(UB)
Office of International Education
University at Buffalo (UB)
Office of International Education
International Student Services
Contact Us
UB Global
News & Alerts
Fixed Admission Rule Temporary Pause

On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.

Modifying Your Arrival Plans

We understand that delays can occur due to circumstances outside your control, such as visa processing delays or travel disruptions. Here is what you should do if this happens to you.

Requesting Late Arrival Permission

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers expect F-1 and J-1 students to enter the U.S. by the program start date on their I-20 or DS-2019. However, occasionally, circumstances beyond your control may impact your arrival date. If you will not be able to arrive in the U.S. by your program start date, you may request late arrival permission.

The late arrival permission e-form will become available within your International Student Check-In work-flow in UB Global on the following dates:

  • Fall start date: August 1
  • Spring start date: January 1 

Are You Eligible for Late Arrival?

To be issued a late arrival letter, you must meet all of the criteria below:
  • You must be able to meet the arrival deadlines outlined in the late arrival e-form request.
  • You must verify your plans with your academic department/advisor to ensure the late arrival will not inhibit your ability to be successful in the program.
  • You must be enrolled in a full-time courseload or have academic department approval before we will issue your late arrival support letter.

If your request is approvable, we will issue you a late arrival support letter.

Important Points to Remember:

  • Travel: This letter is meant to help facilitate your entry to the U.S. after the program start date on your I-20. It does not guarantee entry.
  • International Student Check-In: You must complete the ISS check-in before you can be fully registered at UB. Completing it after the semester has begun may impact your visa status.
  • Course Registration: Academic departments and individual courses have their own enrollment deadlines. ISS cannot override those deadlines or guarantee your ability to add classes after the semester starts.
  • Academic Requirements: Some programs have orientation sessions or other requirements that take place at the start of the semester. Contact your academic department or advisor directly to understand how missing these requirements may impact you. 

Updating Your Admission Term or Withdrawing Admission

This section explains what to do if you’re unable to begin your studies in the semester for which you were admitted and would like to request admission to a future semester or withdraw your admission. 

Immigration Reporting

You must report to ISS so that we can update your immigration status. To do this:

  • Log into UB Global and submit the Change of Plans e-form. You can find it within the International Student Check-In workflow.

Academic Reporting

You must also notify university admissions. 

  • Undergraduate students: Email the Office of International Admissions at intadmit@buffalo.edu.
  • Graduate Students: Update your intent to enroll plans in the Applicant Status Portal. If you have any questions about this process, contact your academic department.