International students and exchange visitors are an integral part of the TCU community. The DHS Final Rule introduces changes to how periods of authorized stay are documented for many F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants, but it does not change TCU’s commitment to supporting our international community.
This page is intended for:
- Faculty
- Department Chairs
- Administrative Assistants
- Graduate Coordinators
- Principal Investigators (PIs)
- Human Resources
- Research Administration
- Hiring Managers
- Academic Advisors
It explains what departments should know, when to involve International Services, and how we can work together to support compliance and student and scholar success.
The Final Rule primarily changes how certain F-1 and J-1 students and scholars document their authorized stay in the United States.
It does not change:
- TCU’s role as an F-1 school and J-1 sponsor.
- Department responsibilities for supervising students and scholars.
- Academic program requirements.
- Research expectations.
- Employment authorization rules.
- The Exchange Visitor Program itself.
However, the rule may affect how International Services advises students and scholars regarding travel, program extensions, and immigration filings.
Departments are important partners in helping international students and scholars maintain their immigration status.
You can support them by:
- encouraging early communication with International Services;
- notifying International Services of anticipated changes;
- avoiding immigration advice outside your area of expertise; and
- referring questions to International Services.
Departments are not expected to become immigration experts.
Our office is here to provide that guidance.
When in doubt, refer students, scholars, or employees to International Services before making commitments related to immigration status or employment.
The Final Rule does not change TCU’s ability to hire international faculty, researchers, or staff in accordance with applicable immigration regulations.
Departments should continue working with:
- International Services
- Human Resources
- Office of Research (when applicable)
through established university procedures.
Early planning remains the best way to avoid delays.
Departments often know months in advance when:
- grant funding is extended;
- dissertation research will continue;
- a visiting scholar will remain longer than expected;
- a student needs additional time to complete degree requirements.
Whenever possible, notify International Services as soon as these changes become known.
Early planning gives students and scholars more time to understand any immigration procedures that may be necessary.
Changes in funding may require updates to immigration records.
Examples include:
- new grant awards;
- changes in payroll funding;
- fellowships;
- assistantships;
- external sponsorship.
If funding changes occur, contact International Services to determine whether updates to immigration documentation are needed.
Please notify International Services before significant changes occur, including:
- appointment extensions;
- changes in department;
- changes in supervisor;
- changes in work location;
- significant changes in duties;
- changes in funding;
- early completion of appointments.
Early communication helps avoid immigration complications.
Travel questions related to immigration, including reentry documentation and the possible impact of travel under the Final Rule, should be directed to International Services.
We recommend reminding students and scholars to consult our office before international travel.
The DHS Final Rule does not replace existing requirements related to:
- export controls;
- research security;
- deemed exports;
- restricted technologies;
- federal research security requirements.
Departments should continue following existing university procedures for research compliance and export control reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refer the student to International Services as soon as possible. Program extensions should be processed before the current program end date, and additional immigration procedures may apply depending on the student’s circumstances.
Yes. Please notify International Services as soon as the extension is anticipated so we can review any immigration implications with the scholar.
No. Departments should avoid making immigration-related commitments until International Services has reviewed the situation and confirmed the appropriate immigration process.
Academic approval remains a department decision.
However, International Services should review the scholar’s travel documentation before departure.
Contact International Services.
Some requests can be processed quickly, while others require additional review. Early planning is always encouraged.
Departments are encouraged to answer questions about academic requirements, employment within the department, or research expectations. Questions about immigration regulations, travel, employment authorization, or maintaining lawful status should be referred to International Services.
Ask them to contact International Services promptly. We can review the admission record and determine whether any follow-up is needed.
International Services serves as TCU’s primary resource for immigration advising and regulatory compliance.
Our office provides:
- Individual advising for students and scholars.
- Immigration document issuance and updates.
- F-1 and J-1 regulatory guidance.
- Employment authorization advising.
- Travel advising.
- Program extension processing.
- Campus training and presentations.
- Department consultations.
- Support with complex immigration questions.
- Collaboration with Human Resources, Research, Export Controls, and university leadership.
Supporting international students and scholars is a shared responsibility.
Departments provide academic and professional mentorship. International Services provides immigration expertise. Together, we help students and scholars maintain their status, achieve their academic and research goals, and contribute to the global community at TCU.
If you are unsure whether a change may have immigration implications, contact International Services before the change occurs. Early communication is the best way to avoid delays or compliance issues.