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.

Upcoming Travel Restrictions

We are aware of growing concerns regarding potential travel restrictions on non-U.S. citizens in the United States and abroad. Below is the most up-to-date information available.

Current Status

• At this time, no formal travel restrictions have been announced. However, it is our understanding that the U.S. government is reviewing security and vetting protocols for certain countries.
• While news reports suggest that additional scrutiny or a ban may be applied to nationals from some countries, the specifics of any potential restrictions — such as which visa categories or the timing of any potential actions — have not yet been confirmed. It is also not clear whether people with existing nonimmigrant status (e.g., F-1, J-1, O-1, TN and H-1B) would be exempt from any travel restrictions and whether lawful permanent residents will be affected by this upcoming action.

• At this stage, it is very important to keep in mind that we do not have definitive information on which countries would be affected.
• The U.S. government is still in the process of reviewing the vetting practices associated with various nations and a decision may be forthcoming soon.

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.

• 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