March 20, 2026
Dear UB international student or community member,
As you approach graduation, we want to reach out personally to share some important information about your immigration status and the ways our office can support you during this time. We recognize that the current environment creates unique and significant uncertainty for students from affected countries, and we write to share available resources with you.
Our office is here to support your F-1 status-related needs, including:
• Issuing updated I-20s and verifying your SEVIS record
• Advising on OPT application timelines and requirements
• Answering questions about maintaining F-1 status through your authorized period of stay
Per the January 1, 2026 memorandum issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security USCIS has currently suspended adjudication of certain immigration benefits for nationals of affected countries. This affects processing of USCIS applications and petitions, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Reinstatement, which may otherwise be available to F-1 students. We are actively monitoring this situation and will communicate updates as they become available. Information and resources for F-1 students can be found on our website: Travel Ban - International Student Services - University at Buffalo
ISS advisors are not immigration attorneys and are unable to advise on matters outside of F-1 or J-1 status, including alternative visa pathways, change of status options, or other forms of immigration relief. If you have questions about how these changes affect your broader immigration options, we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed immigration attorney as soon as possible so that you can learn about the full scope of your options upon graduation.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) attorney finder at ailalawyer.com is a useful resource for identifying immigration attorneys who can advise you of your options.
We are committed to supporting you within the scope of what our office is able to provide. Please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule an advising appointment or meet with us during drop-in advising.
Sincerely,
International Student Services