Recent International Student Visa News
Introduction
In light of recent news regarding international student visa issuance and status, the Office of International Services is reaching out to the international student community to provide some context, reassurance, and guidance.
What is happening?
Throughout this week, media outlets have reported on U.S. Department of State (DOS) plans to pause F, M and J visa issuance abroad and revoke visas of certain international students from China.
As of today, DOS has not released any official statement or guidance on either of these issues. It is unclear how long the visa issuance pause will remain in effect or what new vetting steps will be implemented moving forward. Additionally, it is not known when visa revocations will begin, exactly who will be impacted, or how students or schools will be notified.
The Office of International Services acknowledges that these potential actions are unsettling in that they are currently vague, yet have the potential to negatively impact the international student community in significant ways.
What is OIS doing?
The Office of International Services is closely monitoring these issues and will provide an update to the UIC community if and when official or actionable details have been released by the Department of State. If the office becomes aware of any student directly impacted, we will work closely with that student to manage their case toward the best possible outcomes available.
Additionally, OIS has notified UIC administration and academic departments of these issues and the impact they may have on admitted and select continuing international students’ ability to arrive to campus by the start of the fall semester and/or complete their programs. OIS will continue working with departments to develop support plans wherever possible.
What can continuing international students do?
Firstly, review the OIS Summer Travel Reminders and evaluate your personal need to travel outside the U.S.
If you absolutely have to travel outside the U.S. and are in the position of needing to renew your visa, complete steps to apply for a visa, up to the point of scheduling your visa interview appointment. Familiarize yourself with your local U.S. embassy or consulate’s website so that you receive updates specific to your location and can be ready as soon as visa interview slots reopen. Be wary of any individual or company that claims to have the ability to schedule an exclusive or expedited visa appointment on your behalf in exchange for a fee. These are almost always a scam.
If you know that your return to campus this fall will be delayed for reasons outside your control, communicate with OIS and your academic department as soon as possible.
Lastly, know that your social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications, border screenings, or law enforcement encounters. While this practice is not necessarily new — social media reviews previously looked for evidence of U.S. federal crimes such as marijuana use or distribution — recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded the focus of these searches. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) explains what Border Search of Electronic Devices at U.S. Ports of Entry can entail.
Closing
The Office of International Services is committed to fostering a supportive environment for international students at UIC. We will continue to monitor these and all issues impacting the UIC international community and provide updates as they become available.
In the meantime, you are welcome to send a message to ois@uic.edu or make an appointment with an OIS advisor if you have questions or would like to discuss your individual case. OIS maintains normal office hours over the summer, and we look forward to working with you.
If you experience an immigration-related emergency during a time when the office is closed, please call the OIS Emergency After Hours Contact.
Please note that information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.