To our dear International Students, During this tubulent time, I hope the following information from the Office of International Students at the Graduate Center could be useful to you. --------------------------------------------- Hongwei Xu (徐宏伟), PhD Associate Professor of Sociology Co-Director of MA in Data Analytics & Applied Social Research CUNY-Queens College Phone: (718) 997-2809 Fax: (718) 997-2820 Office Email: hongwei.xu@qc.cuny.edu Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WqghHW4AAAAJ&hl=en ------------------------------ *From:* Rati Kashyap <rkashyap@gc.cuny.edu> *Sent:* Tuesday, April 8, 2025 4:26 PM *Subject:* Fw: Immigration Updates and Travel Advisory for International Students Dear Faculty, FYI This email was sent out to our International students. *Rati * ************* Dear International Students, The Office of International Students (OIS) is deeply concerned over the recent reports of SEVIS terminations by SEVP, Department of State visa revocations, detainments, and the possibility of travel bans restricting entry to the US. We understand this has created an atmosphere of confusion and fear among our international student community. We share your concerns. The Office of International Students will continue to monitor immigration updates and policy changes that could impact our international students. We will share information with our community as it continues to unfold. We are here to support you. You are not alone. We thought it would be helpful to start off by explaining the difference between a visa and legal status in the US. We will then discuss some of the recent updates and changes that impact international students in the US. *Visa vs. Status:* An F-1 or J-1 visa is different than F-1 or J-1 legal status in the US. An F-1 or J-1 visa is an entry document to the United States that is affixed in the passport. The visa needs to be valid to enter the US in either F-1 or J-1 legal status in the US. F-1 or J-1 status refers to your legal standing in the U.S., which is confirmed by your I-94 admission record. Your legal status defines your rights and restrictions in the U.S. such as work authorizations and study requirements. For example, you can have valid F-1 status in the U.S. even if your F-1 visa has expired. Throughout their studies, students need to hold valid F-1 or J-1 legal status in the US and follow all relevant immigration rules to stay legally in the U.S. *Visa Revocation: * If an F-1 or J-1 visa is revoked, the student may no longer use that visa to enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status. The Department of State (DOS) will typically notify a student by email if they have revoked their F-1 or J-1 visa. They will send the email to the email address that was used by the student in their original DS-160 visa application form. The DOS does not notify the Office of International Students. Students are encouraged to check their email account that was used on their DS-160 visa application form prior to international travel. It is important to notify our office as soon as possible if you receive a visa revocation notification from the Department of State. You may contact our office at intstu@gc.cuny.edu or by phone at 212-817-7490. You may also schedule an in-person appointment or meet with an advisor during our advisor's drop-in hours. *ICE/SEVP SEVIS Terminations:* There have been recent reports SEVP has been terminating SEVIS records and ending the legal status for some international students in the United States. When a student has their SEVIS record terminated, this indicates the student is no longer maintaining F-1 or J-1 legal status in the US and a reason for the SEVIS termination is provided in the record. SEVIS termination will report the end of the legal status in the US. There have been reports that some international students in the United States are having both their entry visa to the US revoked by DOS and a SEVIS termination by ICE and SEVP. Further information regarding these types of SEVIS Terminations is available at: ICE-Initiated SEVIS Record Terminations | NAFSA <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/ice-initiated-sevis-record-terminations__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGbMh879uw$> The Office of International Students at the Graduate Center has been monitoring all of our SEVIS records daily. *As of today's date, April 2, 2025, no SEVIS records have been terminated by SEVP for our international students with I-20s or DS-2019s issued from The Graduate Center, the Craig Newmark School of Journalism, and the School of Labor and Urban Studies, CUNY.* The Office of International Students will continue to monitor the situation and will inform our community as we learn more. *Travel Advisory: * The Office of International Students continues to advise caution with international travel, as U.S. immigration policies are unpredictable and can rapidly change without notice. There is also news of a possible travel ban <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nafsa.org/executive-and-regulatory-actions-trump2admin*travelbans__;Iw!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGahXyhhvA$> that could restrict entry to the United States to those impacted by the ban. While we do not yet know if a travel ban will be released and who would be impacted, it is important to consider all of the possible risks when deciding if one should travel. Enhanced Vetting and Screening at the US Border are being implemented which could lead to denial of entry to the US, and in some cases, possible detainment. We encourage students to consider the risk of travel and reentry to the US before departing the United States. Please consult with an international student advisor if you plan to travel over the spring break or during the summer. Unfortunately, the Office of International Students is unable to guarantee your ability to return to the US. *Visa Application Advisory:* If your F-1 or J-1 visa is expired, renewing it could be uncertain and may cause extended delays, potentially affecting your ability to return and continue your studies. There have been recent changes to the visa application process, including a recent cable sent to consulates by Marco Rubio <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://millermayer.com/2025/scrutiny-of-visa-applicants-green-card-holders-students-exchange-visitors-heightened-under-trump-administration/__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGbjblSatw$> last week that enhances the vetting and screening of visa applicants. The visa renewal process may be different than the last time you applied for a visa. Visa applications are subject to enhanced vetting and additional screening which could delay your visa application or lead to a possible denial. Your social media activity may be reviewed during the visa application process. Immigration attorney's recommend students consider any history of political activism, their social media posts, any previous arrests, and any previous status violations when determining if one should travel and/or apply for a visa at the US consulate abroad. The possibility of travel bans should also be considered. Many students might not realize that their social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications and border screenings. Electronic devices: When entering the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may review your electronic devices, including social media. Please review the AILA Electronic Searches at US Ports of Entry <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/Electronic-Device-Searches-at-U-S-Ports-of-Entry.pdf__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGa-33UVnA$> resource and the ACLU's article for preparation tips <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/can-border-agents-search-your-electronic?redirect=blog*2Ffree-future*2Fcan-border-agents-search-your-electronic-devices-its-complicated__;JSU!