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Updated 06/19/2025

After halting F, J, and M visa appointments for nearly a month, the US Department of State announced on June 18 that embassies and consulates will resume scheduling visa appointments and processing visas. 

In the announcement, the State Department indicated that visa applicants would be subject to increased scrutiny including review of social media accounts. Visa applicants already must disclose social media accounts on their DS-160, ahead of the visa interview appointment. However, new State Department procedures require applicants to "unlock" all social media accounts for government review. This means that account access must be set to "public." 

In preparation for future visa application appointments, new 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students are encouraged to review the updated information published at the OIA Visa Interview Guidance page. 

Updated 06/05/2025

The Trump Administration issued a new Presidential Proclamation on June 4, 2025 ordering travel bans affecting 19 countries. This includes a "full" travel ban on 12 countries as well as a "partial" ban on an additional 7 countries. 

Effective Date: The Travel Ban will go into effect on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Countries included in the travel bans: Nineteen countries in total are subject to the travel bans, "suspending entry into the United States" of citizens of those countries "as immigrants or non-immigrants." This includes F-1 international students as well as J-1 students and scholars. The list of the 19 countries included in the travel bans is as follows:

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Burundi
• Chad
• Republic of Congo
• Cuba
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Laos
• Libya
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Yemen 

Importantly, the proclamation also states that "no immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation." It follows that individuals present in the United States prior to the travel ban taking effect on June 9th will remain in lawful immigration status and be eligible to continue their education, employment, research, and other endeavors. Accordingly, the OIA will continue processing CPT and OPT requests for all eligible students. 

The OIA is closely monitoring developments and we are anticipating possible updates in the coming days. 

Updated 06/19/2025

F-1 Student Guidelines for International Travel
The OIA urges caution regarding international travel for international students and scholars. Those who must travel are strongly encouraged to maintain updated knowledge regarding travel requirements and restrictions as these are subject to change with little warning. 

On June 4th, the US Department of State announced official travel bans affecting 19 countries (please see update, above). These bans directly restrict entry to the USA for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars who are citizens of the 19 specified countries. Furthermore, the OIA is aware that, according to reliable and reputable news sources, the government may be planning to expand travel restrictions to include additional countries in the near future. 

With so much uncertainty, it is challenging to speculate with accuracy about what might, or might not, take place in the future. Therefore, the OIA is urging caution and patience regarding international travel. 

International students and scholars are strongly advised to adhere to established requirements and guidance when finalizing travel plans:

• Ensure that your required documentation is in order before the date of your return to the USA
  • A current passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of your return
  • A current, unexpired visa
  • A current and valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019
• Keep in mind that
  • Travel restrictions may change with little warning. It is good practice to check updates regularly as your date of return to the USA approaches.
  • When purchasing airfare, consider the need for flexibility. It is good to have airfare that enables you to make changes or cancellations, or which is refundable. Unexpected changes to travel restrictions may disrupt even the best-laid travel plans.
• The OIA is committed to communicating directly, and as quickly as possible, with the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn international community of students and scholars if any changes affecting F-1 and/or J-1 visa holders are formally announced by the US government. 

Government Resources for Consideration 

It is possible that individuals entering the USA will be subject to increased scrutiny at US ports of entry. According to recent developments, we know that visa applicants are being subjected to "social media vetting" and that non-immigrants entering the USA may be subject to increased vetting at ports of entry. This includes the possibility that individuals may be routed through secondary inspection. In secondary inspection, border officers may search travelers' electronic devices (including phones and laptops). Please review the following government sources for additional details:  

• US Department of State page:
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) page:

Considerations For OPT Students 

• If you plan to apply for OPT, please note that you must be physically present in the USA at the time of your application. OPT applications cannot be submitted from abroad.
• In addition to the passport, visa, and I-20, OPT and STEM OPT students are also advised to travel with their EAD and a verification letter from their employer. The letter should verify that the employer is aware of the student's travel and anticipates their return in order to resume OPT employment. 

Please contact the OIA if you have questions about any of these considerations. 

