Important Dates

• Monday, August 17 – New Student Orientation
• Monday, August 24 – Fall Semester Begins
• Monday, September 7 – CAMPUS CLOSED for Holiday
• Monday, October 19 – Fast Track 2 Classes Begin
• Monday, November 9 – CAMPUS CLOSED for Holiday
• Thursday, November 26 – CAMPUS CLOSED for Holiday
• Friday, November 27 – CAMPUS CLOSED for Holiday
• Saturday, December 19 – Fall Semester Ends
• December 22 through January 1 – CAMPUS CLOSED for Winter Break
• Monday, January 4, 2027 – Winter Intersession Begins
• Monday, February 1, 2027 – Spring Semester Begins

Counseling Appointments

• Our International Student Counselor is available during the Summer Session.
• During Fall and Spring terms, book an appointment with the International Student Counselor by emailing: internationalstudents@palomar.edu.
• Please include your name, student ID number, and reason for your visit in your email.
• You can also Book an appointment with the General Counseling Office or visit the Transfer Center for the latest information on transferring to universities.
  

Important Updates for F Visa International Students

Beginning September 15, 2026, the Duration of Status (D/S) Final Rule change will go into effect. The Department of Homeland Security rule eliminates “duration of status” (D/S) for F nonimmigrants, replacing it with fixed time periods of admission, a 4-year maximum cap, and a shortened 30-day post-completion grace period. Current Students: Those present in the U.S. before September 15, 2026, can generally remain without a formal extension until their I-20 program end date, up to a maximum of November 14, 2030 (4 years plus a 60-day departure window), unless they travel outside the U.S. or need a program extension. Newly Admitted and Re-Entering F-1 Visa Students: Students with an initial I-20 issued after September 15, 2026, and F visa students re-entering the U.S. after this date will receive a fixed “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on their Form I-94. Stays are limited to the program length on Form I-20, capped at a maximum of 4 years. Undergraduate F-1 students cannot switch their major or program during their first full academic year. Program Extensions: After September 15, 2026, your DSO will no longer be able to process program extensions. Anyone needing to stay past their I-94 expiration or the 4-year cap must file a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Resources: Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States Elimination of Duration of Status Quick Facts Elimination of Duration of Status Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Reminder: Make sure to keep track of your I-20 end date and meet with a counselor each semester to ensure you are in progress with completing your program based on your education plan. VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE BEFORE DECIDING TO CHANGE MAJORS, MAKE TRAVEL REQUESTS, OR RELATED QUESTIONS AS YOU MAY BE IMPACTED.