Policy and Travel Resource Hub

F-1 and J-1 Students

• If you are currently enrolled as an F-1 or J-1 Student, please review the requirements for maintaining status.
  • See your form I-20 or DS-2019 and these resources:

    • Maintaining J-1 status  |  BridgeUSA

    • Maintaining F-1 Status
• If you are an F-1 Student participating in OPT or STEM OPT or a J-1 Student participating in Academic Training, please review their respective sections regarding your reporting and status maintenance requirements.
  • Optional Practical Training Resources
  • STEM OPT Resources
• If you are a J-1 Exchange visitor here as a part of a Student Internship or as a Research Scholar or Professor, please review the requirements for maintaining your status in the United States.

Non-immigrant Status

If you are in a non-immigrant status other than F or J, or are in an F or J status sponsored by someone other than the University of Mississippi, please work with your sponsor to ensure that you are complying with current regulations relating to maintaining your status.

Expiring Status

If your current status is at risk of expiring (e.g., if you are in a dependent status and are at risk of aging out of your status), make plans to change status in advance of that expiration to avoid interruptions in your studies or work.

Passports

Please make sure that your current passport is up to date. We highly recommend renewing your passport more than 6 months before the printed expiration date.

Leaving the U.S.

• If you are planning to depart from the United States with intent to return, please make sure your current visa is valid or make plans to renew it while you are outside the United States.
• If you are currently making plans to travel outside the United States, please review our guidance below.

Dependents

If you currently have dependents associated with your immigration record, please make sure that their records are also appropriately in compliance.

Travel Restrictions

• On Wednesday, June 4, President Trump issued an executive action that fully or partially restricts the entry of nationals from specific countries, going into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT Monday, June 9, 2025.

  The proclamation suspends entry for all nationals of the following 12 countries as immigrants and nonimmigrants: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. This includes students and scholars on F-1, J-1 and H-1B visas, along with any associated dependents.

  The proclamation also suspends entry for all nationals of the following 7 countries as immigrants or as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. This includes students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, along with any associated dependents.

  This executive action does not impact:

  • Students and scholars currently in the United States.

  • Students and scholars outside the United States who have a valid visa issued prior to June 9, 2025.

  • Certain other exceptions also apply.

  • If you are outside the U.S. and your visa has not been renewed or issued by June 9, contact your academic department and isss@olemiss.edu.

We encourage students and visiting scholars to carry sufficient documentation with them while traveling inside the United States in order to sufficiently respond to requests for evidence that they are here legally and maintaining status.

We would recommend that you, at minimum, carry a copy of the following documents with you:

• For Students and Exchange Visitors, your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
• Or otherwise, your most current Form I-94.
• Or otherwise, your Approval Notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) relating to your change of status, receipt of status, or approval to a specific authorization that does not confer status (e.g., Deferred Action, Temporary Protected Status) 
• Where applicable, your current employment authorization document (Form I-766). 

You may also wish to carry additional documents with you, including: 

• Your current passport
• Your most recent visa (if separate from your passport)
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Enrollment
• Proof of Employment

If you have questions or concerns about travel within the United States, please contact isss@olemiss.edu. Additionally, you may wish to consult an immigration attorney if you have specific questions that exceed our scope of practice.

Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan for Individuals Traveling within the United States

You may find it helpful to download this template that goes into detail about what documents to have available in case of a travel emergency, personal information to share with a trusted contact, and other considerations.

Important advice to consider before engaging in international travel

Given the high degree of uncertainty around federal immigration actions and enforcement, we offer this important advice:

• Decisions on international travel should be made in conjunction with a person’s own consideration of risk based on a variety of factors including destination, citizenship, visa status, and visa validity. Based on these factors, you should very carefully assess whether nonessential travel outside the U.S. is necessary at this time.
• If you do choose to travel internationally, please familiarize yourself with the ISSS travel information page, including timelines and processes for requesting travel documents. Please contact isss@olemiss.edu and/or visit us during advising hours if you need further information.
• Those who hold a DS-120 visa, should continue to monitor the email address that they used on their DS-160 visa application. Anyone who will need to renew their visa should allow for more time as there are fewer visa interview waivers available.   
• If a non-U.S. citizen/national has had previous immigration violations, encounters with law enforcement or is for other reasons concerned about possible detention and deportation, it is wise to consult with an experienced personal immigration attorney before their departure for guidance, and for support if they encounter immigration related issues during their travel and reentry into the U.S. 

Entering the United States at a Port of Entry

• In general, all people arriving in the U.S. have basic rights at a port of entry. However, all international travelers, including U.S. citizens, do have diminished rights before admission into the U.S. All international travelers are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when arriving at both land border crossings and airports. CBP will screen travelers to determine whether they are “admissible” and CBP agents may ask travelers questions, including those related to the purpose of their travel and eligibility to enter the U.S.
• CBP may collect biographic and biometric data, run records checks, and conduct searches of bags and electronic devices and otherwise attempt to determine whether someone should be admitted to the United States. 

General Information for All Travelers

• Continue to check your Ole Miss email and monitor information and related advisories from UM.
• Additionally, all University-related international travel by faculty, students, and staff is required to be pre-approved and registered as per the University’s Travel Policy.
• Further, all international travelers should consult with the Office of Global Engagement and the Director of Research Security on any additional permissions or protocols required when traveling to high-risk destinations or traveling with or accessing University-owned electronic devices or data, as well as when traveling with research equipment or research materials.
• The protocols on using University-owned devices or accessing University data while on personal travel are similar to University-related travel. Travelers should likewise consult on their personal travel with the above-mentioned offices as applicable.

Admissions & Academic Considerations

• Departments should continue admitting the most qualified candidates, regardless of nationality or visa concerns. Final decisions about whether someone desires to study in the U.S. or can study in the U.S. will rest with the individual and relevant authorities.
• Do not pre-judge whether a student will be able to secure a visa or enter the U.S. This can unintentionally result in discrimination and limit access to education.
• Encourage use of established university deferral processes or remote learning when needed.
• Understand the visa-related restrictions around assistantships (F-1 or J-1 students), and coordinate closely with the Graduate School and ISSS for compliance.

Hiring & Sponsorship of International Employees or Scholars

• Departments must coordinate with International Student and Scholar Services before offering visa sponsorship for H-1B, J-1, or other nonimmigrant categories.
• Plan ahead for processing times. Hiring international faculty or researchers may require additional lead time. Encourage departments to begin planning at least 6–9 months in advance.
• Know the rules around remote work abroad. U.S. immigration status does not apply outside the U.S. Be cautious about long-term remote employment or delayed entries, as these may have legal or benefits implications.

Communication & Student Support

• Departments should not offer immigration or legal advice. Always refer students and scholars to the appropriate university office or legal counsel.
• Avoid asking detailed questions about visa status or personal circumstances unless necessary for a specific academic or employment matter.
• Direct students to support services without making assumptions about their eligibility or situation.

Risk of Detention Concerns 

International students and employees who are otherwise maintaining their immigration status are typically not at risk of detention or deportation. Like you, we have seen news reports of persons on visas experiencing detention and deportation filing lawsuits alleging they were not provided notice or due process. These cases indicate more aggressive enforcement by federal immigration enforcement officers than previously experienced. Community members concerned about this possibility are encouraged to consult with a qualified immigration attorney in advance. If an international student or employee is charged with a crime, they should consult with a criminal attorney and immigration attorney and notify ISSS at isss@olemiss.edu.

What is the Laken Riley Act and what does it do?

Signed into law on January 29, 2025, the Laken Riley Act is a new law that makes it easier for federal immigration law enforcement agencies to detain non-citizens if they are criminally charged with a variety of crimes, including shoplifting. Importantly, this law allows detention based on a criminal charge, rather than a criminal conviction.

Visa Revocations and Status Changes

We understand that reporting about visa cancellations and terminated records is alarming for members of the international community. We want to assure you that the University is continuing to monitor the situation closely. ISSS is checking SEVIS regularly and will contact any individual directly if there is a change to their SEVIS record by the U.S. government.

If you receive an email from the embassy, consulate, or any other official U.S. government office stating your visa has been cancelled and you should depart the U.S., please contact ISSS at isss@olemiss.edu as soon as possible so we can review your SEVIS record and provide you with additional information. You should also discuss your situation with an immigration attorney for guidance.

While we understand that departments, faculty, and staff are concerned and want to assist the international community, please do not give advice to individuals on visas if you are not an expert in the field. Media outlets report issues using vocabulary for the general public, and the correct terminology with respect to visas, status, systems, and other immigration-related processes are not always used accurately in reporting. This results in erroneous and alarming advice being shared in the interest of care and concern, yet the results can be harmful.

How can I check my SEVIS record? What else can I do to make sure my status is okay? 

Visa holders cannot access the SEVIS immigration system directly. The best thing you can do to ensure your status remains active is to remain compliant with the requirements for your visa.

We would like to share a recent presidential proclamation that may affect entry to the U.S. in H-1B status. Below is a summary of the key provisions of the original proclamation issued on September 19th, the subsequent clarification from USCIS, CBP, and the Department of State regarding its actual implementation issued on September 20th and September 21st, our current understanding of the impact, and the actions you may need to take. 

Summary of the Proclamation

On September 19, 2025, the White House signed a proclamation titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers." (See also Fact Sheet)

Here are the main points:

It restricts entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrant workers under the H-1B visa category (specialty occupation workers) if a payment of $100,000 does not accompany their employer-sponsored petitions (see further agency clarification below on this point). 

