We are continuously monitoring changes to U.S. immigration policies and regulations
that may impact our international student and scholar community. We are committed
to providing timely guidance and support when necessary and appropriate. It can be
difficult to determine the effects of these real and proposed changes, so we encourage
students and our campus community to maintain awareness of current events and contact
the Office of International Services with any questions or concerns. Our team is here to assist you in maintaining your
immigration status and connecting you with other on-campus resources available to
all students, staff, and scholars.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
DOS Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that it will pause the issuance of immigrant visas at U.S. consulates worldwide starting January 21, 2026 for nationals of 75 countries
that DOS deems are "at high risk of public benefits usage." The pause impacts only
immigrant visa issuance and does not affect nonimmigrant visas such as B tourist visas, F student visas, J exchange visitor visas, H-1B work visas,
etc.
On December 16, 2025, an updated rule further restricted entry from certain nations. Twenty countries face full bans; twenty face limited ones affecting tourists and students. Those already in the U.S. remain
unaffected.
The U.S. will resume F, M, and J visa appointments soon. Starting June 26, embassies must use new security procedures. Processing could slow down, and fewer
slots may open due to added checks required under the updated system.
Please review the important information below regarding your responsibilities and guidelines while in the U.S., including document
maintenance, address updates, travel, scams, academics, and employment.
Passport: Maintain a valid passport during your entire stay in the U.S. and for a period of
6 months beyond the end of your program. Contact your Embassy or Consulate in the
U.S. at least 3-6 months prior to the passport expiration should you need to extend
or renew your passport.
Visas: your visa can expire while in the U.S., if your passport remains valid and you continue
to maintain your visa status. Traveling outside the U.S. with an expired visa, however,
will require a renewed visa for re-entry to the U.S. (It is recommended to schedule
your visa appointment before departing the U.S.)
Form I-20/Form DS-2019: should be valid and accurate at all times. Requests to extend your program must
be made to our office prior to the expiration of these documents.
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: It’s recommended that you keep a printed copy of your most recent I-94 and travel
history. Always check your I-94 any time you re-enter the U.S. It should accurately
reflect your visa status, date of entry, and location of entry.
NOTE: Always keep backup copies of your documents (digital and paper).
Report any change in physical address within 10 days of the move, even if the move
is temporary (e.g., CPT, summer, etc.)
Remember that during the academic year, you must live within the Springfield area.
Students on OPT report address changes through the SEVP Portal or to IS within 10
days of the change.
If you cannot afford an interruption to your studies, research, employment, or teaching
due to an indefinite period abroad, you should carefully consider the need to travel
outside the U.S.
Even with valid documentation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will always
have the discretion on whether to admit you into the U.S.
Ensure your travel documents are valid (passport, visa, and I-20/Form DS-2019 with
a proper travel endorsement for U.S. re-entry).
Students on approved OPT should also travel with a valid EAD. It is not recommended
to travel if the OPT request is still pending.
Know that CBP officers have the legal authority to search electronic devices. Information
and content found on devices (including social media accounts) can be used to deny
entry into the U.S.
Electronic Devices: See CBP and the ACLU blog for further information.
Social Media and Apps: Take time to evaluate your online presence so that it accurately reflects compliance
with U.S. immigration laws and properly reflects you academically and professionally.
Our office is aware of an increase in scam emails and phone calls specifically targeting
international students often claiming to be a government official trying to intimidate
and/or collect personal, financial, and immigration information with the intent of
causing harm.
If you receive a threatening call or message from someone claiming to be a government
official:
Do not share any personal or financial information with them.
Attempt to collect any contact information from the caller.
End the communication immediately and then contact IS for advisement.
Be enrolled in a full course of study each semester and make normal satisfactory progress
towards the completion of your degree
Request authorization for reduced enrollment prior to the beginning of the affected
semester and/or before dropping classes.
NOTE: Summer semester enrollment is only required for the first or final semester of study.
On-Campus Employment
Students in F-1 status are automatically eligible to work on-campus without special
authorization.
Students in J-1 status need an authorization letter from their sponsor first.
Limited to 20 hours/week during spring and fall. 40 hours/week during summer and breaks.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-Campus Employment requires prior authorization from the IS office and/or USCIS.
Do NOT work off-campus without proper authorization.
This includes paid or unpaid employment, practical training (internships, externships,
practicums, etc.), or activities resembling employment or training.
Working without authorization or engaging in activities that could be viewed as employment
will lead to serious and irreparable consequences to your immigration record and status
in the U.S.
