Click on the sections below to read specific information on immigration topics:
Visa Pause and Travel Ban Information for Returning Students Updated on June 18, 2025. Dear Current Students, We understand that recent reports of a visa interview pause and the U.S. Department of State’s announcement of a travel ban affecting citizens of several countries may be concerning for students preparing to continue studies at George Mason in Fall 2025. Fortunately, most current students should not be affected by the visa pause or travel ban. However, it’s important for all students to review the information below carefully to determine whether they may be affected by these policies and take any necessary steps in response. Please carefully read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to see how the visa interview pause or travel ban affects current students. Also, please see the second part of the FAQs for information about how you can still study at George Mason with the guidance of your academic department in the unlikely event that you are unable to return to the U.S. in time for Fall 2025 studies. Your department is ready to support you in continuing your student journey. Individuals Affected by the Visa Interview Pause What should you do if you are currently in the U.S. with an expired visa? You do NOT need to renew your visa if you are currently in the U.S. Your visa was issued for entry into the U.S. An expired visa does not mean you are unlawfully present. You only need to be concerned about an expired visa if you leave the U.S. and want to re-enter. What should you do if you are currently outside of the U.S. with an expired visa? You need to apply for a visa renewal at a U.S. consulate outside of the U.S. Your visa cannot be renewed inside the U.S. See all Visa Pause FAQS below. How do you find out if you are eligible for a visa interview waiver? The standard requirements include visa expiration within the last 12 months, application in the country of nationality or residence, and no previous visa refusal. However, other factors may determine eligibility. You should carefully review the specific requirements posted on the website of the U.S. consulate in your country, since requirements can vary by location. If you are eligible and approved for an interview waiver, you may not be affected by the current pause on visa interviews. However, final decisions are made by the U.S. consulate processing your application. What should you do if you already have a visa interview scheduled? Reports indicate that students who already have a visa interview scheduled will still be able to attend their interview. However, it is still important to check with the U.S. consulate to confirm your interview can continue as scheduled. What should you do if you have completed your DS-160 visa application but have not scheduled an interview yet? Check the official website of the nearest consulate every day to see when the next interview appointment will become available. We do not know how long the reported pause will continue. Do not miss the opportunity to schedule any interview appointments that may become available. What should you do if you have not completed your DS-160 visa application yet? Complete the DS-160 fully and accurately and submit it as soon as possible so that you can schedule an interview once one becomes available. Confirmation that you have submitted your DS-160 application is required to schedule the interview. Why is there a pause on visa interviews, and how long will it last? Reports indicate that the pause is intended to allow time for expanded procedures to review the social media accounts of applicants. We have not received official guidance about how long the pause will last, what the new procedures will include, or when they will be issued. What should you know about providing information about social media accounts? You are required to provide information on your social media accounts on the DS-160 visa application. Additionally, you may be asked about your social media accounts during your visa interview. If you are concerned about the content of your social media presence, consider speaking to an immigration attorney before taking additional action. Keep in mind that failing to provide information about your social media accounts could result in the perception that you are hiding information, especially since the consulate may be able to find out if you do have an account. Be certain to provide an accurate spelling of your full name and other information used to identify you. This will help minimize mistakes in associating you with the wrong social media accounts. This is particularly important if you have a common name in your country. What documents should you have for your visa interview once you can schedule it? Listed below is a standard list of requirements for applicants that may be similar to visa renewal requirements. What should you be able to explain during your visa interview? You should be able to clearly explain the reasons why you are seeking a non-immigrant F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. and your plans for returning to your country. Be truthful with your answers. Do you need a letter of support from OIPS or the university? Based on current guidance, letters of support are not considered effective in visa approvals. What matters most is that you have all the required documents and can clearly and truthfully explain your intent to study in the U.S. Your admission letter or proof of enrollment and I-20/DS-2019 serve as official proof of your eligibility to study at George Mason University. I am a citizen of one of the countries on the travel ban list. I am currently in the U.S. with a valid visa. Does the travel ban apply to me? No, the travel ban does not apply to you, especially if you remain in the U.S. We recommend that you carefully consider how any planned travel outside the U.S. may impact you. See “I am a citizen of a country on the travel ban list. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection when I arrive, even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025?” below. I am a citizen of one of the countries on the travel ban list. I am currently in the U.S. with an expired visa. Does the travel ban apply to me? No, the travel ban does not apply to you. An expired visa does not mean you are unlawfully present. According to the Department of State announcement, the travel ban only applies to you if you “are outside the United States on the effective date and do not hold a valid visa on the effective date…."No visas issued before June 9, 2025…will be revoked” as part of the implementation of the travel ban. We recommend that you carefully consider how any planned travel outside the U.S. may impact you. See “I am a citizen of a country on the travel ban list. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection when I arrive, even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025?” below. Will my visa be revoked if I am a citizen of one of the countries on the travel ban list? No, your visa will not be revoked. According to the Department of State Announcement, "No visas issued before June 9, 2025…will be revoked” as part of the implementation of the travel ban. I am a citizen of one of the countries on the travel ban list. I am currently in the U.S. but would like to travel and return. Will the travel ban affect me? According to the Department of State announcement, the travel ban does not officially apply to you since your visa was issued by June 9, 2025, and you are not currently outside of the U.S. However, there is risk involved with traveling outside of the U.S. if you are from one of the affected countries due to how the travel ban rules are applied by Customs and Border Protection. We recommend that you potentially reconsider any travel at this time, as you may encounter challenges with re-entry to the U.S. See “I am a citizen of a country on the travel ban list. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection when I arrive even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025?” below. I am a citizen of one of the countries on the travel ban list. I am currently outside of the U.S. with an expired visa. Does the travel ban apply to me? Since you previously had a visa issued before June 9, 2025, the travel ban may not officially apply to you. However, it will be challenging for you to renew your visa due to the current visa pause and the potential for visa denial. You can still attempt to apply for your visa. See the FAQs above under the Visa Pause section for additional information on preparing for your visa interview. If you successfully obtain a visa, make sure you review the “I am a citizen of a country on the travel ban list. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection when I arrive, even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025?” information below. I am a citizen of a country on the travel ban list. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection when I arrive, even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025? According to the Department of State announcement, you should be able to enter the U.S. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency that all international travelers encounter upon arrival, has the final authority to allow or deny entry. How they interpret the ban will ultimately determine if you can enter the U.S. Taking the steps below may increase the likelihood of your successful entry: The following information applies to F-1 students from countries subject to the travel ban who are unable to re-enter the U.S. due to denial of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the terms of the ban. All other students are expected to arrive in the U.S. by the start of the Fall term. George Mason J-1 students are not affected by the travel ban put into effect on June 9, 2025. How do I attend George Mason if I am not able to enter the U.S in Fall 2025? Can I study online? If you are interested in online studies, ask your academic department if this option is available. (Iranian students are not eligible for online study.) It is very important for you to be aware of the enrollment requirements that you need to follow once you re-enter the U.S. in the future to continue studies in F1 status. See “How does online study affect my ability to meet enrollment requirements once I re-enter the U.S?” How does online study affect my ability to meet enrollment requirements once I re-enter the U.S.? It is very important for you to be aware of how online study may impact your ability to meet full-time and in-person requirements once you re-enter the U.S. on F-1 status. To remain in compliance, it is important to plan ahead. If you are interested in online study, consult with your academic department first to develop an enrollment plan that allows you to meet full-time and face-to-face/hybrid requirements once you re-enter the U.S. Academic contacts can be found below. What should I do if I cannot study in the U.S. in Fall 2025? Do I need to drop my Fall 2025 classes to avoid a tuition penalty? Yes. If you are unable to continue with any Fall 2025 classes for which you are registered, you must drop those classes on Patriotweb to avoid tuition payment penalties. Make sure you drop the classes by the last day to add for your program. See the Student Accounts Calendar and specifically review the Liability Dates section. We recommend that you drop your courses by the first day of class to avoid any mistakes. How do I contact my academic department for additional questions about my program? For Undergraduate academic questions, please see the contacts for your college below: For Graduate academic questions, please see the contacts for your college below: We hope this information is helpful to you. While there may be current challenges to your entry into the U.S, we hope that we can soon welcome you in person to the George Mason community. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about your visa status.