The restriction only applies to individuals currently outside the U.S. who will seek to enter the U.S. in H-1B status (see further agency clarification below on this point).  

The Department of State will only approve the H-1B visas for which the filing employer has made the payment of $100,000.

The effective date of the restriction is 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on September 21, 2025. The restriction will be in effect for 12 months, starting from its effective date, unless extended. 

Other changes include steps to revise prevailing wage levels and adjust policy to favor higher-paid, higher-skilled applications. 

Updated Guidance on the Proclamation from USCIS, CBP, and DoS (September 20, 2025 & September 21, 2025)

Since the proclamation's issuance, the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DoS) have provided important clarifications on the scope and implementation of this proclamation:

USCIS memo (September 20, 2025)

USCIS FAQ (September 21, 2025)

CBP memo (September 20, 2025)

DoS FAQ (September 21, 2025)

DoS Statement (September 21, 2025)

According to this federal agency guidance:

The proclamation applies only prospectively to H-1B petitions that have not yet been filed.

It does not apply to:

• Beneficiaries of petitions filed prior to the proclamation's effective date (12:01 am EST, Sunday, September 21, 2025)
• Beneficiaries of currently approved petitions, or
• Individuals currently holding validly issued H-1B visas.

The proclamation does not restrict the ability of current visa holders to travel to or from the United States.

USCIS, CBP, and consular officers are directed to adjudicate cases in a manner consistent with this latest guidance. 

This clarification confirms that the proclamation does not affect the status of current H-1B visa holders, nor those with petitions already filed or approved. 

The proclamation also does not appear to impact H-1B extension (“renewal”) petitions filed for individuals who are already in the U.S. We have less clarity regarding an initial H-1B petition requesting a change of status for the beneficiary from a non-immigrant category to H-1B, or an H-1B amendment. Change of status and amendment applications filed for individuals within the U.S. (and hence not subject, based on the plain language of the proclamation, which only applies to individuals outside the U.S.) might be considered a “new” petition by agencies and considered subject. We will update our guidance as we gain more clarity about H-1B change of status or amendment petitions.

What You Should Do

All UM-sponsored H-1B individuals currently outside the U.S. who already have a valid H-1B visa and whose  H-1B start date is in the past or who have a start date within the 10 days of the proclamation can proceed with their travel plans back to the U.S. as usual.

We still advise caution to those H-1B visa holders currently in the U.S. regarding international travel, as this situation is rapidly evolving. 

Before you make any travel decisions, please consult with ISSS to understand the potential risks and impacts.

We will provide more guidance as updates become available. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email isss@olemiss.edu.

Protecting Yourself

Before attending a protest, be aware that you could be photographed or filmed, and the content may be posted online without your consent. This is especially critical as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began considering perceived antisemitic activity on social media in benefit adjudications. This impacts non-citizens applying for lawful permanent resident status, and international students and non-citizens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

Key Points to Consider

• Public Visibility: Protests in public spaces can lead to exposure where others might capture your image.
• Online Distribution: Once shared online, you lose control over images or videos, and they can circulate indefinitely.
• Legal Implications: International students and scholars should be particularly cautious due to the enhanced scrutiny by U.S. immigration authorities.
• Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local laws and policies regarding privacy and public demonstrations to better understand your rights and risks.
• Prioritize your safety and consider the potential implications before participating in public protests.

Your Rights as a Non-Citizen

Understand that you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Do your homework and read about how to respond to immigration questions if you are stopped by police or other government officials (see bottom of page for translations in different languages).

Your Risks as a Non-Citizen

It is essential for you, as a non-citizen, to be aware that if you are arrested, charged, or convicted while participating in a protest, this could impact your current and future immigration status, any future immigration or visa applications, and your interactions with immigration and consular authorities. While participating in a protest, if the law enforcement officials give any instruction to end activities or leave the area, you should comply with those instructions to avoid an arrest or charge. There is a risk of an arrest or charge if you become disrespectful, ignore instructions from law enforcement personnel, or if violence is imminent.

In addition to considering the possible immigration consequences in the U.S., we encourage you to consider how your actions could be interpreted in your home country and what consequences may result when you return home. Each country has its laws and expectations regarding what is acceptable speech, both at protests and when posting on social media and online.

The University of Mississippi cannot provide legal advice to individuals. Each individual’s situation is different. Therefore, it is wise to seek an attorney to discuss unique circumstances.

• ACLU - Know Your Rights
• National Immigration Law Center
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
• American Immigration Lawyers Association - Use "Find an Immigration Lawyer"
• How to Find an Immigration Lawyer
• Know Your Rights Resource Library - Informed Immigrant

• NAFSA - Policy and Process During the Second Trump Administration
• I-94 Retrieval Site