Global Engagement Office | UNC Greensboro

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) is committed to making UNCG a global university integrating intercultural and international experiences and perspectives into learning, discovery, and service for UNCG and the wider community.

Alerts and Announcements

Please view the Alerts and Announcements page for updates regarding executive orders that affect international students and international travel guidance.

Elimination of Duration of Status

We are writing to share an important update about the federal government’s final rule regarding Duration of Status for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. Today (July 17, 2026), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule, which will take effect 60 days after publication.

According to DHS, the final rule includes the following changes:

Fixed Admission: Replaces “Duration of Status” with a fixed admission period for F-1 students an J-1 exchange visitors.
Mandatory Federal Extensions: Requires students who need additional time to complete their academic program to apply directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay.
Reduced Departure Grace Period: Reduces the post-completion grace period for F-1 students from 60 days to 30 days.
Program Change Restrictions: Introduces additional restrictions on certain academic changes.

We are carefully reviewing the final rule to understand how these changes will affect our students and scholars. At this time, no immediate action is required, and we ask that you continue to maintain your immigration status as usual.

You can find more information on the Study in the States’ website.

The central point of contact for all of UNC Greensboro’s global activities

We assist students with negotiating the exciting world of study abroad, help international students discover UNCG and Greensboro’s local communities, and support faculty, staff, and visiting scholars to enhance global learning experiences for students.