International Student Support

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.
 

There have been no changes to the visa and travel requirements for international students, and 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.

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.