International Student Support

On June 4, 2025, the federal government issued a proclamation restricting entry of nationals from specific countries.

Which countries are impacted by the travel restrictions and when will the restrictions go into effect?
The proclamation restricts entry of nationals from specific countries into the U.S. with a "full" travel ban on 12 countries and a "partial" travel ban on 7 countries. 

The “full” travel ban suspends entry of all immigrants and non-immigrants from the following countries: Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

The “partial” ban suspends the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants under the B-1/B-2, F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2 and M-1/M-2 visa categories from the following countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The travel restrictions will be effective at 12:01 am Eastern Time on June 9, 2025, which is 9:01 pm Pacific Time on Sunday, June 8, 2025. 

The proclamation orders the review of Egypt's vetting processes. There is a possibility that Egypt could be included in these restrictions in the future.

How will students from listed countries be impacted by these restrictions?
The proclamation indicates that these restrictions only apply to those who are outside of the U.S., and do not already have a valid visa on the effective date of this proclamation. 

What are the travel recommendations for students from listed countries?

• If you are outside of the U.S. and don’t have a valid F or J visa, you will not be able to enter the U.S. after the travel restrictions go into effect. If possible, we strongly recommend that you reenter the U.S. before 9:01 pm Pacific Time on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
• If you are outside of the U.S. and have a valid F or J visa, it may be possible for you to reenter the U.S after the travel restrictions go into effect. However, since this is a new policy it is not clear how this will be implemented. Therefore, we still recommend that you re-enter the U.S. before 9:01 pm Pacific Time on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
• If you are inside the U.S. and maintain valid F or J status, you are still able to remain in the U.S. We advise against any international travel, especially if you do not have a valid visa, until the travel restrictions have been modified by the government. 

For more information about these restrictions, please refer to the proclamation link above or this analysis by Fragomen law firm. This is a new policy and the list of countries may change in the future. ISSS is monitoring changes and developments and we will share updates via email and our website as we receive them.

We recognize the challenges of navigating these new requirements and uncertainty that comes. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office or your ISSS advisor if you have any questions. If you are a current student, we also encourage you to utilize other campus resources, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA) and the Office of the Dean of Students, for support.
 

On Wednesday, 5/28/2025, the U.S. Secretary of State released a press statement regarding student visas. The brief press statement announces that government agencies will be reviewing and potentially revoking the visa status of current student visa holders from China with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. In addition, there may be increased scrutiny of all visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. The statement did not include details regarding the scope, timing, or manner in which the directive might be implemented. 

We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. 

What Should Students Do?

• Be cautious of scams. Scammers may attempt to impersonate government agencies—especially following high-profile announcements. Please review our Scams and Safety page, and contact ISSS if you suspect fraudulent activity.
• If you are contacted by the U.S. government regarding your visa status, contact ISSS immediately so we can support you. You may check your visa status on the Consular Electronic Application center’s website. 
• If you do not have a valid visa, we advise against international travel at this time due to the unclear nature of this new policy, potential delays and increased scrutiny.
• If you do have a valid visa and plan to travel internationally, please review the Travel Considerations section on the International Student Support page and schedule an appointment with your ISSS advisor before traveling.

We understand this news may cause concern, and we are here to help students navigate it. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to ISSS at isss@usfca.edu or +1 (415) 422-2654, and students can make an appointment with their ISSS advisor.. We encourage students to utilize campus resources, including Counseling and Psychological Services, CASA, and the Office of the Dean of Students, for support.

On 5/27/2025 there were reports that the U.S. State Department circulated an internal memo instructing U.S. embassies to temporarily pause new student visa appointments. This brief suspension is said to be part of the Department's implementation of a new social media vetting policy for student visa applicants.

We anticipate receiving more details in the coming days, and we expect visa appointments to resume shortly. Please note that once appointments reopen, there may be updated requirements, including additional documents or information students may need to provide.

For students who are trying to schedule a visa appointment, we recommend waiting a few days while this new policy is rolled out. In the meantime, we encourage students to continue preparing their visa applications and interviews. Students who have already booked their visa appointment, should be able to keep that appointment.

Update on 6/5/2025: There are reports that several consulates have started to offer student visa appointments so it is possible that consulates are opening appointments up at different rates. If you have not booked your appointment, we encourage you to reach out to your consulate or check your consulate’s website for visa appointment availability. Please let us know if you have been able to schedule a visa appointment. In the meantime, please continue preparing for your visa applications and interview.

