A Division of the International Studies Office
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CPT NOTICE
Effective immediately, UVA is suspending the authorization of non-required, course-credit CPT requests. This includes opportunities tied to academic credit, which are integral to the program of study but not required for degree completion. Visit CPT Update | International Students & Scholars Program for the latest information.
Duration of Status & Academic Mobility
On September 14, 2026, a nationwide preliminary injunction was issued, which blocks the Elimination of Duration of Status rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and USCIS from implementing it. The government is expected to appeal the injunction. Please continue to monitor our FAQ page, which we will continue to update with any developments as the case continues.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule introduces significant changes to regulations governing F and J visa holders, including:
- The elimination of Duration of Status
- Restrictions on academic mobility
For more information visit FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status & Academic Mobility | International Students & Scholars Program
Employment Webinars
Fall 2026 Employment Webinars:
Optional Practical Training Webinar
September 18 | 3 pm | Slides Available
Interested in working in the U.S. after graduation? Attend our OPT Zoom Webinar to learn more about the process to obtain work authorization after graduation. We will provide this session every semester. If you are graduating this December 2026, the webinar will be targeted to you. You can read more information about OPT here: F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) | International Students & Scholars Program (virginia.edu)
We will begin reviewing OPT applications for December graduates on Sept. 21. You may initiate an OPT request in the ISSP Connect Portal no earlier than that date.
If Dec. 18, 2026 is the end date of your I-20, you may pick a start date that falls as early as Dec. 19 or as late as Feb.16.
Beyond OPT: Work Visas and Other Employment Options for International Students
Friday, October 9 | 12 pm | Register Here
This session hosted by Xavier Francis, Founder and Attorney at Francis Law, will guide you through pathways to extend your stay and build a career in the United States after Optional Practical Training (OPT).
What You'll Learn:
- Overview of work visa options, including H-1B, O-1, and L-1 visas
- Eligibility requirements and application processes for each visa type
- Insights into the employer sponsorship process
- Tips for navigating challenges and maximizing your chances of success
Working in the U.S. - Q&A with an Immigration Expert
November 13 | 12 pm | Link will be posted
International students, bring your questions about H-1B and another employment-based visas to a VIRTUAL Q&A session with immigration attorney Mark Rhoads. Mr. Rhoads frequently hosts events for international students across the country, including annual webinars just for UVA students. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with an expert!
Past employment webinars:
Optional Practical Training Webinar
Interested in working in the U.S. after graduation? Attend our OPT Zoom Webinar to learn more about the process to obtain work authorization after graduation. We will provide this session every semester. If you are graduating this Spring 2026, the webinar will be targeted to you. You can read more information about OPT here: F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) | International Students & Scholars Program (virginia.edu)
We will begin reviewing OPT applications for May graduates on Feb. 16. You may initiate an OPT request in the ISSP Connect Portal no earlier than that date.
If May 17, 2026 is the end date of your I-20, you may pick a start date that falls as early as May 18 or as late as July 16.
Thursday, February 12 at 5 pm: https://virginia.zoom.us/j/95849761243?pwd=e20EiGO69u1wiy04AX4M1SOmvEGBOD.1
Webinar ID: 958 4976 1243
Passcode: 322465
Friday, February 13 at 1:30 pm: https://virginia.zoom.us/j/95836888234?pwd=S59axI96ie4Yg9bLlrCwYBuwtu6GIt.1
Webinar ID: 958 3688 8234
Passcode: 248560
You must log onto your UVA Zoom account to access webinars.
Beyond OPT: Work Visas and Other Employment Options for International Students
Friday, March 20 at 1:30 pm
This session hosted by Xavier Francis, Founder and Attorney at Francis Law, will guide you through pathways to extend your stay and build a career in the United States after Optional Practical Training (OPT).
What You'll Learn:
- Overview of work visa options, including H-1B, O-1, and L-1 visas
- Eligibility requirements and application processes for each visa type
- Insights into the employer sponsorship process
- Tips for navigating challenges and maximizing your chances of success
Fall employment webinar: International Students: Working in the U.S. - Q&A with an Immigration Expert
Fri., November 7 | 12-1pm
International students, bring your questions about H-1B and another employment-based visas to a VIRTUAL Q&A session with immigration attorney Mark Rhoads. Mr. Rhoads frequently hosts events for international students across the country, including annual webinars just for UVA students. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with an expert! The event has also been added to Handshake: