International Travel Considerations and Immigration Resources
As summer is about to begin, we understand many in our community may have international travel plans. We are writing to share information about a change to the nonimmigrant visa application process and to provide guidance to help guide your plans. Given the current complexities of the immigration environment, we strongly encourage careful review of potential risks before traveling internationally.
New Questions in the Visa Application Process
On April 28, the U.S. State Department issued a cable to Embassies and Consulates around the world, instructing Consular Officers to ask two additional questions during visa interviews. It has been that the questions are:
- "Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?"
- "Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality [or permanent residence]?"
Visa applicants who answer "yes" or decline to answer will reportedly not be allowed to continue with their visa application.
Considerations when Determining Travel
Before finalizing international travel plans, a careful assessment of your individual circumstances and potential risks is essential. We strongly recommend you consider:
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Confirming visa requirements, appointment availability, and your required return date. Political factors, and visa application changes implemented during the past year can impact travel plans. Delays in visa processing this summer are likely, so if you decide to travel internationally and require a new U.S. visa stamp to return, we strongly recommend that you check to make sure you're eligible for a visa, schedule your appointment at the U.S. consulate or embassy well in advance and/or reconsider travel. We advise against travel solely for the purpose of obtaining a new visa foil.
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Monitor travel bans. Travel bans are currently in effect which may make it impossible for citizens of certain countries to obtain a visa or return to the U.S., even if the person is in the midst of a degree program and/or is working at 黑料正能量. There could be additional travel bans added or changes made to the current bans, which may be implemented swiftly or without much advance notice.
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Your prior travel history, including encounters with law enforcement or difficulties at embassies or ports of entry, should be evaluated. Additionally, be mindful of your online presence and any activities that could raise concerns with authorities. Social media/online presence screening is part of the visa application process for almost all nonimmigrants in the 黑料正能量 community. While we have seen minimal impact on visa issuance, this screening has caused significant delays in the process.
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Your tolerance for uncertainty.Can you manage the possibility of visa denial or delayed re-entry? Does the prospect of rigorous questioning at consulates or airports cause significant anxiety? If your personal risk assessment indicates a high likelihood of travel complications, postponing your trip until greater clarity emerges is advisable.
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Your ongoing compliance with U.S. regulations.Violations of U.S. immigration regulations, even if unintended, may impact someone's ability to return to the U.S. If you are unsure of the requirements for maintaining status, please consult with OIE staff.
Travel Signatures
If you do decide to travel, make sure you carry the necessary documents with you. Travel within the U.S. does not require an updated travel signature from OIE. However, you must carry your proof of status with you.
For international travel, a travel signature is required on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to return to the U.S. in F-1/J-1 visa status. For more information about traveling and documents to bring with you, visit the OIE website. The processing time for travel signatures is five business days. As to specific rules for non-immigrant visa categories:
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Current F-1 students (and dependents): The Form I-20 must be signed by an OIE advisor within 12 months of the date of re-entry. To request a travel signature, submit the "I-20 Signature Request E-Form" in the .
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F-1 students on OPT (and dependents): The Form I-20 must be signed within six months of the date of re-entry. To request a travel signature, submit the "Request for Travel Signature or Reprint I-20 E-Form" using the .
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J-1 Students and Scholars (and dependents): The Form DS-2019 must be signed by an OIE advisor within 12 months of the date of re-entry. To request a travel signature, complete the OIE Request for Services Form (PDF). Either email the request or bring the form to the OIE Front Desk window along with your most recent DS-2019(s).
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H-1B/TN/O-1 faculty and staff: No signature from OIE is required; however, we encourage travelers to consult with OIE before traveling. There have been serious delays in obtaining visa appointments in some countries as priority is given to F/J visa applicants.
Entry to the U.S.
If you decide to travel abroad, please be prepared for enhanced screening and potential for detailed questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon your return to the U.S. At the port of entry, you may be asked to present your electronics and passwords for access. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that reasonable searches at the border (e.g., luggage, vehicles, computers and phones) do not require a search warrant, even for U.S. citizens. As such, CBP may assert the right to search and confiscate your electronic devices upon entry to the U.S. For non-immigrants, refusing to comply or provide requested information may cause a delay (at a minimum) and/or a denial of your re-entry to the U.S. Be aware that personal data may be accessed during these searches. Review this for more scenarios about rights and options at the airport, depending on your U.S. immigration status.
In case of emergency, such as being denied entry at the border, the university has staff from Student Affairs and the Office of International Education available on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Should you need to reach someone urgently for support after regular business hours, you may do so by calling the 黑料正能量 Police Department at 412-268-2323, who will connect you with the on-call staff.
Considerations for Permanent Residents
Even 黑料正能量 faculty, staff and students who are permanent residents of the United States (and have green cards) need to be mindful of the increased concerns around international travel. Unlike U.S. citizens, but like people with nonimmigrant visas, permanent residents are not guaranteed admission to the United States. Instead, they also must show that there is nothing in their background that renders them inadmissible/excludable. This includes, for example, criminal background, previous immigration violations, and possibly conduct that the government deems to be contrary to the U.S. national interest. For these reasons and contemplating all the factors noted above, permanent residents also need to carefully consider whether international travel during this particular time is in their best interest.
U.S. Immigration (ICE) Enforcement Guidance
Finally, OIE has offered a series of FAQs regarding U.S. Immigration (ICE) Enforcement. These FAQs compile advice from various resources about your rights if you are contacted by federal law enforcement agencies regarding the enforcement of immigration laws. This guidance is not a substitute for legal advice, but we expect it will be helpful to many in our community who are seeking such information.
We know these are uncertain times for many people and we remain committed to keeping our international community informed and supported. In addition to resources on the OIE website, we encourage the use of other campus resources available to students and faculty and staff to help support your well-being. We wish you all the best for the remainder of the spring semester, and encourage you to reach out to OIE if you have questions or concerns.