GLACIER Tax Prep Software 

The OIA is thrilled to make the special announcement that GLACIER Tax Preparation Software is now available to 51��Ƶ-Dearborn international students and scholars, free of charge! 

What is GLACIER Tax Prep?

GLACIER Tax Prep is a web-based tax return preparation system designed primarily for nonresident alien students, scholars, trainees, researchers, and other educational visa holders. GLACIER Tax Prep will ask you questions, then prepare the tax forms that apply to you so that you can print, review, sign and mail the tax return and/or other forms to the IRS.
The OIA has licensed access to GLACIER Tax Prep to assist 51��Ƶ-Dearborn international students and scholars in preparing required income tax returns. GLACIER Tax Prep is provided to you for your convenience. You are not required to use GLACIER Tax Prep to prepare your U.S. federal income tax return. The OIA does not provide tax advice and therefore disclaims all liability from the misinterpretation or misuse of GLACIER Tax Prep.

GLACIER Access

51��Ƶ-Dearborn international students and scholars can . Please note, the page is shared by the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn OIA and the Ann Arbor International Center. Follow instructions on the page to create your free GLACIER account. 

Additional Tax Resources

Students and scholars can find additional tax resources at the Work as an International Student page. These include:

• Information about upcoming webinars and workshops
• Links to external resources
• The OIA tax info presentation, Tax Time

Updated February, 2025

How Can F-1 International Students Identify and Avoid Scams?

Unfortunately, scammers often target international students. Under false pretenses, scammers often pretend to be a government agent or a prospective employer in order to trick international students into making payments, sharing sensitive documents, or revealing personal information. Students must be vigilant. Therefore, the OIA has prepared the following information to assist students in identifying and avoiding scams. 

Identifying Suspicious Email 

All students need to be vigilant and careful to avoid becoming targets of scams. Students can learn about how to identify scams and suspicious communications on the 51��Ƶ Safe Computing page about . 

Immigration Scams 

International students should always be suspicious of unexpected communications from government officials. If you ever receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be a government official, demanding money and threatening deportation, do not engage. End the communication and contact the OIA immediately. Here are a few tips and read flags that will help you identify scammers: 

• Government agencies such as ICE or USCIS will never contact international students by phone or email
• Government agencies will never demand payment via phone
• A US government agent from DHS will never threaten your family or friends with deportation or criminal charges
• A real agent will never try to deliberately intimidate or scare you
• Major Red Flags:
  • If the caller demands payment in the form of gift cards
  • If the caller tells you that "you are not allowed to speak with anyone about your case" 

If you receive a worrisome communication, please do not hesitate to contact the OIA. The OIA will be able to evaluate the situation and provide you with advice and assistance. 

Employment Scams 

International students are often targeted by scammers who make false offers of employment. Here are some tips to help students identify fraud before it is too late: 

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited offers of employment
  • You will not be offered jobs for which you have not applied
  • Scammers make random offers of employment hoping that the surprising and seemingly good news will trick students into revealing sensitive information
• Employers will never require payment in order to be able to complete an offer of employment
  • This is a major red flag which should cause you to question the legitimacy of the job offer
• Scammers will sometimes impersonate 51��Ƶ email addresses, making it seem that he communication is coming from a real 51��Ƶ professor or staff
  • If you receive an unusual and unsolicited communication from a 51��Ƶ professor or staff, always follow up directly with that individual to confirm the legitimacy of the communication
  • Contact the individual directly, do not reply to the suspicious email or notify the OIA to contact the individual on your behalf
• Be suspicious of receiving payment via email for work that you have not completed
  • This is very unusual and should raise alarm
  • Scammers will use a false payment to gain access to students' bank account information
  • If receiving unexpected payment via email, always confirm validity before trying to deposit into your bank account 

We hope that this information will help students be vigilant in identifying fraud and scams. If ever in doubt, contact the OIA for help! 

The OIA recognizes that there have been many recent federal announcements and changes affecting international students. 2025 has already been an eventful year for international education.

In light of so many changes, below we share information and strategies for mitigating the impact of change that is often out of our control. You are a valued part of the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn community and we are glad you are here!

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Maintain status
As you are aware, there are specific requirements for those in F or J immigration status. As always, it remains important to understand and follow these requirements. These are explained in detail on the OIA website which you can review at any time. 

Ask the OIA questions
We are here to help and advise. There are some scenarios where, based on a number of different factors (e.g. degree/major, field of expertise, country of citizenship, immigration history), individualized advice may be merited. It is important to understand that if there are proposed changes, they may not apply to you or your visa type or situation. Please feel free to always connect with the OIA if you are feeling concerned or confused about immigration regulations, or if you simply have questions. 

Apply as early as possible
If you are applying for a visa or for immigration benefits, such as OPT, it is important to apply early.  vary, and are influenced by a variety of factors, including policy and regulatory changes and staffing levels. It is important to factor in potential delays in processing when applying for specific immigration benefits or visas.

Report an RFE
If you have applied for a benefit related to your immigration status and receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other unexpected communication from USCIS, you should contact the OIA for assistance to make sure that you provide a prompt and accurate response. This will also help the OIA track the number and details of the RFEs received by our population. While the request may seem simple (for instance, a F-1 student receiving an RFE for their transcripts, after applying for OPT), having an OIA staff member review it before you respond may save additional time or prevent further requests.

Plan ahead for international travel
If you have planned or are considering travel outside the USA, make sure you have reviewed any travel related guidance for your visa type. At this time, there is a travel ban in effect impacting citizens of 19 countries. For specific details, please review the Important Update regarding the travel ban, above. International students considering international travel, even when they are not citizens of the countries affected by current travel restrictions, are strongly advised to exercise extra caution. 

Ensure you have your immigration documents while traveling within the USA
As always, if you are travelling in the USA at some distance from 51��Ƶ, the OIA recommends carrying your immigration documents with you.

Avoid poor sources of information
Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.

Realize that your well-being matters
Some individuals may feel apprehensive about changes that might happen in the USA. We understand that uncertainty can create feelings of anxiety. We encourage you to be mindful of your overall well-being and take advantage of the opportunities at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn that are of interest to you. This includes campus health & wellness resources, the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn , Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and more. 

The OIA will continue to monitor and inform the community of any specific and relevant changes in policies or regulations. 

UPDATE: SEVIS Records Reinstated (last update: May 1, 2025) 

As of April 26, 2025, all F-1 students who had their SEVIS record terminated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have now had their SEVIS records reinstated. 

As a result of the reinstatements, the affected students once again have lawful F-1 status and those with employment authorization, including OPT, have been able to resume employment.  

Such as was the case with the terminations, the reinstatements were processed in SEVIS, by DHS, without notification or explanation. 

Some of the students who were previously terminated also had their F-1 visa revoked. It is unclear whether visa revocations may also be reversed. Although DHS reinstated students' SEVIS records, the visa revocations were carried out by the Department of State (DOS). The University has not received any updates regarding visa revocations from DOS. Therefore, the OIA advises F-1 students with reinstated SEVIS records to confirm the status of their visa with the consulate or embassy that originally issued the visa.

For all 51��Ƶ-Dearborn international students: the OIA is, as always, available for advising and to continue to provide support for the campus international community. Do not hesitate to contact us! 

Previous update regarding SEVIS Terminations and Visa Revocations (April 10, 2025)

Over the past few days, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) has learned that some current 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students and recent graduates have had their student visas revoked and/or their SEVIS records terminated. These SEVIS record terminations are being processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without notification to the University or to the students. Visa revocations are issued by the Department of State (DoS) and communicated directly to the students, without notification to the university. DOS and DHS have not shared details on the specific reasons for these visa revocations or SEVIS record terminations. We understand that visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations are happening to students in institutions across the country.

