We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important update from the U.S. Department of State. This message is especially important for new students or scholars who do not already have a U.S. visa stamp or continuing students/scholars who are currently outside the U.S. and need a new visa to return.
On June 18, 2025, the Department of State announced that it has issued 'new guidance' regarding social media vetting procedures. Additionally, consulates will soon resume scheduling F and J visa appointments, if they have not done so already
If you need to obtain a visa stamp to enter the United States, we encourage you to schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible. Applicants should contact the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.
For information related to expediting your visa appointment, visit the Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment section on the State Government website. Please note that not all U.S. embassies/consulates offer expedited appointments.
Continue to monitor your local consulate's scheduling updates and our office communications for any further instructions or assistance.
As always, know that the OISS team is here to support you. If you have questions, please contact OISS.
Safe travels and best wishes for your upcoming semester!
Kind Regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
On June 4, the White House issued a proclamation that will limit entry into the United States for citizens from 19 countries. The new policy will take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. See the proclamation and the supporting fact sheet for more details. The proclamation only applies to citizens of the 19 countries who are seeking entry into the US.
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is reviewing this proclamation, consulting with immigration experts, and conferring with international education colleagues across the country to assess the impact on MSU.O ISS will be reaching out directly to students and scholars from affected countries with additional information.
For citizens of countries listed in the proclamation: If you are currently in the U.S., we strongly advise against international travel. If you are currently outside the U.S. and can return to the US before June 9, we urge you to do so. Although the proclamation indicates exceptions for valid visa holders, there is still a high risk that citizens of countries listed in the proclamation will not be allowed to enter the U.S. once the restrictions take effect on Monday.
I know that this information is distressing for many international Spartans. Building community is invaluable during times of change or stress, and we invite you to find connection and support at upcoming summer events and activities with OISS.
Please remember that you are welcome, wanted, and appreciated at MSU. As always, the OISS team and the MSU community are here to support you. If you have questions or need to talk with someone, please reach out to your OISS Advisor.
Kind Regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
We are writing with an important update following reports that the U.S Department of State has temporarily paused visa interviews for international students and scholars planning to study in the United States. This decision will have an impact on the processing timeline for visa applications. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) will provide updates as new information becomes available.
For students and scholars outside the U.S.: If you are currently outside the United States and need a visa to return, please remain in close contact with the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case. Our current understanding is that previously scheduled visa interview appointments will proceed as planned. However, most embassies and consulates have suspended scheduling new appointments.
Individuals with a valid F or J visa stamp are eligible to re-enter the United States with their valid visa stamp. In case you are concerned about the validity of your visa, you can check the status of your current visa stamp by visiting this website.
Please note that Canadian citizens are not required to have an F or J visa stamp
For students and scholars inside the U.S.: We strongly advise that you do not travel outside the United States.
Please continue to monitor the Immigration Alerts page on the OISS website for important immigration information and updates and contact OISS with any questions.
I understand that this news and the uncertainty surrounding it may be frustrating. Please know that MSU remains strongly committed to our international Spartan community. We will continue to welcome students and scholars from around the world, and we will advocate policies that support your presence and success.
Kind Regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
As we reach the end of this academic year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength you have shown throughout what has been a truly challenging semester. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) knows that the past few months have been filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and confusion due to the media coverage related to international student visas and SEVIS records, even with the subsequent reversal of those actions. Please know that we have been here with you, witnessing your struggles and feeling your worries.
We understand that navigating these complex situations while being far from home is an immense burden. You've faced unexpected hurdles and the emotional toll of not knowing what the future holds. Through it all, you have persevered, continued your studies, and supported one another. Your determination is truly inspiring.
Those who have graduated, this is a reminder that you are part of the Spartan family for life. For those continuing your studies, we look forward to continuing our support of your success. We want to remind you that the OISS is here for you. We are here to advocate for you, support you, and help you navigate the complexities of your international student & scholar experience. We hope you think of us as your home away from home, a place where you can come for guidance, resources, and a listening ear.
We are committed to working on your behalf, providing you with the information and support you need to feel secure and successful. As you head into the summer break, we hope you can find some time to rest, recharge, and reflect on all that you have overcome.
I wish you a peaceful and restorative break.
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
I am writing to you with important immigration information.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an updated interim final registration regulation that took effect on April 11, 2025. As this is an "interim" final regulation, DHS may provide further clarification and guidance in the future. You may have heard in the media that non-US citizens need to register with DHS. This requirement only applies to certain people.
Most international students, scholars and employees receiving this email will not need to register, however, their dependents may need to register. If you were issued an I-94 Arrival-Departure record when you entered the US, you do not need to register. If you have dependents in F-2, J-2 or H-4 status, who were issued an I-94 record when they entered the US and are near their 14th birthday, those dependents will need to register. (More information below.)
The following guidance is for members of the MSU community in lawful immigration status. It is intended to assist you in understanding the interim final regulation. In addition to reading the guidance below, please visit the USCIS registration requirement website and use the “Do I need to register?” tool.
If you believe you or a member of your family needs to complete the registration process, we recommend you connect with an immigration attorney for assistance. OISS can provide a list of immigration attorneys upon request.
You should visit the US Customs and Border Protection I-94 website to get a copy of your current I-94 Arrival and Departure record. If you have dependents, please get a copy of their I-94 as well. Review the I-94 record for accuracy and contact OISS at . if there are errors. Print out a copy of the current I-94 and carry it with you. Having an up to date I-94 typically fulfills compliance for most nonimmigrants unless otherwise instructed.
Special note for H1B holders: If USCIS issued a Form I-797A with a new I-94 section, the paper I-94 replaces your online I-94 record, which does not get updated. Carry the I-94 with you to demonstrate that you are “registered” with USCIS.
F-1 and J-1 students and scholars who entered the US with valid I-20, DS-2019 and were issued I-94
Faculty and staff on an H-1B visa with valid I-797 and I-94
Lawful Permanent Residents
Noncitizens who entered the US on a valid visa and were issued an I-94 (individuals on other nonimmigrant statuses like TN, O-1, H-4, L-1/L-2, etc.)
Noncitizens with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
A new requirement has been issued mandating:
Individuals who were previously exempt from registration due to being under age 14 must now complete initial registration within 30 days of turning 14, if they were physically present in the U.S. on their birthday and have not since departed or re-entered the U.S.
While the new regulation is ambiguous on the required deadline for compliance and requires further clarification from DHS, it is recommended that any person in a valid immigration status, including those in a dependent immigration status (e.g., F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, etc.), who has turned 14 since their last entry into the U.S. register as soon as possible.
How to Re-Register:
Upon completion, USCIS will issue new proof of registration to your online account. You will be able to download and print a PDF version of the registration notice from there.
We hope this information is helpful to you. Best wishes as you end the academic year.
Kind regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
You may be hearing reports of international students across the U.S. having the F1 visa stamp in their passport revoked and their SEVIS record terminated. In addition, there are reports of non-immigrants being questioned about content on their electronic devices when entering the U.S. from abroad.
OISS is closely monitoring the situation for MSU students and consulting with colleagues and immigration attorneys to learn more. I am also in regular contact with university leadership about these issues.
OISS has updated our immigration alerts webpage with more information on the two issues mentioned above. I encourage you to carefully review this page, which also includes travel-related FAQs first posted on February 26. We will continue to keep the website updated as information and advice changes.
I know international students, scholars, and employees are concerned about these reports. Please know the OISS Team is here to support you. If you would like to talk with someone in OISS, please reach out to your OISS Advisor. Additionally, if you are interested in speaking with someone about your mental health, please contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
Kind regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
I am writing with an important update on applying for a new US visa stamp and other immigration reminders.
On 18 February 2025, the US Department of State announced a change to the practice of waiving the interview requirement for people applying for visas to enter the US.
Effective immediately, to be eligible for an interview waiver, visa applicants must:
This change will mean that wait times for visa appointments and processing may be much longer than expected. If you need to apply for a new visa while traveling outside the US, plan extra time for visa processing.
Please note that not all US embassies/consulates offer interview waivers.
It is strongly recommended that international students, scholars and employees planning to travel outside the US consult with their OISS Advisor before traveling.
OISS recently updated our webpage. Please visit Immigration Alerts for important immigration information including additional details about travel.
As always, know that the OISS Team is here to support you. If you have questions, please contact OISS.
Kind regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director
As you navigate your academic journey in the United States and prepare for potential travel over winter break, I want to take a moment to address some important information for international students, scholars and employees.
The policies and regulations surrounding immigration and travel may change because of governmental transitions. OISS will continue to closely monitor any changes and communicate relevant updates with you. As always, it is important that you are aware of current travel, health and safety regulations, so please take note of the following guidelines and best practices:
Please know that OISS is here to support you and do not hesitate to contact our office if you have questions.
Krista McCallum Beatty, Ph.D.
Director
This message is being sent to all students who are in an F-1 visa status for the Fall 2024 semester. Please read the email carefully. This email is for informational purposes only and does not require a response.
Starting Fall 2024 semester, the Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) will assign a no-impact hold to all international students in F-1 visa status. The name of the hold is “OISS: Immigration Status Req.” This hold WILL NOT restrict you from adding or dropping classes. In fact, this hold will not impact your enrollment in any way.
The purpose of this hold is to remind all F-1 students about the requirement to maintain full-time enrollment and to continuously educate students about their F-1 visa status requirements. All F-1 students will be assigned this hold throughout the duration of the fall and spring semesters, and it will not be removed. All F-1 students are strongly encouraged to visit the Immigration Status Requirements Hold web page to understand the F-1 visa requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your OISS Advisor.
Krista McCallum Beatty, Ph.D.
Director
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