Proposed Changes to F-1/J-1 Student Visa Rules

The Office of International Students at Governors State University is aware of the recent news regarding a proposed federal policy change that could impact international students studying in the United States:

This proposed rule, put forward by the Department of Homeland Security, would replace the current "Duration of Status" (D/S) system with fixed time limits on F and J visas. If finalized, it could affect how long students are permitted to remain in the U.S., require students to apply for extensions of stay through USCIS, restrict transfers between schools or programs, and limit the ability to pursue a second degree.

We encourage you to read the following article for background:

US: Replacing Duration of Status Set to Cause Chaos – The PIE News
https://thepienews.com/replacing-duration-of-status-set-to-cause-chaos/

At this time, the rule has NOT been finalized and the current rules and regulations still apply. Our office is actively monitoring the situation and will communicate with you directly once more concrete information is available. We want to ensure that any guidance we share is accurate and actionable.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns. We are here to support you.

April 28, 2026

Important Information and Guidance

We understand this is a challenging time for international students across the United States. As essential members of our Governors State University community, we want to assure you of our unwavering commitment to supporting you during this period.

Please review the following important guidance to help ensure your status compliance and overall wellbeing:

Essential Status Documentation  

Always carry either original documents or copies of your:

  • I-20
  • Passport/ Visa
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
  • Any I-797 notices from USCIS (if applicable)
  • EAD Card (for students on OPT)

Email Monitoring

Check your student email account, or the email account in SEVIS (for students on OPT) regularly for communication from OIS. Also, based on our current understanding, most visa revocation notices are sent directly to visa holders from the embassy where the visa was obtained. As such, check all your email accounts regularly, including spam folders, particularly the email address used when scheduling your visa appointment.

Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights as an international student in the United States is crucial. Please review these resources:

If Your Visa Is Revoked

If you receive notification that your visa has been revoked, take these immediate steps:

  1. Contact Governors State University's Office of International Services (OIS)
    1. Email OIS at ois@govst.edu and forward the notification you received
    2. OIS staff will assess your immigration record status and provide appropriate guidance based on whether your status is terminated or active
    3. Our team will connect you with additional support services
  2. Seek Immigration Counsel. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney. These resources can help you find legal assistance:
    1. How to Find an Immigration Lawyer
    2. Find a Service Organization Near You 
    3. American Immigration Lawyers Association Search Tool
    4. iAmerica Legal Services Search Tool
    5. National Immigration Legal Services Directory

Additional Resources

Governors State University is your home away from home. We offer several resources to support your academic and personal success:

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our Office of International Services at ois@govst.edu or call 708.235.7611.

International Student News & Updates

  • Office of International Services
  • Governors State University
  • 1 University Pkwy, GMT 168, University Park, IL 60484
  • 708.235.7611
  • ois@govst.edu