TRAVEL BAN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) – CURRENT STUDENTS
Individuals Affected by the Travel Ban
Academic and Enrollment Information for students affected by the travel ban
Travel Ban Information for New F-1 Students Updated on June 16, 2025. Dear New F1 Students, We are deeply disappointed by the U.S. Department of State’s recent announcement of a travel ban affecting citizens of several countries. This ban prohibits individuals from entering the United States under immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including F-1 and J-1, if they do not already have a valid visa in their possession as of June 9, 2025. Affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. I do not have a valid visa in my passport as of June 9, 2025. Does the travel ban apply to me? Yes, the ban applies to you if you are from one of the countries on the travel ban list above. Unfortunately, you will not be able to enter the U.S. Please see the “How can I begin studies at George Mason in Fall 2025 if I cannot enter the U.S? Can I study online before my visa status starts?” information in the section below. I have an F1 visa stamp in my passport that was issued before June 9, 2025. Does the travel ban apply to me? No, the travel ban does not apply to students who have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025, and you should be able to travel to the U.S. according to the Department of State announcement. Please see the “Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when I arrive even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025?” information below to understand what to expect at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when you arrive. I was approved for an F-1 visa but I am waiting for it to be issued. Does the travel ban apply to me? Unfortunately, even if you were approved for a visa but were not issued one yet, the travel ban likely applies to you if you are from one of the countries on the travel ban list. Even if your visa application is approved, you don’t have a valid visa until it is physically issued and stamped in your passport. In the unlikely event that the visa is issued, the visa issuance date would still be after June 9, 2025, which would likely prevent your entry into the U.S. Will I have problems at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when I arrive even if I have a valid visa issued by June 9, 2025? According to the Department of State announcement, you should be able to enter the U.S. However, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the agency that all international travelers encounter upon arrival, has the final authority to allow or deny entry. How they interpret the ban will ultimately determine if you can enter the U.S. or not. Taking the steps below may increase the likelihood of your successful entry: What are my enrollment requirements once I enter the U.S.? Once you enter the U.S and begin your F1 status, every semester, you are required to enroll full-time (9 credits for most graduate students, 12 credits for undergraduates) and take a minimum number of face-to-face/hybrid credits (6 credits for most graduate students, 9 credits for undergraduates). See https://oips.gmu.edu/f-1rules/ for detailed information, including requirements for graduate assistants and Into Mason students. How can I begin studies at George Mason in Fall 2025 if I cannot enter the U.S? Can I study online before my visa status starts? How does online study affect my ability to meet enrollment requirements once I enter the U.S.? It is very important for you to be aware how online study may impact your ability to meet full-time and in person requirements once you enter the U.S. and activate your visa status. To remain in compliance, it is important to plan ahead. If you are interested in online study, consult with your academic department first to develop an enrollment plan that allows you to meet full-time and face-to-face/hybrid requirements once you enter the U.S. How do I defer admission after I have determined this is the best option with guidance from my academic department? If online study is not possible, consider deferring your enrollment to Spring 2026 or a future semester with the guidance of your academic department. Department contacts can be found below. Make sure you have an enrollment plan that allows you to meet full-time and in person requirements depending on whether you defer enrollment to a spring semester or a fall semester. Contact [email protected] (graduates) or [email protected] (undergraduates) for additional information. Do I need to drop my Fall 2025 classes to avoid tuition penalty? Yes. You must drop your classes on Patriotweb to avoid tuition payment penalties. Make sure you drop the classes by the last day to add for your program. See the Student Accounts Calender and specifically review the Liability Dates section. We recommend that you drop your courses by the first day of class to avoid any mistakes. How do I contact my academic department for additional questions about my program? For Undergraduate academic questions, please see the contacts for your college below: For Graduate academic questions, please see the contacts for your college below: We hope this information is helpful to you. While there may be current challenges to your entry into the U.S, we hope that we can soon welcome you in person to the George Mason community. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about your visa status.
We understand that news of this ban may be upsetting to new students who were planning to attend George Mason University in Fall 2025. Please carefully read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to see how the travel ban affects your plans to enter the U.S. Also, please see the second part of the FAQs for information about how you can still study at George Mason with the guidance of your academic department, who is ready to support you in your student journey.TRAVEL BAN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) - NEW STUDENTS
Individuals Affected by the Travel Ban
Academic and Enrollment Information
Visa Pause and Enhanced Screening Information for New Students Visa Pause and Enhanced Screening Information for New Students Updated on June 12, 2025. New Students, Welcome to George Mason. We are delighted to meet you as you join our university community. We write to provide you with the most updated information we have on the federal government’s pause on visas and travel bans. Recent reports indicate that a number of U.S. government policies may negatively impact F-1 and J-1 study for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester. We understand that this news may be upsetting, especially at a time when new students are typically excited about their upcoming plans to come to the U.S. Below, you'll find information regarding (1) reported visa pauses and (2) travel bans. Please note that these policies are still evolving, and some details remain uncertain. While we don’t have all the answers yet, we hope the information provided can help you navigate this situation as you continue planning to join the George Mason University community. What should you do if you already have a visa interview scheduled? Reports indicate that students who already have a visa interview scheduled will still be able to attend their interview. However, it is still important to check with the U.S. consulate to confirm that your interview can continue as scheduled. What should you do if you have completed your DS-160 visa application but have not scheduled an interview yet? Check the official website of the nearest consulate every day to see when the next interview appointment will become available. We do not know how long the reported pause will continue. Do not miss the opportunity to schedule any interview appointments that may become available. What should you do if you have not completed your DS-160 visa application yet? Complete the DS-160 fully and accurately and submit it as soon as possible so that you can schedule an interview once one becomes available. Confirmation that you have submitted your DS-160 application is required to schedule the interview. Why is there a pause on visa interviews and how long will it last? Reports indicate that the pause is intended to allow time for expanded procedures to review the social media accounts of applicants. We have not received official guidance about how long the pause will last, what the new procedures will include, or when they will be issued. What should you know about providing information about my social media accounts? You are required to provide information on your social media accounts on the DS-160 visa application. Additionally, you may be asked about your social media accounts during your visa interview. Ultimately, you need to decide what information you choose to disclose. If you are concerned about the content of your social media presence, consider speaking to an immigration attorney before taking additional action. Keep in mind that failing to provide information about your social media accounts could result in the perception that you are hiding information, especially since the consulate may be able to find out if you do have an account. Be certain to provide an accurate spelling of your full name and other information used to identify you. This will help minimize mistakes in associating you with the wrong social medial accounts. This is particularly important if you have a common name in your country. What documents should you have for your visa interview once you able to schedule it? What should you be able to explain during your visa interview? You should be able to clearly explain the reasons why you are seeking a non-immigrant F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. and your plans for returning to your country. Be truthful with your answers. Do you need a letter of support from OIPS or the university? Based on current guidance, letters of support are not considered effective in visa approvals. What matters most is that you have all the required documents and can clearly and truthfully explain your intention to study in the U.S. Your admission letter and I-20/DS-2019 serve as official proof of your eligibility to study at George Mason University. The U.S. government has announced a travel ban for citizens of certain countries. The majority of new George Mason University students will not be affected by the ban. New students who may be affected will receive a separate message from us soon. Detailed information can be found at https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/presidential-proclamation-orders-travel-bans-19-countries We will continue to monitor these policies and provide any helpful updates. We want to emphasize that we support you and welcome your presence at George Mason University. We are eagerly waiting to meet you soon!
1. Visa Pauses
2. Travel Ban
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: 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: 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. 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. 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: 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: 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. 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 Summer 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