On April 4, the University learned that one current student and two alumni with OPT had their visas revoked and their SEVIS records terminated. All three have now had their Terminated records returned back to Active in SEVIS. 

The University of Virginia is committed to the academic freedom of our faculty, to the freedom of our students “to speak, write, inquire, listen, challenge, and learn,” and to the belief that “[a]ll views, beliefs, and perspectives deserve to be articulated and heard free from interference.” The University’s Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry, along with links to various specific speech-related policies, resources, and FAQs, can be found on UVA’s Free Speech website. The University’s commitment to academic freedom is further explained in §§ 3.1 and 3.2 of the Faculty Handbook.

Students at American universities have been detained and threatened with deportation on the basis of activities that the federal government believes undermine U.S. foreign policy. Some of these activities involve violations of law, but some detentions are linked to participating in protests, writing opinion pieces, posting on social media, and other expressive activities.

The Trump administration has indicated it would enforce a previous requirement that every non-U.S. citizen in the U.S. for more than 30 days register their presence in the U.S. by April 11, and that non-compliance would render them subject to removal. Please review USCIS information on Alien Registration to determine whether you are already registered. Most international members of the University community are already considered registered by virtue of their possession of an I-94 immigration form, a work authorization, or green card and do not need to submit anything further to comply. However, USCIS states that “any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States” must register within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

All other Foreign Visa Holders (H-4, E-3, TN and all other immigrant and non-immigrant categories including Lawful Permanent Residents) must notify the Department of Homeland Security directly of any changes of address within 10 days of moving using Form AR-11, which may be submitted either via paper or electronically. 

It is exceedingly rare for a government official to contact an individual by phone. You may receive a call from fraudsters posing as USCIS, ICE, DHS, HSI, or IRS officials. Caller ID systems may even make it appear that the calls are coming from legitimate agencies. Scammers may know personal information about you. They may ask you to give personal information or demand money. They may even threaten you with deportation. HANG UP immediately. Do NOT share your personal information and never send money. Legitimate government agents will never threaten you or demand payment over the phone. Students who receive threatening or suspicious calls should contact the University Police Department (UPD). UPD can assist by documenting the incident and coordinating with federal partners if necessary. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) here.

On February 18, 2025 the Department of State announced changes to its policies on eligibility for waivers of the in-person visa interview requirement. The update rescinds prior expansions of interview waiver authority, for example, reinstating the statutory 12-month post-expiration period for applicants renewing a visa in the same category. This marks a shift from the previous policy, which allowed interview waivers for applicants whose prior visa had expired within the past 48 months. The new policy also eliminates the prior policy that allowed interview waivers for individuals who had a visa in one category who were applying for a visa in a different category. 

As the frequency of immigration-related inspections has increased in some areas of the United States, principally in border regions, the ISO strongly advises international students, scholars, and their dependents to carry their immigration documents, especially when traveling outside of the Charlottesville area.

For our non-immigrant community, U.S. law* states that the I-94 card should be carried at all times, as this is recognized as a “registration document.” The issuance of the I-94 in card form has been discontinued, but you may retrieve a printable copy of your I-94 here. It is a requirement to also carry your original I-20 (not a copy of the document) and your EAD card if on OPT at all times. 

When traveling outside of the Charlottesville area, it is particularly important that international students, scholars, and their dependents carry their passport in addition to the I-94. Individuals in F or J status should also carry the I-20 or DS-2019 as proof of current legal status and its duration. Other non-immigrants should carry the I-797 notice. Those with approved and valid work authorization should carry the Employment Authorization Card, as this is also recognized as a “registration document.” It is not easy to replace immigration documents if lost or stolen; the utmost care should be exercised when traveling with these legal documents. 

Please direct any questions regarding this advisory to the International Studies Office, 434-982-3010, [email protected], Minor Hall 208.

*INA § 264(e)

Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

CBP on buses and trains in 100 mile border region (Source: ACLU)

Customs and Border Patrol agents may board buses and trains in the 100-mile border region at stations or while bus/train is en route. Passengers may be asked about their immigration status and/or asked to present immigration documents.

