Important FAQs to Consider Before Traveling Outside the U.S.
As the spring and summer travel seasons approach, members of the UIC international community should carefully consider the complex and changing context of U.S. immigration before booking trips or departing the country. The Office of International Services urges international visa holders to educate themselves on policy changes that have already been implemented, and potential changes, such as travel bans currently being reported in the media, that could impact their return.
OIS is sharing the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist you in reflecting on your personal situation and decision to travel. As of this writing, OIS does not have any official information released by the federal government about travel bans. If and when that changes, OIS will update the UIC international community accordingly. Ultimately, however, one is responsible for one's own decision whether or not to travel outside of the U.S.
As always, OIS advisors are available to meet with you to talk through your options and help you make the best decision for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
What recent policy changes have already been implemented that could impact a visa holder’s ability to reenter the U.S.?
The Office of International Services has previously shared news about potential U.S. Embassy and Consulate staffing levels and changes to visa interview waiver criteria that could significantly increase the wait time on initial and renewal visa applications abroad. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues to expand the practice of collecting social media identifier(s) across its agencies, most recently proposing its inclusion on a handful of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services benefit forms. While the practice of reviewing social media accounts at U.S. Ports of Entry (POEs) has been in place for some time, there has recently been an increase in reported incidents in the media where online content has been used as a basis for denying a visa holder entry to the U.S.
Has the federal government issued travel bans for citizens of certain countries?
No, as of the writing of this FAQ, the federal government has not issued a travel ban impacting a visa holder’s ability to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad.
In the news, they are reporting on an upcoming travel ban. Why is this being reported now?
President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits, including visas and admission to the U.S. That order required that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the U.S. Day 60 will be Friday, March 21.
If there is no travel ban currently in place, why should a visa holder worry about traveling out of the U.S. now?
Given that the report mentioned above is due to the president on March 21, the federal government may issue a travel ban shortly after that date, and it could apply to visa holders outside of the U.S., preventing them from reentering. If that happens, neither UIC or the Office of International Services would have the authority to influence government officials to admit international students and scholars impacted by a travel ban.
How can visa holders know in advance what citizens of which countries may be part of a future travel ban(s)?
There is no method to accurately predict which countries’ citizens may be impacted. The press is reporting a potential list of countries, but that is not official and, therefore, subject to change.
If a travel ban is issued, will visa holders who are citizens of the impacted countries need to depart the country?
The Office of International Services cannot speculate on what future changes in immigration policy may be or require. However, know that OIS will send email messages directly to all international students and scholars impacted by any changes. OIS will continue to post news announcements to its website, consolidating immigration-related items on the Immigration Updates page.
Would U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) be impacted by any future travel ban(s) or other immigration policy changes?
It is impossible to foresee with certainty whether future travel ban(s) or other policy changes could impact “green card” holders. Checking the OIS Immigration Updates webpage is the best way to obtain information about U.S. immigration policy changes and whom they impact.
If someone has a valid visa stamp in their passport and possesses all necessary immigration documents (such as Form I-20, an approval notice, or Form DS-2019), are they guaranteed entry into the U.S.?
No, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) official at the airport or land border makes the determination whether to admit someone as a nonimmigrant each time the person presents their immigration documents and seeks admission to the country. Please review the OIS webpage on Arriving to the U.S. for tips on what visa holders should keep in mind when seeking to reenter the U.S. after foreign travel.
If there is a change in U.S. immigration policy that impacts a campus visa holder’s ability to travel or be in the U.S., how will they know?
OIS will email international students and scholars who are citizens of countries that are specifically impacted by changes in U.S. immigration policies, including travel ban(s). OIS will also continue to post news announcements to its website, consolidating immigration-related items on the Immigration Updates page.
Are there any changes to policies affecting domestic travel within the U.S.?
At this point, there are no recent or proposed policies that would impact a visa holder’s ability to travel within the U.S. since domestic travel does not require passing through CBP inspection. However, it has been and continues to be advised that visa holders carry their immigration documents (passport, visa, Form I-20/DS-2019, I-94, etc.) with them when traveling within the country. Additionally, please be reminded that travel to Canada, Mexico, and many of the adjacent islands is considered international travel and requires CBP inspection upon return to the U.S.
What should I do if I experience an immigration-related emergency, either in the U.S. or while traveling abroad?
Contact the Office of International Services if you experience an immigration-related emergency, such as needing to verify your status to CBP or local police officials, while traveling in the U.S. or abroad. Call the OIS front desk at (312) 996-3121 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) or the OIS After-Hours Emergency Contact at +1 (312) 415-0334 outside of regular hours.
Additional Immigration Updates Heading link
Visit the Immigration Updates page of the OIS website to review all recent communications related to immigration changes impacting the UIC international community.
Resources Heading link
Once again, the Office of International Services is available to answer questions, discuss options, and assist you in navigating both on and off-campus resources. We encourage you to seek assistance early and as often as needed. Here are some suggestions:
- OIS Advising – Meet with an advisor to discuss your travel plans or any other concerns you may have regarding immigration or navigating University resources.
- Counseling Services – Students are invited to access a wide range of mental health and community support services, including two upcoming drop-in spaces for international students on April 2 and April 23.
- Employee Assistance Program – Benefits-eligible University employees can access their campus EAP for program identification, counseling, and referrals.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – OIS remains the primary immigration advisor for all visa holders sponsored by UIC. However, if your status or situation exceeds the scope of OIS services, AILA maintains a list of ethical and competent immigration lawyers practicing in the U.S.