INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER

We hope your semester is going well. OIS continues to monitor several immigration-related updates that may affect our international community.

H-1B Updates

On September 19, 2025, the President issued a proclamation introducing a $100,000 supplemental fee for many new H-1B petitions filed on or after 12:01 a.m. (EDT) on September 21, 2025. This new requirement mainly affects individuals outside the United States who are applying for an H-1B visa to enter the country.

The rule does not generally apply to change-of-status petitions. If a change of status is requested and approved by USCIS, the fee will not apply to that H-1B petition. This means that most F-1 students on OPT/STEM-OPT will not have to pay the new fee if they transition to an H-1B. In addition, beneficiaries of such petitions are not subject to the payment requirement if they later depart the United States and apply for a visa based on the approved petition, or reenter the U.S. on a valid H-1B visa. OIS will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please refer to Fragomen's publication on this proclamation.

New DHS Rule Limits EAD Auto-Extensions; F-1 STEM OPT Students Not Affected

A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) interim final rule (IFR) eliminates the maximum 540-day automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain foreign nationals. However, please note that F-1 students applying for a STEM extension of employment authorization are not affected by the IFR; they receive a 180-day auto-extension upon timely filing of their STEM EAD application pursuant to a separate regulatory provision.

Duration of Status Updates

Many students have also asked about the proposed changes to “Duration of Status.” This rule has not been finalized or enacted, and your current immigration status remains unchanged. There are no new updates at this time, but we will continue to keep you informed of any developments.

International Student Events & International Education Week

This month, OIS and other offices on campus are hosting a variety of workshops and events for international students, including activities in celebration of International Education Week (IEW). Highlights include a Travel Signature Day, where students traveling abroad can get an on-the-spot signature on their I-20, a private tour of the United Nations, and several career-focused workshops to help you prepare for post-graduation opportunities. Full details for all events can be found in the “Upcoming Events at Fordham” section of this newsletter.

After more than 25 years at Fordham, Salvatore (Sal) Longarino, Director of the Office for International Services, has announced his retirement.

Sal joined Fordham in 2000, when OIS was a one-person office serving about 400 students. Today, thanks to his leadership, the office has grown into a team of seven advisors, supporting over 2,000 international students, scholars, and faculty.

A leader in the field of international student and scholar services for more than 40 years, Sal has received numerous national awards and held leadership positions in the professional association NAFSA. During his tenure, he helped shape the international experience at Fordham - introducing new systems, expanding programming such as Global Transition and International Education Week, and advocating for international education at every level.

The OIS team thanks Sal for his many years of dedication, leadership, and mentorship. We wish him all the best in this next chapter!

Sal will be engaged in seamless transition and can be reached at longarino@fordham.edu.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Rainey to Fordham as the University’s inaugural Vice Provost for Student Success. In this new role, Dr. Rainey oversees several key areas that support students throughout their Fordham journey, including OIS, Academic Records, the Career Center, and the First-Year Experience.

Dr. Rainey brings extensive experience from leadership roles at NYU, Columbia University, and Loyola University New Orleans. A native New Yorker, she holds degrees from Georgetown, NYU, Columbia, and the University of Texas at Austin, where her research focused on student experiences and retention.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Rainey as she begins her work enhancing student success at Fordham.

Get ready for International Education Week (IEW), celebrated by universities across the country from November 17 to 21. At Fordham, we are excited to showcase a series of events that support and celebrate our global community. These programs are designed not only to provide valuable resources for international students but also to create opportunities to share your culture, explore academic and career pathways in the U.S., and learn from the diverse experiences of others.

See the IEW events schedule under “Upcoming Events at Fordham” of this newsletter.

As a nonresident in the U.S., it’s crucial to know that if you earned income in 2025, you’re legally required to file a tax return by 15 April 2026. Even if you didn’t work or earn any income, you’ll still need to submit Form 8843 to the IRS.

Fordham has partnered with Sprintax, to make the tax-filing process easier for you. The software will guide you through each step of filing your taxes, help you prepare the necessary documents, and check whether you’re eligible for a tax refund.

With the U.S. tax season kicking off in January 2026, OIS will share step-by-step instructions on how to use Sprintax to complete your filing. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore Sprintax’s free resources to get familiar with the U.S. tax system and start preparing early.

Sprintax resources

1. Sprintax International Student US tax guide and blog: https://blog.sprintax.com/f1-visa-tax-return-guide-international-students/
   
   
2. Sprintax knowledge base: https://www.youtube.com/user/Sprintax
   
   
3. Sprintax free educational tax webinars: Sprintax will host a number of free educational tax webinars that will be available to nonresidents prior to and during the US tax filing season. Once the webinar dates are published, OIS will email the details to all international students.

While OIS cannot advise on tax matters, we will continue to share information and guidance on how to prepare your tax documents using Sprintax once the filing season begins in early 2026. For now, take some time to review the resources above so you’re ready when tax season arrives!

The European Society is a new undergraduate club at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus dedicated to exploring Europe’s diverse cultures, histories, and current affairs. Founded in March 2025, the club is now in its first full semester of activity and welcomes all students with an interest in Europe.

The club meets bi-weekly in Hughes Hall, Room 307. Their next meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 4, from 4–5 p.m., featuring Russian food, a cultural slideshow, and a Kahoot quiz with prizes.

Later this month, members will also enjoy guided tours of the Guggenheim Museum and The MET Cloisters, and plans are underway for a visit to the EU Delegation to the United Nations.

Students interested in joining can attend any meeting, fill out the interest form, or follow the club on Instagram at @europeanfordham.

You are legally required to ensure the following information is accurate:

Ensure your Phone Number and Address are up-to-date:

To update your address and phone number(s), login to Fordham University's portal (https://www.fordham.edu) and navigate to My Pages.

Full-Time Enrollment

Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, while graduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 credits. Only students in their final term may enroll less than full-time.

If you plan to take fewer credits and are not in your last term, submit the Deviation form available on the OIS website.

I-20 / DS-2019 Completion Information

Check your program end date on page 1 of your I-20 (or section 3 of your DS-2019). If you need more time, contact your academic advisor and submit a Program Extension Request to OIS at least 3 weeks before your I-20 expires.

Important: Completing your studies makes your I-20 or DS-2019 invalid, even if the end date hasn’t passed. Never attempt to re-enter the U.S. using a completed I-20/DS-2019.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at ois@fordham.edu

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a job related to their field of study. If you are graduating this December, you are eligible to apply now.

• When to Apply: You can apply up to 90 days before your I-20 program end date and no later than 60 days after it.
  
  

• No Job Offer Needed: You can apply even if you don’t yet have a job.

• Apply Early: USCIS processing can take 2-3 months - applying early helps you start work sooner.

How to Apply: Submit your OPT request through the OPT Portal, receive your updated I-20 from OIS, and then file Form I-765 with USCIS.

You can learn more about the OPT application process on the OIS website.

Scammers may call, email, or message you pretending to be government officials or university staff, trying to get money or personal information.

Protect Yourself:

• Never share your Social Security number, bank details, or visa information with unknown contacts.

• Note names, phone numbers, and organizations if someone contacts you suspiciously.

• Hang up and report it to OIS at ois@fordham.edu if someone claims to be from our office.

Ready to stand out in the U.S. job market?

Navigating the U.S. job market as an international student can be challenging — but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us for an evening designed to help you turn your international experience into a competitive advantage. Learn how to build your personal brand, network with professionals, and hear firsthand from Fordham alumni who have successfully launched their careers in the U.S.

Come for one session or stay for both — and learn how to turn your international experience into a competitive advantage!

👤 4:45–5:45 PM: Personal Branding session with Monica Rivera (TEDx Speaker & Coach)

🤝5:45–7:30 PM: Alumni Panel & Networking — hear from Fordham international alumni who successfully built their careers in the U.S. They’ll share practical tips on adapting to the job market, networking effectively, and advancing your career.

Open to all graduate international students.

Event details:

📅Wednesday, November 5 | 4:45–7:30 pm

📍Lincoln Center Campus - Room G76, Basement Floor (Gabelli School of Business)

Register here by November 4: https://fordhamgsb.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11837040

Hosted by the Gabelli Black and Latinx Graduate Association in collaboration with the Career Development Team at the Student Success Center, the International Students Association, and the Office for International Services.

Do you have questions about the visa options available to you after your F-1 visa ends? Attend our virtual workshop led by attorneys from Goldstein and Cheung LLP. This session will explore important pathways after F-1 status, including options for immigrant and non-immigrant visas, H-1B visas, and permanent residency.

Event Details:

📍 Location: Virtual, Zoom link will be provided at later date

📆 Date and Time: November 13 at 1:00 PM

For more information, please email us at ois@fordham.edu

Are you traveling outside the U.S. soon? You may need an updated travel signature for re-entry. Stop by for an on-the-spot signature on your I-20—no appointment needed! We’ll also have coffee and light refreshments to celebrate International Education Week.

Event Details:

Lincoln Center - Martino Hall 3rd Floor
📅 November 17 | 🕚 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Rose Hill - Walsh Library 049 (basement)
📅 November 19 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has arranged a private tour of the United Nations to celebrate International Education Week. RSVP is required as limited spots are available.

Event Details:

📍 Location: See details in registration link below

📆 Date and Time: Tuesday, November 18 at 12:45 PM-3:15 PM (does not include travel time to the UN)

Click Here to Register

Stop by to learn more about Fordham’s international student population and available resources. Participate in international-themed trivia for a chance to win snacks and giveaways!

Event Details:

Rose Hill - McShane Lobby

📅 November 19 | 🕚 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Lincoln Center - Lowenstein Indoor Plaza

📅 November 20 | 🕚 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Register HERE

This event is open to students of Fordham College Rose Hill, Fordham College Lincoln Center, School of Professional and Continuing Studies, Gabelli School of Business Undergraduate Programs, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate School of Education.

In addition to Fordham events, we’re excited to share opportunities from One to World, a New York City organization that supports international students from universities across the city. OTW hosts events and programs specifically for international students, providing a chance to connect with peers, explore the city, and build community beyond campus.

One To World’s Conversations with World Leaders program is a series of face-to-face meetings with CEOs, philanthropists, civic leaders, and other influential New Yorkers. They wish to engage students in an exchange of ideas and life stories.

This November, we invite interested Fulbright and International students to meet George Logothetis, Executive Chairman, Libra Group.

George Logothetis is Executive Chairman of Libra Group, an international business group whose subsidiaries own and operate assets in nearly 60 countries. The group is predominantly focused in six sectors including aviation, renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, shipping, and diversified investments. In addition, the Group has created 10 social responsibility programs that have a positive impact on the lives of many people around the world. These programs reflect the Group’s values, as well as a deep commitment to sustainability.

George became CEO of his family’s shipping company, Lomar Shipping, at the age of 19 with a portfolio of three ships. In the ensuing years, he presided over the company’s transformation from three vessels into a fleet of 55 before creating Libra Group in 2003.

At the heart of Libra Group’s business is a profound sense of social responsibility. It is woven into every part of Libra and its subsidiaries. The group’s extensive social programs deliver educational opportunity, business opportunity, and acts of humanity towards people who are marginalized or under-served. These programs span internships, educational fellowships, backing for entrepreneurs, and support for charitable institutions and other non-profit organizations. The Libra Internship Program, for example, allows young people from all over the world to undertake a paid placement within the company in varied roles and business sectors, globally. Since 2011, several hundred interns from 44 countries have had the life-changing opportunity to gain global business experience first-hand.

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is FREE

📆 November 5 at 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Click here to register

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to brush up on your interviewing skills with different employees from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), one of the big four accounting firms! This in-person workshop, taking place at PwC’s offices in midtown Manhattan, is designed to offer a space for students to connect with employees from PwC in small groups and participate in mock interviews. Employees will offer personalized feedback on your responses, communication style, and overall presentation. There will also be opportunities to ask questions related to your career goals and aspirations.

Join us for this event and step into the job market with confidence! This mock interview event is especially valuable for international students interested in consulting, accounting, finance, and business careers. Get insider feedback, sharpen your interview skills, and prepare for future opportunities in highly competitive industries.

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $10

📆 November 8 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Click here to register

Thanksgiving is one of the United States’ most cherished traditions—a holiday centered on gratitude, food, and time with family and friends.

Now you can experience it for yourself! Sign up to participate in a special day trip to Fairfield County, Connecticut, where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local host family. Share in their Thanksgiving Dinner, complete with turkey (or a vegetarian alternative), all the classic side dishes, and delicious desserts, and enjoy the warmth of a true American holiday gathering.

This program offers more than just a meal: it’s a unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, where you’ll share your own traditions and stories while learning firsthand about American customs in a welcoming, family setting. You’ll also get to spend time in a beautiful suburban community just outside of New York City.

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $20

📆 Thanksgiving Day - November 27

Click here to register

Did you know that the average number of calories consumed on Thanksgiving is 4,500? Learn more fun facts, and experience this traditional feast for yourself while meeting a local family in the suburbs of New York!

You’ll take a day trip to Westchester County, where you’ll be paired with a host family and join their Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy turkey (or a vegetarian alternative), all the accompanied sides and some tasty dessert! Spend a memorable day in this beautiful suburban community. This an unmissable opportunity to experience a holiday centered around gratitude and to immerse yourself in a welcoming community. Space is limited for this popular program, so sign up today!

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $20

📆 Thanksgiving Day - November 27

Click here to register

Rose Hill: Walsh Library, 049 | Lincoln Center: Martino Hall, Suite 315 | 718-817-3145