ISSS Advising Resources on the Final Rule
In this page we list out ISSS's evolving resources - including webinars, guides, and workshops - to help our community prepare for the F and J regulations effective September 15, 2026.
ISSS Resources
ISSS is preparing additional resources and supports for our international student and scholar community ahead of F-1 and J-1 regulations going into effect on September 15, 2026. Please check back frequently, as we develop additional tools and materials.
Due to the complexity of the new regulations contained in the final rule establishing fixed time periods for international students and scholars, ISSS is preparing special advising events and resources.
Information Session on the Final Rule
ISSS will hold a general information session and review of the final rule on August 5, 2026. Attendance is restricted to members of the Brown community (alumni on post-completion OPT or Academic Training are welcome to attend). Registration is required. The presentation portion of the webinar will be recorded and will be available for a limited period of time to registered attendees.
- Session Date: August 5, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Two Time Slots (Each session will cover the same content): 10am - 11am EDT and 4pm - 5pm EDT
- Registration: Use this link to register for the session; only one registration is necessary
Zoom Drop-in Hours (No Appointment Necessary)
When: Every Monday from 1pm - 2pm (EDT) / starting August 3, 2026 and ending October 12, 2026
Link: Join the Meeting
ISSS Director Andrew Shiotani will be available for drop-in hours to answer specific questions about the final rule on fixed time periods of admission. These drop-in advising hours are intended for brief conversations around specific questions regarding the final rule, and will NOT cover other topics, such as visa delays, the status of CPT or OPT requests, or related topics.
Pre-recorded Tutorials
These recorded presentations are designed to help you understand different aspects of the new regulations. Each workshop is limited to approximately 5 minutes and is devoted to a specific topic or set of topics.
- The Fixed Time Period Regulations in a Nutshell (anticipated release date: August 15, 2026)
- Understanding Your I-94 - and Why It's Important (anticipated release date: August 15, 2026)
- Understanding the F and J Extension Process (anticipated release date: September 15, 2026)
Email Us
If you have questions specifically about the Fixed Admission final rule, e-mail us a question using this dedicated contact form. Using this contact form will help us to manage individual questions, track community concerns, and develop targeted resources to address common themes.
Resources for Departments
Departments will play a critical role in ensuring a successful transition to the new fixed admission system for international students and scholars. To help our campus partners understand how rules and regulations are changing for our international students and scholars, ISSS will hold an open session for advisors to international students and a separate session for managers of departmental scholar programs.
| Session | Information Session for Campus Partners - Students | Information Session for Campus Partners - J-1 Scholars |
|---|---|---|
| Date | TBD | TBD |
| Zoom Link | Forthcoming | Forthcoming |
- In addition to the above information sessions for campus partners, ISSS will be preparing a series of Campus Advisories that discuss how the final rule will impact issues such as student employment, program extensions, and more.
- ISSS also welcomes requests for departmental Zoom or on-site information sessions regarding the new fixed time period regulations.
To express interest regarding these resources, write to ISSS Director Andrew Shiotani at andrew_shiotani@brown.edu, or reach out to your ISSS contact.
External Reading and Resources
The following guides and facts are publicly available from the Department of Homeland Security as well as other recognized organizations and sources.