Important End of Semester Information for International Students Spring 2026

Office of International Students and Scholars oiss@tulane.edu

Greetings! 

With less than a month until the end of the semester and summer break, we write to offer some important reminders for you to consider as you make your plans.

Travel Reminders

We encourage you to take extra considerations when planning for travel. Please check your I‐20 or DS‐2019 to confirm that it is signed for travel. If not, please click the link below to request. Please submit travel signature requests in advance of your planned travel, as we cannot accommodate same-day requests. Remember that your travel signature must be valid on the day you return to the United States.

Request a Travel Signature Here!

For full information on travel, including the latest developments and changes, please review our website here.

Summer Work Authorization Reminders

If you are planning on working over the summer, be sure you are aware of the rules. All work off-campus requires authorization before you start working. Working without prior authorization can jeopardize your immigration status and may lead to the termination of your immigration record. F-1 students can apply for Curricular Practical Training, and J-1 students can apply for Academic Training to obtain authorization to work. If you are working on campus over the summer, you may work more than 20 hours per week under immigration regulations. F-1 students can review on campus rules here, and J-1 students can review the rules here.

End of Program Reminders

If you are graduating this semester or your program end date on your immigration document ends this semester, read the important information below. 

For F-1 students finishing in May: 

  • If the program end date on your I-20 has changed and you need to extend it, please fill out an extension application, obtain the necessary financial documents, and submit it to OISS using this form as soon as possible. In order to maintain your status, this must be completed before the end date on your I-20.
  • If the major stated on your I-20 is not your current one, please submit a request to get a new I-20.
  • If you are interested in Post-Completion OPT but have not applied yet, read our website for information on the application process
  • When you graduate, your eligibility for on campus employment expires on the last day of your final semester (per TULANE calendar), even if your I-20 expiration date is in the future. For most students, this date is the commencement or degree conferral date. Do not continue working an on campus student job beyond this date.

For J-1 students finishing in May: 

  • If you are planning on extending your program to do an internship using Academic Training or for any other reason, please contact OISS at oiss@tulane.edu as soon as possible.
  • In order to maintain your status, your extension and Academic Training must be authorized and completed before the end date on your DS-2019.
  • Your on-campus employment eligibility is valid until your DS-2019 program end date, so long as you are maintaining your J-1 status.

Questions? Email your International Student Advisor!

If you have any questions about travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to your International Student Advisor and ask! You can find your advisors email or make an appointment on this page here. 

We wish you good luck with the rest of the semester!

 - The OISS Team