OISS monitors federal immigration changes that may affect the MSU community. OISS will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
Please note that immigration rules and government procedures can change quickly and their effect may be highly dependent on individual circumstances. The MSU community should always rely on OISS, official government websites and qualified immigration counsel for guidance specific to their situation.
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have questions about your individual immigration circumstances, please contact OISS.
Updated July 17, 2026
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule that will significantly affect how international students and scholars with F and J visas are admitted to and maintain status in the United States. Most notably, the rule will end "duration of status," which was the previous policy that allowed F and J visa holders to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program as long as they followed the rules of their immigration status. The new rule instead establishes a fixed time period of admission for F and J students and scholars and will require those who need more time to accomplish their program goals to file an Extension of Status application.
In addition to ending "duration of status," the rule will also affect travel, grace periods, employment authorization, program extensions, graduation timelines, school transfers, changes of major or degree level, J-1 scholar appointments, incoming student arrival planning and campus advising processes. The new rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026.
The Office for International Students and Scholars is carefully reviewing the rule to understand its implications for MSU. We are also consulting with university partners, national professional associations and colleagues in the field as we assess the rule and determine next steps. As always, we ask campus partners to rely on OISS as the primary source of university guidance related to immigration. We will continue to share updates through established listservs, direct outreach to affected people and offices, and here on the OISS website.
Recommended Actions:
Resources:
Non-immigrant statuses covered in this FAQ document include F1 students and their dependents, J1 students and scholars and their dependents, and H1B employees of MSU and their dependents. Immigrants, including recipients of DACA, should refer to the Immigrant Support & Safety Resources website.
Updated as of 4/30/2025
If you were issued an I-94 Arrival-Departure record when you entered the US, you do not need to register. If you have dependentsin 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.
What do I need to do?
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 oiss@msu.edu 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.
Who is exempt or not currently required to register?
What about my dependents near their 14th birthday?
A new requirement has been issued mandating:
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.
If you receive a notification from the U.S. Department of State that your visa has been revoked, contact OISS immediately by calling +1-517-353-1720. You will be connected to a staff member who can assist you. The Department of State does not notify OISS if your visa is revoked.
OISS is monitoring SEVIS and will call students if their SEVIS records are terminated.
The American Civil Liberties Union’s Travelers Bill of Rights is a good resource to learn more.
Currently there is a great deal of concern about travel outside of and returning to the US. Please monitor communication from OISS and other reliable sources for updates. An executive order issued 20 January 2025, directs government agencies to produce a report no later than 21 March 2025, which may lead to additional restrictions including bans on the issuance of visas to and entry to the US by nationals of certain countries. Currently there are no restrictions in place. However, international students, scholars and employees are strongly advised to watch for communication from OISS for updates.
International students, scholars and employees who plan to travel outside the US and then return to the US/MSU should carefully review in advance the travel information specific to their immigration status on the OISS website.
International students, scholars and employees who do not have a visa stamp in their passport that will be valid on the date they plan to return to the US are advised to consult with OISS before traveling. You may experience delays and other difficulties obtaining a new visa.
If you are from a country that was included in past travel bans, please consult with an OISS advisor before traveling outside the US.
If you have an urgent situation when OISS is closed, 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) and remaining on the line to speak with the staff member on duty.
In the event of a medical or other emergency, call 911.
Internationals in F, J and H1B statuses should carry their status documents (passport, current I-20 or DS-2019 or I-797 showing H1B status) with them at all times. You may choose to only carry copies instead of originals when on or near campus. However, if you are traveling, even within Michigan, you should carry your original documents with you. For added security, leave copies of your documents in a safe place in your home and with a trusted friend. It is your responsibility to keep copies of all your immigration documents.
Carrying additional documents such as a state issued driver’s license or state ID and your MSU ID is a good idea. If you are a student, have a copy of your current class schedule with you or available on a phone/tablet.
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, OISS and close friends/family in the United States. Memorize the phone numbers of a couple of contacts in case you are unable to access your cell phone.
Students, scholars, and employees should always carry a copy of their health insurance card. MSU’s student and scholar health insurance is provided by Aetna Student Health.
You should not rely solely on information stored on your phone/tablet as you may not be able to access your phone/tablet, the battery may die, etc.
A good practice is to give copies of important documents (passport, I-20/DS-2019, insurance information) and emergency contact information to a friend or family member in the US that you can call in case of an emergency. Make sure you memorize that friend’s number so you can call them without using your cell phone. You can also give copies to family members outside the US.
Yes. On 18 February 2025, the Department of State announced that 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. It is strongly recommended that international students, scholars and employees planning to travel and apply for a new visa consult with OISS before traveling.
If an immigration agent requests your immigration documents, you are required to show them. However, keep in mind that you have the right to remain silent and that you are not required to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Tell the officer you wish to remain silent and consult with a lawyer before responding. Review the American Civil Liberal Union (ACLU) website for additional information on how to respond to questions regarding immigration if you are stopped by law enforcement or government officials.
If a police officer place you under arrest or states they are taking you into custody:
If you are driving:
You may participate in peaceful protests, however, understand that there is greater risk involved as a non-immigrant. If you are arrested, charged, or convicted while participating in a protest, this will likely impact your current and future immigration status, any future immigration or visa applications, and your interactions with immigration and consular authorities.
If you choose to participate in a peaceful protest, always pay close attention to your surroundings. If the police issue orders to leave the area or end the protest, comply immediately. Do not engage in disorderly conduct, including arguing with the police.
