As you may have read, the U.S. Department of State has directed U.S. embassies and consulates to pause scheduling new visa interviews for student and exchange visitor applicants pending further guidance about social media screening procedures. In addition, a new federal policy position announced by the secretary of state may lead to some student visas being revoked. We know this news is concerning….Continue Reading Important Update for the International Student and Scholar Community
Year: 2025
OIS Closed for Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
The Office of International Services will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:30 AM….Continue Reading OIS Closed for Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
Important Travel Update for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars
Travel Considerations There are currently no new travel restrictions affecting F-1 or J-1 students. While students may travel internationally during scheduled university breaks, international travel remains fluid, and new restrictions could be implemented with little notice. The decision to travel internationally should be made carefully. As always, OIS will provide updates as new information becomes…Continue Reading Important Travel Update for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars
What to Expect at a Port of Entry
OIS has published guidance on what to expect at a port of entry, including during U.S. Customs and Border Protection secondary inspections, which may include requests for passwords, access to locked electronic devices, and/or review of laptop files, phone data, and social media accounts. On April 9, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that,…Continue Reading What to Expect at a Port of Entry
Information on Targeted SEVIS Record Closures
Dear International Students and Scholars, As you may have read in recent news coverage, some international students across the United States have recently had their visas revoked and their SEVIS records terminated. News reports suggest that these revocations and terminations are occurring as a result of political activity related to the Israel/Gaza conflict, past law…Continue Reading Information on Targeted SEVIS Record Closures
Sprintax Tax Webinars for International Students
In preparation for tax season, Sprintax will host a series of information webinars about nonresident tax dedicated to the international community. These open informational sessions will run through to the filing deadline on April 15, 2025. Sprintax Open Tax Webinars for Filing Season 2024: March 4, 1:00pm Register March 19, 11:00am Register March 25, 3:00pm Register March 26,…Continue Reading Sprintax Tax Webinars for International Students
WARNING: Scammers Are Targeting International Students – Don’t Fall for It!
Scammers are aggressively targeting international students with fake calls, emails, and letters that appear to be from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and even local law enforcement. They use official-looking email addresses, spoof real government employee names, phone numbers,…Continue Reading WARNING: Scammers Are Targeting International Students – Don’t Fall for It!
“Wear Green” on Saint Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland but is also widely celebrated (though not a public holiday) throughout the United States. Americans of Irish heritage make up one of the largest population groups in the country. On March 17, supermarkets, shops, and Irish pubs are adorned with green decorations to honor Irish culture….Continue Reading “Wear Green” on Saint Patrick’s Day!
Meet Tommy: Your Virtual Assistant
Meet Tommy: Your Virtual Assistant Tommy is a virtual chatbot available 24/7 to assist you with your F-1 and J-1 immigration-related questions. Tips for Asking Questions Be Clear and Concise: Formulate your questions clearly and keep them straightforward. One Question at a Time: Limit your inquiries to one question per submission for the best response….Continue Reading Meet Tommy: Your Virtual Assistant