IMPORTANT F-1 IMMIGRATION UPDATE

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that will change how F-1 students are admitted to the United States, including changes to the current Duration of Status (D/S) framework. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026.

The changes may affect F-1 students differently depending on their individual circumstances, including travel, program changes, transfers, and program completion.

OISP is reviewing the new requirements and will provide additional guidance as implementation information becomes available.

Students with questions about their individual circumstances should contact OISP to schedule an appointment with a DSO.

https://www.franklin.edu/current-students/blog/important-update-changes-f-1-student-immigration-regulations

Getting Started

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Getting Started

Once you have been accepted to Franklin University, the Office of International Students and Programs (OISP) will help you get started. This quick checklist will guide you through academic, immigration, and adjustment steps to give you a strong start at Franklin.

Contact OISP

Contact Information

Phone: 614.797.4700
Email: oisp@franklin.edu

Address:
Franklin University
Office of International Students and Programs
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
USA

Office Hours

Available virtually and by phone:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Available in person by appointment only:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

Schedule An Appointment

Prospective Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with a member of the international admissions team.

Current Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with an international advising coordinator.

For in-person appointments, free parking is available in lot adjacent to the Paul J. Otte Center for Student Services. Notify the Welcome Center staff when you have arrived.

When scheduling a phone appointment, provide a U.S. phone number, and we will call you at the scheduled time. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, please schedule a virtual appointment.

When scheduling a virtual appointment, provide an email address you check regularly, and we will send you a link to a Microsoft Teams meeting. View Microsoft Teams instructions.

Checklist to Start Your Classes At Franklin

Applying for F-1 Visa

If you plan to enter the U.S. with an F-1 (student) visa, OISP will issue you a Form I-20, which you will use to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Review the Applying for F-1 Visa section for detailed information about the process. Be sure to finish the admissions process early to account for visa interview wait times and processing. After you receive your F-1 visa, plan to travel to the U.S. no more than 30 days before the Program Start Date on your I-20. If you will not be able to enter the U.S. by your Program Start Date, notify OISP promptly to determine if you will need to postpone your program.

Arrive at Franklin

Whether you are traveling from outside the U.S. or have been here for many years, OISP can help you learn how to find housing, establish a bank account, take placement tests, complete your immigration “check-in”, or transfer your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to Franklin.

Notify OISP when you will arrive at Franklin, and schedule an appointment* to register for classes. Your admissions coordinator will help you identify the first classes for your program and choose a schedule that meets requirements for your immigration status.

*Registration may be processed after a group registration session.

Attend International Student Orientation

International student orientation is an opportunity to learn from experts about what you need to succeed at Franklin University as an international student, from immigration-related requirements to academic support tailored for you. Check the schedule for your international student orientation and register online once you arrive at Franklin.

Complete New Student Orientation

In addition to International Student Orientation, Franklin University offers a self-guided online orientation for all new students. Once your admission coordinator registers you for your first classes, you will get access to your New Student Orientation.

Getting Started

Contact OISP

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