Yes. A child born in the United States is considered a citizen of the United States. After your baby is born, the hospital staff will gather information to complete the birth certificate and send it to the state health department. The procedures for getting a copy of your baby's birth certificate depend on the county in which your baby is born. Ask your birth center staff how you can get a copy of your baby's birth certificate. (You may receive a souvenir certificate. This is not an official birth certificate).
On the birth certificate questionnaire is a question asking if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. Although your baby doesn't legally need a Social Security number for one year, now is the easiest time to apply for one.
It is strongly recommended that parents apply for a U.S. passport for their children. Information about applying for a child's U.S. passport can be found at travel.state.gov.
As a public university, MSU is largely open to the public. Federal immigration officials can enter public spaces, however, certain private areas, such as on-campus residence halls, University buildings to which access is restricted to those with MSU identification, or administrative or faculty offices, classrooms, and laboratories, require a valid judicial warrant or permission to enter. An administrative warrant is civil in nature and does not by itself authorize federal enforcement officials to enter private residential spaces absent consent.
MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies and encourages prior notice when outside law enforcement plans to visit. However, DPPS cannot prevent agencies with legal authority from coming to the public portions of campus.
There are various reasons U.S. federal immigration enforcement officials might contact MSU or come on campus, including routine compliance matters related to the University’s normal operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its enforcement agency, U.S. Federal Government Immigration Officials, have broad authority. Not all DHS officials are responsible for law enforcement. MSU routinely interacts with U.S. federal immigration enforcement officials. For example, federal immigration officials may contact MSU or come to campus in connection with the University’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. U.S. federal immigration enforcement officials may also be invited to present in an academic program, such as explaining customs procedures to an international business class. Federal agencies may also participate in a career fair.
A USCIS site visit is an additional way to verify information in certain visa petitions. Under this program, immigration officers in the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) make unannounced site visits to collect information as part of a compliance review. At the site visit, the officer will:
Employers should be prepared to present any information originally submitted with the petition and immediately provide all readily available documents and information that the immigration officer requests.
If a USCIS officer comes to your department to conduct a site visit, please contact OGC and OISS immediately for assistance and for any required follow up.
The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits universities from releasing information from a student’s education records without consent, except under certain specified circumstances. It is the policy of the University to comply with FERPA (Michigan State University Access to Student Information).
Disclosure of directory information about a student is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Information that MSU has designated as directory information is listed in the MSU Notification of Student Rights and Notice for Directory Information. Students may restrict the release of directory information by updating their directory restrictions online at https://student.msu.edu/ or notifying the Office of the Registrar.
The Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that provides approval and oversight to schools authorized to enroll F and J nonimmigrant students. The SEVP provides that participating institutions are subject to on-site review or “certification visits” at any time, meaning that SEVP field representatives visiting the campus are authorized to obtain information about students on temporary student visas (i.e., F and J). These visits are limited and generally consist of federal immigration officials conducting document review.
MSU will not release immigration related information to federal immigration officials unless required by law.
Except when related to the SEVP, faculty and staff should contact the Office of the General Counsel immediately if any federal official seeks to obtain immigration-related information about a student or employee. The Office for International Students and Scholars should be consulted for any information request from SEVP. Unless they receive authorization from the Office of General Counsel or OISS, faculty and staff should not release immigration-related information about a student or employee.
Dear H1-B Employees,
You may be hearing reports of employees in H-1B status across the U.S. having the visa stamp in their passport revoked.
We strongly recommend you monitor the email address you used to apply for your H-1B visa. The U.S. Department of State does communicate via email and would notify you in writing if action was taken. If you receive a message related to your visa, contact OISS immediately to discuss potential impacts to your status.
If you choose to travel outside the U.S., visa revocation would limit your ability to return to the U.S. International travel should always be taken under caution; ensuring you have no communication about your visa stamp is another important step to take before leaving the U.S.
OISS is closely monitoring the situation for MSU employees and consulting with colleagues and immigration attorneys to learn more. I am also in regular contact with university leadership about these issues.
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 us at 517-353-1720 or ebvisateam@msu.edu.
Kind Regards,
Krista McCallum Beatty, PhD
Director, Office for International Students and Scholars
International Spartans,
On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a new Presidential Proclamation expanding U.S. travel restrictions, building on Proclamation 10949 issued this past June. The travel restrictions impact nationals of restricted countries who are outside the U.S. and do not have a valid U.S. visa on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.
The restrictions do not impact lawful permanent U.S. residents, diplomatic visa categories (A, C, G, NATO), those who have a U.S. visa valid on or after January 1, 2026, or those physically present in the U.S. before January 1, 2026.
Fully Restricted Countries
Individuals from the following countries are barred from being issued a U.S. visa and entering the U.S. in any immigrant or nonimmigrant status.
Partially Restricted Countries
Nationals from the following countries are barred from being issued immigrant visas and nonimmigrant B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, or J visas, and are prohibited from entering the U.S. in those statuses.
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 U.S. before January 1, we urge you to do so. Although the proclamation indicates exceptions for valid visa holders, there is 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 Thursday, January 1, 2026.
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 through the following support resources:
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, Office for International Students and Scholars
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.
What do I need to do?
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 oiss@msu.edu. 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.
Who is exempt or not currently required to register?
What about my dependents near their 14th birthday?
A new requirement has been issued mandating:
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,
rista 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