In this uncertain time, members of our international community should carefully consider all potential risks of any planned international travel. 

As everyone's situation is unique, we encourage you to speak with an ISSP advisor if you have any questions about travel. Schedule your appointment with an advisor here. 

Non-U.S. citizens seeking to enter the U.S. to attend a program hosted by UVA generally must first obtain a U.S. visa. Having a visa in your passport or not needing a visa foil in your travel document does not guarantee admission to the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at ports of entry have the ultimate authority to decide whether a foreign national may be admitted to the United States. 

Documents Needed for Entry (and re-entry) to the U.S. 

Valid passport Unexpired visa I-20 or DS-2019 form with recent travel signature. 

• We encourage students to obtain travel signatures every semester. 
• For students on OPT/STEM OPT, travel signatures are valid for 6 months.

Border security measures vary across countries and ports of entry, but most governments can and do at times exercise wide authority to inspect individuals and their luggage, including personal devices (e.g. phones, computers, etc.). While most travelers do not encounter issues, taking steps ahead of travel to prepare for a possible inspection will help maintain your peace of mind.

• Inform close family and friends of your travel itinerary in case anything unexpected should occur. When possible, text or email a brief update when entering a border zone and after crossing.
• Use strong passwords and avoid biometric logins to secure your personal information in the rare event of an inspection.
• Disable cloud sync and auto-login features to prevent easy access to sensitive accounts if your device should be reviewed.
• Travel light with your data! Consider removing social media apps or traveling with a bare bones device. The less data on your devices, the easier it is to maintain your privacy.
• Backup and temporarily remove personal photos to minimize exposure of personal memories while keeping them safely stored elsewhere

Income eligible members of the UVA community, including students, may qualify for free legal assistance through the Legal Action Justice Center. For more information, call (434) 977-0553. The American Immigration Lawyers Association maintains a searchable list here. 

• The U.S. Department of Justice provides a list of pro bono immigrant service providers in Virginia.
• The Virginia State Bar has a referral service for anyone over 18 years old in need of legal service, regardless of income.

Additionally, the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Rapid Response Toolkit can provide other resources on immigration questions.

NAFSA has compiled the following resources and general information about the requirements for entering the U.S. as a nonimmigrant and the Constitutional rights of people in the U.S. For specific advice, please consult a qualified immigration attorney. 

U. S. Department of State web site visa information
Explains visas and offers a “Do you need a visa” link (click “business” for information about the Visitor visa, the visa that most people will need to enter the U.S. for a conference)

U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) web site “Know before You Visit” information
Explains some of the requirements for entering the U.S. and addresses the necessary documents, as well as traveling with food, pets, or medication.

CBP “Privacy Impact Assessment for the Border Searches of Electronic Devices” 
A detailed description of the Department of Homeland Security’s guiding principles in conducting searches of electronic devices at the border, including its efforts to balance security needs and individual privacy rights.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) “Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport”
Provides extensive information about law enforcement officials’ authority to question individuals entering the U.S., the right (and lack of right) to legal counsel, and searches of laptops and phones, among other topics.

AILA "Know Your Rights Handouts"
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) "provides Know Your Rights handouts for several scenarios: ICE worksite raids (for employers), ICE home visits, and ICE public stops." 

ACLU “Know your Rights" Information
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides FAQs on a variety of important rights, including the rights of immigrants, students, protesters, and individuals stopped by the police.

National Immigration Law Center Know Your Rights

General information on what to do if you are stopped, arrested, or detained by immigration or other law enforcement.

Regardless of immigration status, all people in the United States have rights and protections under the Constitution, including the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by police or immigration officers.

Upon becoming aware of any immigration enforcement action, international community members should notify University Police Division Services at 434-924-7166. UPD will make every effort to ensure that any immigration enforcement action conducted on or near UVA Grounds and involving members of the UVA community adheres to relevant laws.

F and J visa holders should also alert the ISSP Program: