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ISP MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
News and Updates for SRJC International Students
[View as Webpage]
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Important F-1 Immigration Update: Duration of Status
New rules take effect September 15, 2026
New federal rules affecting F-1 students will take effect on September 15. Please review our Duration of Status webpage and webinar to understand the changes and how they may affect your F-1 status, travel, program timeline, and future applications.
Learn More: Duration of Status webpage
Watch the Town Hall: Recording link
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Summary of new rules:
- Replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission
- USCIS must approve an Extension of Stay
- Grace period shortened to 30 days
- Limits on major changes/transfers in 1st year
- Limits on same/lower-level programs
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SRJC Foundation Scholarship Application
Tentative Deadline: October 1, 2026
The SRJC Foundation scholarship application on AwardSpring is currently delayed, but it is expected to open soon. Keep checking the SRJC Scholarships website for updates and plan to apply as soon as the application becomes available; the tentative deadline is October 1.
Apply / Learn More: SRJC Scholarships
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LewerMark "Make Your Mark" Scholarship
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
LewerMark is offering international students the opportunity to win one of seven $3,000 scholarships through its “Make Your Mark” scholarship contest. Applications are open now through November 30.
Apply / Learn More: LewerMark Scholarship
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International Club Meetings
Tuesdays | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Plover Hall 526
The International Club is meeting every Tuesday this fall, beginning September 8! Join other international and local students to make friends, get involved on campus, and help plan club activities and events.
Join the Club: Sign Up
Learn More: International Club Website | Instagram
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Meet San Francisco Bay University
Wednesday, September 2 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Plover Hall 526
Meet with a representative from San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) to learn about transferring to their Fremont campus in the heart of Silicon Valley. Explore programs in Psychology, Business, and Computer Science, as well as transfer credits, scholarships, admissions, student life, and other resources for international students.
Learn More: SFBU International Students
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SRJC Transfer Day
Wednesday, September 2 | 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Bertolini Dining Commons, Santa Rosa Campus
Planning to transfer to a four-year university? Attend the SRJC Transfer Fair to meet university representatives, explore transfer options, and get answers to your questions about admissions and programs.
Learn More: Transfer Center Calendar
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Sonoma State University – Spring 2027 Admission
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Sonoma State University is still accepting international student applications for Spring 2027 for most majors. New degree-seeking international students with a minimum admitted GPA of 3.0 will also be automatically considered for an International Student Scholarship of up to $5,000—no separate scholarship application is required.
Learn More & Apply: Future International Students | Cal State Apply
| | | | La Carpa 2026 Talent Show | | |
Thursday, September 24 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Luther Burbank Auditorium
Performance Registration Deadline: Friday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Do you have a talent you would like to share? Students are invited to participate in La Carpa 2026 with singing, dancing, comedy, acting, magic, or other talents. All performers will be entered into a cash prize drawing for $500, $300, or $200, and acts should be limited to 3–4 minutes. Not ready to take the stage? Come watch the show and enjoy an evening of talent, food, and fun.
Register to Perform: Performance Registration Form
Learn More: La Carpa 2026
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On-Campus Employment
F-1 students are eligible to work in many on-campus positions while enrolled at SRJC. You may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Start by submitting the Career Hub eligibility application each semester, then prepare your resume and apply for jobs through Handshake; remember to skip positions marked FWS (Federal Work-Study).
Learn More: On-Campus Employment | Career Hub
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Important Update: CPT Eligibility
Effective August 24, 2026
SRJC has paused new CPT authorizations for internships or practical training that count only as elective credit, including elective WEE 99I. Under current SEVP guidance, CPT can only be considered when the internship, practicum, or other practical training is required for all students completing the program of study; students should not begin any off-campus employment without prior authorization.
If SRJC issued your CPT authorization before August 24, your authorization remains valid at this time.
Learn More: CPT & F-1 Employment
| | | F-1 Visa Regulation Reminders | | Review these important reminders to maintain your F-1 status this fall: | |
Update Your U.S. Address Within 10 Days
F-1 students are required to report any change to their U.S. address within 10 days of moving. Please make sure your address is current in your Personal Profile in Bear Cub Hub and notify ISP so that we can update your SEVIS record.
Learn More: F-1 Visa Regulations
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Unauthorized Employment Is Not Allowed
F-1 students may only work when the employment is permitted by their F-1 status and any required authorization has been received before work begins. Never begin an off-campus job, internship, or practical training without checking with ISP first—unauthorized employment is a serious violation of F-1 status.
Learn More: F-1 Employment
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Reduced Course Load Authorization Required
F-1 students must remain enrolled in at least 12 units during Fall and Spring unless ISP has approved a Reduced Course Load (RCL). If you need to drop below 12 units for an eligible academic, medical, or final-semester reason, you must receive authorization before dropping the class.
Request an RCL: Reduced Course Load Form
| | | Important Dates & Deadlines | | |
ISP Advising
F-1 status, enrollment requirements, travel, employment authorization, or Form I-20 questions
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Academic Counseling
Choosing classes, changing a major, or updating an Education Plan
| | Schedule an appointment or visit the ISP office in Plover Hall, Room 527. We are happy to help! | | | | |
