We're Here To Help
Our International Admissions and Counseling team is here to support and serve our current F-1 international students. Each department aids in different aspects, so be sure to check out each department's description below, and don't worry you can always reach out to any of our staff and we will ensure that you are pointed in the right direction.
On July 17th, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule in the Federal Register that established fixed time periods of admission for F-1 students. This rule impacts, how long you can be in the US, sets new rules and procedures on transferring and OPT. This rule change is set to take effect September 15th, 2026. Please read the information below for more detail on this F-1 immigration rule update.
Final Immigration Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay
Current Policy
F-1 students are currently admitted under D/S (Duration of Stay) to the United States which allows for an unspecified period of time to study at a certified school or engage in authorized practical training following the completion of their studies. Upon program completion, students have 60 days to depart the United States or transfer to a new institution.
What Is Changing?
Effective September 15, 2026, D/S will be phased out, and all new F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period based on the length of their program of study on their I-20.
Currently all international students have D/S status, after September 15, 2026 any international student who travels outside the US, upon return will have their D/S status removed and will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) added to their I-94.
Upon program completion, students will now have 30 days to depart the United States, or transfer to a new school instead of 60 days. These 30 days will be included in your AUD given on your I-94.
International students are now recommended to carry a physical copy of their I-94 with them at all times along with their passport, F-1 visa and I-20.
After September 15, 2026
Schools will no longer be able to extend a student's stay through SEVIS. Students who need additional time to complete their program or participate in OPT/STEM OPT must apply for an Extension of Stay through USCIS after receiving approval from their school. Biometrics will now be required for all Extension of Stay applicants.
Needing an extension due to retaking a failed class from a previous semester is no longer considered a plausible reason for extension.
If you anticipate needing a program extension or plan to apply for OPT, then it is recommended by USCIS that this request is placed 180 days before the end of your current program.
- International students who complete their program Fall 2026 seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT will be able to move forward with their request without needing to apply for an Extension of Stay.
- International students who complete their program Spring 2027 and beyond seeking OPT or STEM OPT must apply for an Extension of Stay through USCIS after obtaining approval from their school.
Impacts on Transferring
International students may not transfer to another school during the first year of their program of study and must complete their first year at the institution that initially issued their Form I-20.
For more information on the F-1 visa rule change, please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-quick.
If you have any questions, please contact the International Admissions office at [email protected]
International Student Admissions
The Admissions International student office aids in processing I-20 signatures, registration issues, health insurance maintenance and we can also answer most general questions you may have regarding your status. You can also obtain a concurrent enrolment letter(a formal letter providing proof of your current attendance at SDMC) from anyone managing the front desk of the Admissions department. Below are the names of the staff that support international students within the Admissions department.
- Karina Sandoval, Acting Director of Admissions, Veterans & Records
- Jose Aranda, Student Services Technician
- Trung Huynh, Student Services Technician
For any help or support from the International Student Admissions office, please visit us in person, we are located in the I-400 building on the 1st floor in the Admissions office. Our business hours are Monday - Thursday from 8am - 6pm and Fridays from 8am - 1pm.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Important announcements and forms for current San Diego Mesa College F-1 students can be found on the International Student Connection Page on Canvas
Counseling International Student Office
The Counseling International student office handles a variety of tasks. We assist you when you find yourself in any academic troubles, process program extensions, approve concurrent enrollment to attend other schools while attending Mesa, host employment workshops and approve or deny work authorizations. Below are the names of the staff that support international students in the Counseling office. Please know that if you ever need general academic counseling, that you may speak to any academic counselor available. The Counseling International student office is located in the I-400 building on the 3rd floor. Our buisness hours are be Monday - Thursday from 8am - 6pm and Friday from 8am - 1pm. If you are seeking help specifically with an F-1 international issue, be sure to ask for one of the staff listed below.
- Terrence Hale, International Student Advisor/Counselor
- Vanna Jarrous, International Student Advisor/Counselor
- Abi Rosario, Student Services Technician
*International Student Zoom Hot Spots are hosted on Wednesdays from 2 -3 PM for our current F-1 international students. These sessions allow for current F-1 students to get drop in assistance from the International Student Advisors if they are unable to catch them during their normal Counsling hours. For more information on the International Student Connection Page on Canvas
* To schedule a general counseling appointment-1 (619) 388-2672 or email Abi Rosario; [email protected]
International Student Workshops
- Employment/CPT/OPT Workshops are held twice a semester and must be attended by any current San Diego Mesa College F-1 international student, interested in working or participating in OPT/CPT programs.
- Departure Workshops are held at the end of every Spring and Fall semester. This workshop must be attended by current F-1 international students who are in their final semester at San Diego Mesa College.
*For information on how to sign up for the workshops above, please email Abi Rosario; [email protected]
