Immigration Updates
The University and the Office of International Students Scholars & Programs (ISSP) are closely monitoring ongoing changes in immigration policy. The resources below address frequently asked questions with the most current facts available. As more information becomes available, or new questions arise, ISSP will update this page.
If you have questions, please submit them to globe@wm.edu.
Should I travel outside the U.S.?Updated 5/2/2025 It’s always been important to plan any travel carefully, but it’s even more important now. We cannot advise for or against travel, but we urge you to make sure you understand all the factors and potential risks as you make your decision. Employees or scholars with concerns about university related travel should also consult with their supervisor about options for addressing those concerns. If you do decide to travel, please review the following information on our website and continue to check your email regularly for important updates from our office:
While Traveling: Keep your important documents in your carry-on bag—never in your checked luggage. You will need these for inspection when you return to the U.S. Stay informed about any international travel advisories or health regulations that might affect your trip. Reentering the United States: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) explains some of the requirements for entering the U.S. and addresses the necessary documents, as well as prohibited and restricted items. If you encounter difficulties at the border, ask the officer to call or allow you to call ISSP at 757-221-3590 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm). An International Student & Scholar advisor will work with you to try to resolve the situation but cannot guarantee entry into the U.S. Outside office hours call Campus Police (757-221-4596) and they will forward your call to an ISSP staff member. Additional Resources: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has guidelines on Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides information about Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides Know Your Rights information at U.S. Ports of Entry. Upon Returning to the United States: Check your I-94 information: Your I-94 (arrival and departure information) is recorded when you enter the U.S. Make sure that your information is correct by going to the I-94 government website. If the information is incorrect, please contact an ISSP advisor for assistance. Please note that it usually takes a few days after arrival for the information to appear on the website. In addition, USCIS requires every noncitizen who is 18 years old and over to always carry evidence of their immigration “registration documents”. For most people the easiest thing will be to carry a copy of their I-94 record. |
What is the latest update on visa interviews at U.S. embassies?
Updated: 6/23/2025 On May 27, the U.S. Department of State ordered a pause on new visa interview appointments for F students, J students and J exchange visitors, until additional social media vetting measures can be applied. On June 18, the U.S. Department of State announced that it has issued the new guidance on social media vetting, and that consulates will resume scheduling F and J nonimmigrant visa appointments. It is important that students and scholars who have appointments scheduled proceed with their interviews. If you have not yet obtained an appointment for a visa interview, please seek an appointment as soon as you can at your nearest U.S. consular office. |
Is there a travel ban?Updated: 6/6/2025 On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation outlining new travel restrictions was issued. The proclamation establishes a "full" travel suspension on 12 countries and a "partial" travel suspension on 7 countries, effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. Countries Affected by the “Full” Travel Ban Nationals of the following countries are restricted from entering the U.S.:Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Countries Affected by the “Partial” Travel Ban The entry into the U.S. of nationals of certain countries on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended. The countries are:Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela The proclamation only applies to nationals of the above 19 countries who:
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the Proclamation. |
I’m hearing that international students are having their visas and/or SEVIS record revoked. Can that happen to me? What can I do?Updated: 4/29/2025 We continue to monitor the situation very closely and are prepared to work with students individually. If you receive a notice from the government about your visa or immigration status, contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu. Our office is not typically aware if a visa has been canceled, but we can see SEVIS records. We are actively monitoring SEVIS records and will reach out to students if we see any unexpected changes in a record. |
Can ISSP provide legal advice if I have a question?Updated: 4/16/2025 We cannot provide legal advice. We can, however, direct you to where you can find an attorney who can advise you in legal and complex immigration matters. In addition, NAFSA: National Association of International Educators has compiled the following resources (which are shared as a convenience and not an endorsement).
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