Please review the following bullet points to learn about the current, developing situation: 

• How will I know if my visa has been revoked?
  If your visa is revoked, you will receive a notification from the Department of State or the US embassy or consulate where you originally applied for your visa. The notification may go to the email address you provided when you applied for your visa. This notice is only going to the student. The OIA is not receiving this information.
• What should I do if I receive a Visa Revocation Letter?
  Please contact the OIA immediately so that one of our advisors can provide guidance and recommendations. If your visa has been revoked, it is very important to consult an OIA advisor without delay.
• How will I know if my SEVIS record has been terminated?
  If your SEVIS record is terminated, you will be notified by the OIA. The OIA is reviewing SEVIS records every day to identify any SEVIS records that have been terminated by the Department of Homeland Security so that we can reach out to any impacted students right away.
• What should I do if the OIA notifies me that my SEVIS record has been terminated?
  If you receive this notification, please be sure to contact the OIA immediately so that one of our advisors can help you decide on next steps. If your SEVIS record has been terminated, you no longer have F-1 status so it is very important to consult an OIA advisor without delay.
• Is there any way for me to check my SEVIS record myself?
  As mentioned, the OIA is checking for SEVIS terminations on a continual basis and informing those who are impacted. If you have not heard from us, there is no reason for concern. However, you are always welcome to visit OIA, email, or call during regular office hours.

Additional reminders:

• Avoid poor sources of information. Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.
• As always, be careful of scammers. You can refer the OIA update, on this page, regarding scams that target international students.

We understand that this uncertainty is upsetting and frightening. Please remember that 51��Ƶ-Dearborn CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) is available to help you find support during this very stressful time.

Updated 05/030/2025

On May 28, the US Department of State announced plans to begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students currently studying in the USA. The announcement specifically mentioned students with "connections to the Chinese Communist Party"  and/or "studying in critical fields." The State Department did not elaborate and failed to define what was meant by "critical fields." 

The State Department announcement also included plans to "revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong."

A visa revocation does not necessarily change a student's F-1 immigration status in the USA. In general, the student is eligible to remain in the USA and to continue their program of study and, if applicable, employment authorization. If a student with a revoked visa travels internationally, they would have to renew the visa before returning to the USA. 

Visa revocations are announced to students via email. If a visa is revoked, the student should receive an email notification from the embassy or consulate that originally issue the visa. The email will be sent to the address used by the student in the original visa application.

If any 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students receive notification via email of a visa revocation, they are strongly advised to contact the OIA immediately. 

The OIA is closely monitoring developments and will communicate updates to the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn international community as information becomes available. 

Please know that the OIA remains committed, as ever, to supporting all international students and scholars at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn and beyond. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an updated on 03/12/2025, which is set to take effect on April 11, 2025. As this is an "interim" final regulation, DHS may provide further clarification and guidance in the future.

Key Points of the New Regulation:

1. Registration Requirement: The longstanding requirement remains that non-U.S. citizens over the age of 18 must at all times be able to provide evidence of their “registration,” such as their , EAD, or green card, while in the U.S.
   • Note that if USCIS issued a with a new I-94 section, the paper I-94 replaces your online I-94 record, which does not get updated.
      
2. New Re-Registration Requirement for Individuals Turning 14: A new requirement has been issued, mandating:
   • Anyone turning 14 years old while they are physically present in the U.S. must apply for re-registration within 30 days after their birthday.
   • While the new regulation is ambiguous on the required deadline for compliance and requires further clarification from DHS, it is recommended that any person in a valid immigration status, including those in a dependent immigration status (e.g., F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, etc.), who has turned 14 since their last entry into the U.S. re-register before the effective date of the new, interim final rule, April 11, 2025.
     1. Children under age 14 are not required to re-register until they turn 14.
     2. Individuals who traveled internationally, re-entered the U.S. and were issued a new I-94 after their 14th birthday do not need to re-register.

How to Re-Register:

• Step 1: Create a to submit the form.
• Step 2: Submit Form online with USCIS
• Step 3: USCIS will review your submission to determine if you need to provide biometric information (e.g., fingerprints) at the.

Upon completion, USCIS will issue new proof of registration to your online account. You will be able to download and print a PDF version of the registration notice from there.

For more information, please visit the .