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGahjeGmhQ$> before traveling. Social Media and Apps: It is recommended to review your social media accounts and consider how your online activity may be perceived by immigration officials. Please seek legal guidance from an experienced immigration attorney if you are concerned about how this additional screening may impact you. If you need assistance with locating an immigration attorney, please email the Office of International Students at intstu@gc.cuny.edu and we will provide you with additional information to assist you. *Maintain F-1 or J-1 Status in the US: *It is very important to understand how to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status in the United States. Maintaining your legal status in the United States is crucial during this time as the consequences for not doing so are very serious. This could impact your ability to remain in the US and complete your program of study. Please review the F-1 and J-1 regulations <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-10/Statement-Of-Understanding-F-1-and-J-1.pdf__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGYIqIcX4A$> to better understand how to maintain your legal status in the US and your reporting requirements. *Employment in the US:* If you will engage in any off-campus employment activity (non-CUNY) it is important to obtain the appropriate employment authorization before starting any work off-campus. Please be mindful that employment authorization is not just required for typical W2 employment with a bonafide employer-employee relationship. There are many different off-campus opportunities in which a student provides some type of service in exchange for any type of remuneration (e.g. honorariums, stipends, salary, fellowships, assistantships, reimbursements, etc.) from an off-campus organization (non-CUNY) that require an appropriate authorization (e.g. CPT, OPT, and Academic Training). Please note that unpaid positions (e.g. internships, practicums, externships, etc.) will also require the appropriate employment authorization before starting the position. This is required to maintain F-1 or J-1 status in the US. If you are an F-1 student interested in learning how you may participate in work or training off-campus, please attend our upcoming* Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Information Webinar on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM EST on zoom. * You may register in advance for this webinar at: https://gc-cuny-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/WHhME70EQUSGe7L8uKSzEA <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gc-cuny-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/WHhME70EQUSGe7L8uKSzEA__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGYuOHOuEw$> If you are a J-1 student interested in learning how you can participate in training or work off-campus, please email intstu@gc.cuny.edu to request an academic training appointment with an international student advisor. Academic Training Information is also available at: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-10/J1-Academic-Training-Inf... <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-10/J1-Academic-Training-Information.pdf__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGYGOkR9IA$> *The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) *requires all nonimmigrants to do these two things. The penalty for not doing so can be severe, under long-standing laws. - *Carry their immigration registration document* - Nonimmigrants must carry their "evidence of registration" document at all times. F-1 and J-1 students should carry a copy of their I-94 admission record to the US. You may access your I-94 admission record and your I-94 history at: I-94 Official Website - Home Page <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGYVe_YVbQ$> - *Report address changes within 10 days* - All noncitizens living in the United States must report any change of address within 10 days of the address change. *Address Updates: * It is very important that students update their addresses with the Office of International Students within 10 days of any change. This regulation is currently being enforced. This is a two-step process, an address update in CUNY First and the completion and submission of the address form <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/AddressForm-SEVIS-Data-Verification-Form_0.pdf__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGb9oUkNSQ$> to OIS. *Step 1:* Please check your Home and Permanent Address information in CUNY First. The home address must be the address you reside at in the United States. It may not be the school or department address, an address of a friend or family member (if you do not live there), or a P.O. Box. If your home address is incorrect or if it has changed, please update it in CUNY First. To update your address, please login to CUNY First and update the HOME address with your United States address. The permanent address in CUNY First must be your address in your home country. It may not be a US address. If your permanent address is incorrect or needs to be updated, please notify the Office of International Students and we will update it on your behalf. *Step 2: * Please notify the Office of International Students of your address update by completing our address form and emailing it to intstu@gc.cuny.edu. We will check the address information you have provided on the form with what has been entered into CUNY first. If the information is correct, we will send the address update from CUNY First to SEVIS and your address reporting requirement will be met. *Additional Resources:* The Office of International Students posts information and resources on our website and our social media pages that you may find helpful. Please check our Alerts and Announcements section for important updates. International Students | CUNY Graduate Center <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.gc.cuny.edu/international-students__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGYhG_nmHg$>. Students may also follow us on Facebook <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/GCINTSTU__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGaSUSmE_w$> and X <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://x.com/intstugc__;!!PxiZbSOawA!IX3keXpsP-qHuqPchoMSgWNLtBVmtDh12iKpPzsQ51yo01Ax8hG1efAsUAfKbKEpw0ypDn2OUTunJb5FcGZqfoLl1A$> . *Office of International Students:* *Hours of Operation:* Monday - Thursday, in person, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Friday, remote only, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. *How to meet with an International Student Advisor: * 1. Advisor Drop In Hours (In person, no appointment necessary): Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 2. Advisor Live Chat: (remote, no appointment necessary): Monday and Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 3. Scheduled Appointments: Available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Please email intstu@gc.cuny.edu to schedule an appointment with an international student advisor. Please indicate in your email if you would prefer an appointment in-person, on zoom, by phone, or on live chat. We have multiple options available to meet your needs. Our office is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates to our international student community. For personalized advice and to address any concerns regarding an upcoming international trip, please contact the Office of International Students. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment with an international student advisor, please email intstu@gc.cuny.edu. The Office of International Students is here to support our international student community through these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are all in this together. Best, Linda Asaro Director Office of International Students The Graduate Center, CUNY