Alien Registration Requirement: On April 11, the US government’s new registration requirement and process goes into effect. The new registration process with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency requires all nonimmigrants, e.g., F and J visa holders, who are staying in the US for 30 days or longer to apply for registration and fingerprinting. Most F and J visa holders who entered the U.S. at age 14+ are already automatically registered (as evidenced by their Form I-94) and don’t need to re-register. However, young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. need to re-register with USCIS within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if previously registered and issued an I-94. 

The registration process involves creating an online USCIS account, submitting an electronic form, and potentially a fingerprinting appointment, before a new registration document will be issued. F and J visa holders who are issued a new registration document by USCIS should bring this with them as proof of registration. We encourage you to review the USCIS webpage for detailed information about this requirement and process. If you have additional questions about whether your dependent should complete this registration requirement, you should consult an immigration attorney.

South Sudan Visa and Travel Restrictions: On April 5, the State Department announced that all existing US visas will be revoked for South Sudanese passport holders. New visas will not be issued and all visa appointments are cancelled. This change is effective immediately. 
 

As we enter the late spring and summer travel season, we understand that students are looking to make international travel plans and have questions about travel requirements. Given the uncertainty around travel, the evolving policy changes by the federal government and the increased vetting for travellers entering the US, we encourage all travellers to assess whether their travel is necessary. Please read the considerations below so that you can make informed decisions about your travel.

What Steps Should I Take? All students should take the following steps before and after traveling: 

• Follow F-1 address reporting requirements. Ensure you are reporting any changes to your address via MyISSS within ten days of the change. Students on OPT and STEM OPT will need to report changes to your address on the SEVP portal within ten days of the change. 
• Ensure you are carrying valid travel documents before reentering the US. Visit our travel and reentry webpage for the list of documents. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, please submit an I-20 reprint via MyISSS if you are travelling internationally and your OPT or STEM OPT request status or employment information needs to be updated on your I-20.
• If you are applying for a new visa, prepare for enhanced screening and potential processing delays at consulates abroad. The consulate officer will evaluate if you are still eligible for a nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 visa. Visa denials for returning students are rare, but there are cases where returning students are denied a visa due to changes in their country’s conditions and/or personal and financial circumstances. In light of increased vetting and national security considerations, your social media and political beliefs could be reviewed and questioned during the visa application process.
• Be prepared for enhanced screening and the possibility of a search of your electronic devices at the port of entry. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices at US borders to determine if a traveller has been in violation of their visa status or is inadmissible to the US. Travellers may be deemed inadmissible if they have worked without authorization, have had criminal charges, or are determined to pose “a threat to national security.” You may be refused entry if you do not comply with a CBP search. We strongly recommend students to remain polite and patient throughout the screening process. If you believe you were treated unfairly by CBP, please contact ISSS. 
• Save the ISSS and USF Public Safety phone numbers on your phone. The ISSS number is (415) 422-2654, and the USF Public Safety number is (415) 422-4201. Save these numbers in your phone in case you need to contact us when entering the U.S or otherwise. If you have an immigration attorney you should save their phone number on your phone as well.
• Retrieve and check your I-94 after international travel. Ensure your I-94 Class of Admission states “F-1” and the Admit Until Date states “D/S”. It can take up to 10 days for your electronic I-94 to display after entry. If there are any discrepancies, please contact ISSS for next steps.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

Students in the following situations are at a greater risk of visa and entry delays or denials and should seek additional advice before traveling: 

• Citizens of Countries with Travel Restrictions: There have been reports of potential travel restrictions for certain countries, but no country specific travel and visa restrictions implemented by the US government at this time. Even if this policy is implemented, it is unclear if student visa holders will be impacted by these travel bans. Students whose countries have potential travel restrictions are advised to carefully consider whether such travel is essential and to defer making international travel plans where possible until we have more information about the scope of the actual travel bans. 
• Prior Arrest, Detainment by Law Enforcement or Visa Revocation: There have been instances where non-U.S. Citizens with prior criminal charges have been deemed inadmissible at the port of entry and/or had their visas revoked. Students in this situation should consult an immigration attorney about the risks of international travel, and what documents you should show to demonstrate that you are admissible to the US. ISSS can provide a list of immigration attorneys upon request.
• Failure to maintain F-1 status: Students who have engaged in employment without authorization, dropped below full-time without ISSS authorization, or exceeded their unemployment limit on OPT and STEM OPT are not considered in F-1 status, and will likely be denied entry to the US.

Our priority is our international students’ safety and ability to continue their studies or practical training in the US. We hope this additional information will allow you to consider and weigh potential risks should you decide to make international travel plans at this time. Please continue to check for email updates from ISSS and review this webpage for ongoing resources. If you have any additional questions about your situation or plans, please email or schedule an appointment with your ISSS advisor.

The Department of State revised their visa interview waiver policy on February 18. The new policy narrows the eligibility criteria for visa interview waivers to applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application. Other eligibility requirements still apply and consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis. Please check your embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.

ISSS shared reminders and relevant information to help international students stay safe and on top of their documentation and compliance:

Documentation Requirements: Please carry a printout of your I-20 and your I-94 arrival record as proof of registration. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, you may carry your I-766 EAD in addition to your I-20 and I-94 as proof of registration. The law requires non-US citizens who are 18 years of age or older to carry evidence of being registered in the US immigration system at all times. Not having it with you can result in a fine or other legal consequences.

Demonstration Safety: Please exercise caution if attending demonstrations and protests. While most demonstrations are peaceful, a few have the potential to turn violent. We recommend students avoid demonstrations where conflict may be present and abide by school rules and U.S. laws. If you plan to attend a demonstration on- or off-campus, please make sure you follow the school’s demonstration policy and demonstration tips. Encounters with law enforcement or disciplinary actions can impact your enrollment and F-1 status. 

Encounters with Law Enforcement: We do not expect immigration enforcement actions to target F or J students. In the event that you encounter law enforcement, immigration agents, and other officials, you should be aware of what is, and is not, required of you to reduce risk to yourself. The ACLU and President's Alliance have helpful resources on your rights during different encounters with law enforcement. Save the ISSS (+14154222654) and Public Safety (+14154224222) phone numbers in your phone and notify us if you are contacted by law enforcement. There are scams related to law enforcement and we can assist you in identifying and responding to legitimate communications.

President Trump signed an executive order on January 20 requiring enhanced security screening and vetting of foreign nationals applying for U.S. visas, entry into the United States, or U.S. immigration benefits. Federal agencies were also directed to recommend partial or full travel restrictions in the next 30-60 days. It is important to note that this executive order does not implement specific changes to the visa process and travel requirements for international students at this time, but students should be prepared for enhanced screening when applying for visas and re-entering the US. Our office will share more information about travel and visa screening procedures and any restrictions as they are implemented.

The new presidential administration has not announced specific changes to immigration and travel policies. We expect after the inauguration on January 20th there will be policy changes that could include travel restrictions for nationals from certain countries, or delays at the US Ports of Entry (airports and land border entry points) and at US Consulates abroad. While we do not expect changes to affect the majority of international students, students who want to avoid potential travel delays or interruptions should consider re-entering the US by January 19. The safest way to avoid difficulty re-entering the country is to have your complete travel documents in hand when you travel. 

If you wish to change your travel plans for the winter holiday or return to the US earlier, ISSS and our USF colleagues are here to assist you with housing, travel and other considerations. ISSS will be running an airport transfer service from January 14 to 19. If you have any questions or need assistance returning to campus during this time or securing housing, please let us know (isss@usfca.edu or +1 415-422-2654).

ISSS held a discussion for international students after the election to hear from students and share insights. The session was not recorded, please contact ISSS if you have any questions about this session.
 

ISSS is staying informed to provide timely and accurate information to students and campus partners. In addition to official government websites, ISSS relies on analyses and advice from trusted organizations in our field:

• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
• Fragomen Immigration Law Firm and other law firms that specialize in immigration
• US Coalition for Success
   

Please carry a printout of your I-20 and your I-94 arrival record as proof of registration. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, you may carry your I-766 EAD in addition to your I-20 and I-94 as proof of registration. The law requires non-US citizens who are 18 years of age or older to carry evidence of being registered in the US immigration system at all times. Not having it with you can result in a fine or other legal consequences.
 

Given the uncertainty around travel, the evolving policy changes by the federal government and the increased vetting for travellers entering the US, we encourage all students to take precautions and assess their international travel before making any travel plans. Please read the considerations below so that you can make informed decisions about your travel.

What Steps Should I Take? All students should take the following steps before and after traveling: 

• Follow F-1 address reporting requirements. Ensure you are reporting any changes to your address via MyISSS within ten days of the change. Students on OPT and STEM OPT will need to report changes to your address on the SEVP portal within ten days of the change. 
• Ensure you are carrying valid travel documents before reentering the US. Visit our travel and reentry webpage for the list of documents. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, please submit an I-20 reprint via MyISSS if you are travelling internationally and your OPT or STEM OPT request status or employment information needs to be updated on your I-20.
• If you are applying for a new visa, prepare for enhanced screening and potential processing delays at consulates abroad. The consulate officer will evaluate if you are still eligible for a nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 visa. Visa denials for returning students are rare, but there are cases where returning students are denied a visa due to changes in their country’s conditions and/or personal and financial circumstances. In light of increased vetting and national security considerations, your social media and political beliefs could be reviewed and questioned during the visa application process.
• Be prepared for enhanced screening and the possibility of a search of your electronic devices at the port of entry. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices at US borders to determine if a traveller has been in violation of their visa status or is inadmissible to the US. Travelers may be deemed inadmissible if they have worked without authorization, have had criminal charges, or are determined to pose “a threat to national security.” You may be refused entry if you do not comply with a CBP search. We strongly recommend students to remain polite and patient throughout the screening process. If you believe you were treated unfairly by CBP, please contact ISSS. 
• Save the ISSS and USF Public Safety phone numbers on your phone. The ISSS number is (415) 422-2654, and the USF Public Safety number is (415) 422-4201. Save these numbers in your phone in case you need to contact us when entering the U.S or otherwise. If you have an immigration attorney you should save their phone number on your phone as well.
• Retrieve and check your I-94 after international travel. Ensure your I-94 Class of Admission states “F-1” and the Admit Until Date states “D/S”. It can take up to 10 days for your electronic I-94 to display after entry. If there are any discrepancies, please contact ISSS for next steps.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

Students in the following situations are at a greater risk of visa and entry delays or denials and should seek additional advice before traveling: 

• Prior Arrest, Detainment by Law Enforcement or Visa Revocation: There have been instances where non-U.S. Citizens with prior criminal charges have been deemed inadmissible at the port of entry and/or had their visas revoked. If you had your student visa revoked, the consulate typically sends an email to the email address that you had listed on your DS-160 form. You may also check your visa status on the Department of State's website. Students in this situation should consult an immigration attorney about the risks of international travel, and what documents you should show to demonstrate that you are admissible to the US. ISSS can provide a list of immigration attorneys upon request.
• Failure to maintain F-1 status: Students who have engaged in employment without authorization, dropped below full-time without ISSS authorization, or exceeded their unemployment limit on OPT and STEM OPT are not considered in F-1 status, and will likely be denied entry to the US.
• Citizens of Countries with Travel Restrictions: There have been reports of potential travel restrictions for certain countries but these larger bans have not been implemented. The only country specific restriction that has been implemented under the current administration is for South Sudan. Additional countries could be impacted in the future. Students whose countries have potential travel restrictions are advised to consider the risk of being unable to reenter the US should additional country-specific travel restrictions are implemented in the future.

International students are able to travel within and outside of the U.S. and renew their visas. However, students should be prepared for enhanced screening and potential delays when applying for visas and re-entering the US. If you are traveling and will need to apply for a new visa to reenter the U.S., please consider the timing and how possible delays may impact you. You can view the documents needed for travel and those needed for a visa on our webpages. If you are renewing your visa and have questions about your international travel plans, please contact your ISSS advisor.

In light of the US government's efforts to enhance national security, government agencies are screening social media content of foreign nationals when adjudicating immigration applications. This includes visa applications, entry into the US, and immigration benefit applications such as employment authorization and applying for permanent residency. The government may deny applications based on content they deem a potential threat to national security or damaging to US foreign policy. Students should be mindful of their online presence.

Students should also exercise caution if attending demonstrations and protests. While most demonstrations are peaceful, a few have the potential to turn violent. We recommend students avoid demonstrations where conflict may be present and abide by school rules and U.S. laws. If you plan to attend a demonstration on- or off-campus, please make sure you follow the school’s demonstration policy and demonstration tips. Encounters with law enforcement or disciplinary actions can impact your enrollment and F-1 status. 

In the event that you encounter law enforcement, immigration agents, and other officials, you should be aware of what is, and is not, required of you to reduce risk to yourself. The ACLU and President's Alliance have helpful resources on your rights during different encounters with law enforcement. Save the ISSS (+14154222654) and Public Safety (+14154224222) phone numbers in your phone and notify us if you are contacted by law enforcement. There are scams related to law enforcement and we can assist you in identifying and responding to legitimate communications.
 

• NAFSA: Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration
• The American Immigration Council: Immigration Impact
• NAFSA: Practical Immigration Concepts in a Time of Change
• President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

• https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org/
• National Immigration Law Center 
• Informed Immigrant
• American Immigration Lawyer Association 

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• University Ministry
• Division of Student Life
• Intercultural Center
• Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good
• Public Safety - Expression and Demonstration Tips
• Gleeson Library - Fake News and Fact Checking Resource