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:

• have previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application;
• apply in their country of nationality or residence;
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

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:

1. Stay Informed: Please watch for official communications from OISS regarding important information related to your nonimmigrant status, travel and health & safety.  
2. Travel:  All students are strongly encouraged to return to the United States no later than the first day of classes for spring semester. The Spring 2025 semester starts on 13 January 2025.  
3. Consult with Your OISS Advisor: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your travel plans, please do not hesitate to contact your OISS advisor. 
4. Documentation:  It is best to ensure you always have a paper copy of important documents, even when you are not travelling outside the US:
• Travel: Be sure to have all the necessary documentation with you before traveling. You can find information about travel and visas on our website.
• Health Insurance: MSU’s student health insurance is now provided by Aetna Student Health. Aetna is not mailing out plastic cards. If you do not yet have your health insurance information, follow these steps to access your health insurance card: 
• Go to www.aetnastudenthealth.com  
• Find Michigan State University in the “Select Your College or University” dropdown field
• Select the “Get Your ID Card” link   
• Enter your MSU student ID number and your date of birth. Then click on the current policy year to view your ID card (2024-2025) 
• Emergency Contact:
• Carry a paper copy of or memorize the numbers of people you would call in an emergency in case you do not have access to your phone.
• Identify someone in the US who can help contact your family at home in case of an emergency; memorize their numbers.
• Make sure your emergency contact information with MSU is current 
• If you are traveling, make sure someone knows where you are traveling and when you expect to return.
5. OISS After Hours Line: If you have an urgent situation when OISS is closed, remember that OISS has a staff member on call when the office is not open. You can reach that staff member by calling the main OISS line (517.353.1720).
6. Take care of yourself: Being a college student can be stressful.Here are a few suggestions to help manage any stress you may be feeling: 
• Keep a regular sleep and eating schedule  
• Disconnect from technology every day and limit the time you spend on social media 
• Be a critical consumer of news – rely on reputable sources for information. 
• Practice good self-care. For ideas check out these resources from CAPS (MSU Counseling and Psychological Services) 
• Explore the Spartan Bucket List for things to do at MSU 

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 
Office for International Students and Scholars

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 
Office for International Students and Scholars