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Due to the Dec. 16, 2025 presidential proclamation, students holding passports from certain countries who do not have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa are advised against international travel at this time.

OIS would like to share several important reminders to help students maintain F-1 or J-1 status and plan travel during the winter recess.

Please review the OIS travel and emergency contact information below before traveling during spring or winter recess.

OIS Executive Director Esther C. Lee welcomes students to the fall 2025 semester at USC.

On Aug. 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a proposed rule that would change the initial admission period for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.

The U.S. Department of State announced on June 18, 2025, that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will soon resume scheduling F and J visa appointments.

On June 4, 2025, the White House issued a presidential proclamation that imposes entry restrictions on nationals of 19 countries.

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.

Some international students across the United States have recently had their visas revoked and their SEVIS records terminated. Please contact an OIS advisor if you need assistance.