Office of International Programs and Services

Current Immigration Information

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Travel and Immigration Guidance for F-1 and J-1 Students

Updated on April 17, 2025.

We understand this is a time of uncertainty for many in our international community. The Office of International Programs and Services is here to support and assist you.

Below, we’ve outlined important guidance on travel and immigration enforcement concerns. 

Travel Guidance 

If you are considering travel outside the U.S., including Summer and Winter Holiday Break 2025, carefully assess potential risks.  Also, consider postponing an international trip if the following information may apply to you: 

  • Possible Travel Ban: A travel ban affecting citizens of certain countries could be announced. At this time, no official information has been released regarding which countries may be impacted and there is no current travel ban. Please stay tuned for updates so that you can determine if a ban will affect your travel plans. 
  • Visa Processing Delays: If you need to renew your F-1 or J-1 visa while abroad, you may experience difficulties obtaining a new visa in time to return to the U.S.  There may be significant delays in visa processing and fewer opportunities to waive visa interviews.  
  • Re-entry Risks: Most F-1 and J-1 students with proper documentation can travel without issue.  However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to deny entry to any traveler. Additionally, CBP officers are permitted to search electronic devices upon entry. See: Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry | U.S. Customs 

Ultimately, if you decide to travel outside of the U.S., please make sure that you have valid documents to re-enter the U.S:   

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future 
  •  F1 or J1 visa in your passport valid for re-entry
  •  F1 students should have an I-20 with Travel Signature on page 2. J-1 students should have a travel signature from an OIPS J-1 advisor in the bottom right corner of page 1 on the DS-2019 form.
  •  If you currently have OPT: Proof of OPT Employment (valid EAD card). 
  •  If you are a J-1 student currently on post-completion Academic Training: your OIPS Employment Authorization Letter. 

Immigration Enforcement Activities 

Reports of detainments and deportations of non-immigrant visa holders have understandably caused concern. Our past experience says that F-1 or J-1 students who remain focused on their studies or authorized work and comply with visa regulations are not typically targeted by enforcement activities. See below for additional information. 

  • No Anticipated ICE Activity on Campus: George Mason has met with immigration authorities and has been told there are no plans for enforcement actions on campus. You may find it reassuring to review the Addressing Immigration Concerns message from George Mason Provost Antony and Vice President Pascarell.
  • Resources: you may find these non-university resources helpful:  
  • SEVIS Records: Please rest assured that we are actively monitoring SEVIS records for any unusual updates. In the unlikely event that your record is affected, we will contact you. 
  • Carry Essential Documentation: Having your I-94 and visa documents with you provides immediate proof of your legal status in the U.S.  We sent an important email titled Essential Documents and Responsibilities for F-1 and J-1 Students to your George Mason account on March 7, 2025. Please review this email and follow the recommendations provided.

We hope this information supports you in navigating the situation this semester and beyond 

Do you have questions? Contact us to make an appointment or attend weekly drop-in sessions with advisors on questions related to F-1 and J-1 visa status.  

We want to assure you that we are closely following developments. When we have concrete information, we will provide additional guidance. 

Essential Documents and Responsibilities for F-1 and J-1 Students

As you head off for Spring Break, we want to reassure F-1 and J-1 international students that the Office of International Programs and Services is closely monitoring any new administrative actions to determine if there is any potential impact on you. We know that it’s essential to assess new announcements carefully to avoid spreading misinformation.  Rather than rushing to share potentially outdated information, we need to review updates thoroughly. When we have concrete information, we will provide guidance.

If you are following the enrollment requirements of your visa status and have completed F-1 and J-1 check-in with OIPS and are in good academic standing, we have fulfilled current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting requirements, including maintaining an active and valid SEVIS record for you. However, due to the increased efforts by the Department of Homeland Security in general, we recommend taking specific actions at this time. Please note that this guidance is not based on new policies but on existing laws. Following these regulations is essential to demonstrating your eligibility to be present in the U.S. to pursue your educational and career goals.

Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires "every alien" 18 years of age and over to "carry with him and have in his personal possession" their "evidence of registration document" (such as Form I-94, a valid EAD card, or green card) "at all times," including when traveling domestically or just going about daily life.

Recommended Travel Preparation Checklist

  • Carry your Form I-94 at all times. This is a record or your arrival into and departure from the U.S. You should already have a copy of your I-94 since it is one of the documents required to complete F-1 and J-1 check-in. If you need a copy, you can print a copy from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/recent-search
  • Off-campus, carry copies of your passport, I-20, DS-2019 (and EAD for OPT students.
  • If you travel outside of the U.S, in addition to having a valid passport and visa, make sure that you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 to re-enter. You can find additional information here: https://oips.gmu.edu/travel-and-re-entry/
  • If you are a NEW student and have not completed F-1 check-in or J-1 check-in yet, make sure that you complete these requirements so that we have a copy of your most recent documents at all times.
  • Report any change in your off-campus address within 10 days of moving. You are not required to make changes if you live on-campus since your address will automatically update in Patriotweb. If you need to update your off-campus address, follow the instructions in this tutorial https://registrar.gmu.edu/students/patriot-web-tutorials/interactive-demo-updating-addresses/