Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services has issued multiple warnings in the past academic year about heightened visa screening, visa application disruptions and travel risks regarding both new and returning international students.
The updates follow a series of policy shifts by the U.S. Department of State that may impact how international students apply for, renew or maintain their F, M or J visa status.
Here’s everything you need to know about the State Department’s latest updates and OISS’ response in the last few months:
Preparing your visa: required documents and social media checks
Students must carry a valid passport, U.S. visa and I-20 or DS-2019 at all times while entering or exiting the country, OISS wrote in an email obtained by The Daily.
For both currently enrolled and incoming students, legal documentation forms require travel signatures valid for 12 months. The I-20 document needs to be signed by the student and a NU Designated School Official, according to OISS’ website. Students’ passports must also be valid six months into the future from the next date of entry.
Upon entry to the U.S., students are advised to print and check their I-94 arrival record for any discrepancies, which should be reported to OISS immediately, the email read.
Note that U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also search electronic devices without a warrant at ports of entry, including at preclearance locations abroad.
On June 18, the State Department also announced new requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including changes regarding social media profiles during the visa screening process.
“All applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public,’” a government press release read.
In a June 6 email, OISS said students should be aware of potential updates regarding federal travel guidance or restrictions.
If students are in need of a new visa, OISS said students should check with the consular post where they plan to schedule their interview.
“Only you can decide if traveling is the best decision for you,” the email read.
Embassy slowdowns and visa interview freezes
In late May, the State Department temporarily paused scheduling new student visa interview appointments, according to a press release by the American Immigration Council.
Since then, the interview freeze was lifted on June 18, according to the American Immigration Council. In an email obtained by The Daily, the OISS said some embassies would prioritize applicants where international students comprise 15% or less of total enrollment.
“For individuals who still need to schedule a visa interview, Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services encourages you to continue those efforts,” the office said in an email.
Increased travel restrictions for some countries and regions
As of June 9, the State Department fully suspended visa issuance to nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, a White House press release read.
The State Department also partially suspended visa issuance to nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela for non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas, according to the press release.
Students from China and Hong Kong may also face additional scrutiny, according to a May 28 release from the White House. The State Department announced plans to “aggressively revoke visas” for individuals with “ties to the Chinese Communist Party” or those “studying in critical fields.”
“(The State Department) will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong,” the press release said.
As of May 29, OISS said it continues to monitor Student and Exchange Visitor Program records daily and will notify individuals if their visa record changes. Students can also check their visa status through the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Students with legal questions are encouraged to contact immigration attorneys, OISS said in an email obtained by The Daily. Counseling resources are also available through the Counseling and Psychological Services at NU.
“We recognize that this week’s developments add complexity to an already difficult situation,” one email from OISS read. “We will continue to share updates as we are able.”
Resources upon arriving on campus
When international students arrive on campus, OISS hosts orientations each quarter, the office said in a statement to The Daily.
For undergraduates, OISS facilitates International Wildcat Welcome a few days before Wildcat Welcome begins for both international and domestic students, the office said.
For graduate students, OISS hosts an International Graduate Student Orientation. During these orientation programs, OISS presents sessions that help students understand their immigration status, the office said.
For wellness, safety and mental health resources students can also access NUhelp as they navigate the changing policy landscape, OISS said in an email obtained by The Daily.
Students can make appointments with their advisers directly, OISS said in the statement. In addition to the website and newsletters, there are also opportunities to join “web-in” hours to ask quick questions, stop by OISS during office hours, or by calling or emailing.
In an earlier June statement, OISS also said it will communicate directly to individuals who may be impacted by immigration policy changes.
“We once again affirm that Northwestern values our international students and scholars, who bring perspectives and experiences that are critical to our shared academic success,” the email read.
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