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On January 7, 2025 the Department of State (DOS) stopped updating the estimated . Students and scholars seeking to apply for or renew visas should contact the where they will apply to determine estimated wait time.

ISSS recommends admitted students or scholars outside the U.S. schedule their visa appointment as early as possible. Current students and scholars in the U.S. should consider wait times before arranging international travel. DOS updated its eligibility for , resulting in less availability. Some embassies or consulates may offer an option to request an expedited appointment.

When applying for a visa, DOS is reviewing your application and eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Applicants’ backgrounds, including social media and other public information, may be scrutinized. 

Remember, a visa is required for entry to the U.S. for all international students and scholars with the exception of Canada and Bermuda. However, a visa is not proof of legal status and the expiration of your visa does not impact an international student or scholar’s legal status after entry to the U.S.

directs federal agencies to enhance immigration screening and vetting procedures.

International students and scholars entering the U.S. should take care to have all required documentation to present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry. CBP is assessing whether your stated purpose in traveling to the U.S. aligns with your visa and/or if you have undertaken activities that could render you ineligible to enter the U.S.

CBP has the authority to , including phones and laptops, at ports of entry. Students or scholars may be placed in secondary inspection for further questioning and review of your record and additional documentation – funding verification, admission offer, academic transcript, etc.

Though there has been speculation from some media outlets of a potential travel ban, at this time there have been no official government communications or implementation of a travel ban. ISSS encourages any student or scholar who wants to discuss potential international travel to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

What is visa revocation?

A is a travel document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate that is placed in the passport. An individual’s visa can be revoked by the Department of State (DOS) at its discretion. A revoked visa is no longer valid for entry to the U.S. and may render an individual . DOS will notify students and scholars when possible and practicable, generally through contact information submitted on the visa application. Universities are not notified if a student’s or scholar’s visa is revoked.

It appears that individuals are being identified for visa revocation in part through public records systems, such as criminal records, as well as public information that may be shared online or through social and traditional media. Since 2019, .

ISSS advises international students and scholars to contact a licensed, legal professional knowledgeable in immigration law if notified of visa revocation by DOS. See information on legal resources shared below.

What is SEVIS record termination?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains information and records on international students and scholars in the U.S. All F-1 and J-1 students and scholars have a SEVIS record. A termination of an individual’s SEVIS record results in loss of legal status. If DHS terminates a SEVIS record, universities, students, and scholars are not notified. However, universities can audit a report of system terminations in SEVIS. ISSS is monitoring SEVIS each business day for potential changes. In the event that we see a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú student’s or scholar’s SEVIS record has been terminated by DHS, we will contact the individual directly by ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú email.

ISSS advises international students and scholars to consider contacting a licensed, legal professional knowledgeable in immigration law if notified of SEVIS record termination by DHS. See information on legal resources shared below.

• Review how to maintain your legal status as an F-1 or J-1 international student or scholar.
• Familiarize yourself with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s Code of Conduct.
• Be mindful of state and federal laws.

Note: While cannabis is legal in the state of Ohio, marijuana use is still prohibited at the federal level. This means international students and scholars should avoid possession and use of these substances.

Documents

International students and scholars should remember to carry necessary documents with them at all times.

In addition to your ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú ID, you should have a valid, official form of identification (ID). This could be your passport, paper copy of your passport, driver's license, or State ID. Every Ohio resident, including international students and scholars, can apply for an Ohio ID.

ISSS also recommends having access to a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 as well as a copy of your with you at all times as evidence of legal status in the U.S.

Adjudication of Benefits

when adjudicating benefits requests. USCIS adjudicates benefits including work authorization and change or reinstatement of status.

Demonstrations

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is committed to upholding the First Amendment to the   All students and scholars should be aware of campus policies when engaging in freedom of expression, including:

International students and scholars should also be aware of relevant consider the potential impact upon their visa or legal status when engaging in speech and demonstrations.

You have the right to ask any individual claiming to be law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to show you their official badge and identification. Law Enforcement officials and ICE agents carry official government-issued badges and credentials that identify them.

ISSS is not automatically informed if an international student or scholar has contact or an encounter with a government agency or law enforcement. We encourage you to reach out to our office for information and support.

In the event that law enforcement or ICE agents contact ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University faculty or staff for information about an international student or scholar, the request should be referred to the Office of General Counsel. Similarly, law enforcement and ICE agents who come to campus seeking information generally do so by contacting ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Police. In-person inquiries from law enforcement and ICE agents should be connected with MUPD and OGC whenever possible.

Scams

Protect yourself from scams and other fraudulent activities. Be aware of a reported increase in scams that target international students and scholars. If you receive a communication where you are advised that your visa or legal status is at risk unless you immediately provide personal or payment information, please first contact ISSS or the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Police Department (MUPD).

Effective April 11, 2025 nonimmigrants who turn 14 while present in the U.S. for 30 or more days are within 30 days of their birthday, even if previously registered. This requirement primarily impacts dependent children as well as students who entered the U.S. before age 14. Complete the necessary registration by submitting Form G-325R online through your . The re-registration process also includes fingerprinting. Review how to .

International students and scholars as well as dependents age 14 or older at the time of entering the U.S. should already be registered and have completed biometrics; your is evidence of registration. In addition, children under age 14 are not required to register or re-register until they turn 14.

If you need additional advice regarding whether you or your dependents need to register or re-register with USCIS, please consult an immigration attorney. See information on legal resources shared below.

ISSS provides support and information to students and scholars on matters related to their F-1 or J-1 status. However, there may be extenuating circumstances which require you to seek guidance on legal topics outside of ISSS expertise. Our office is not able to recommend a lawyer, but individuals can review the following resources to find legal assistance: