Update on Federal Rule Affecting International Students and International Scholars

Dear university leaders, international students and international scholars (F-1 and J-1 visa holders),

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule updating federal regulations for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. We recognize that changes of this nature can raise important questions for our international students, international scholars, dependents, faculty, departments and campus partners.  

We are paying close attention to these developments and to the potential implications for members of our international community and the academic units that support them. Our International Student Services (ISS) and International Faculty and Scholars (IFS) teams within Arizona International are carefully reviewing the final rule to understand what has changed, what remains unclear, and how these updates may affect our campus. 

Because the rule is extensive and will require careful analysis, we do not want to provide premature guidance before the implications are fully understood.  

As soon as further guidance is available, updates will be posted on the International Student Services (ISS) and International Faculty and Scholars websites respectively, and shared periodically by email.

ISS and IFS will also offer webinars, presentations and stakeholder meetings to help explain the changes, answer questions and support international students, international scholars, departments and campus partners through the transition. 

Our international students and international scholars are a vital part of the University of Arizona’s academic community and global mission. Teams across the university are taking a proactive and coordinated approach to these developments by assessing the federal rule change, monitoring its implications and preparing guidance and support for those who may be affected. In the meantime, international students, international scholars and departments with immediate questions or concerns should continue to connect with ISS and IFS as their primary points of contact for immigration-related questions. 

Thank you for your patience as we work to provide accurate information and continued support for our international community. 

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Jenny Lee 
Chief International Affairs Officer and Dean 

This email was sent to international students and international scholars, senior leaders, deans, department heads, chairs, directors and Provost Integrated Leadership Team.