The International Center created this page to provide information to UCI international students and scholars regarding changes in immigration policies and practice. The information provided on this page was accurate and current at the time of publication. Due to the evolving nature of immigration policy, the content or linked resources may have changed over time. We encourage you to review and verify the accuracy and relevance of the information.
If you need clarification regarding travel, employment, study, or your status please contact the International Center with your questions or to schedule a time to meet with one of our advisors, internationalcenter@uci.edu.
04/07/2025: Information Visa Revocations and SEVIS Record Terminations
The International Center learned of revocations of visas and termination of immigration status during routine reviews of the SEVIS database. We notified impacted students immediately and shared resources for support. As we learn about students who may be impacted, we will make every effort to notify them quickly and connect them to resources and expert advice for assistance.
We greatly value our international population and are deeply committed to supporting the well-being and success of our international community. Below is a list of questions the International Center is receiving, and we will update these resources as more information becomes available.
Can I check my own SEVIS record?
Students cannot access the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). If your SEVIS record is affected the International Center will contact you to provide information and support.
What is a Visa Revocation?
A visa revocation is the cancellation of the visa stamp in your passport by a Department of State or a DHS official.
What is the Termination of a SEVIS record?
A SEVIS record termination is ending your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record that is tied to your I-20 or DS-2019 and nonimmigrant status in the US.
Will the International Center contact me if there is a government update to my SEVIS record?
Yes, if the U.S. government terminates your SEVIS record, the International Center will notify you quickly and connect you to resources and expert advice for assistance.
How should I respond to a notification of a Visa Revocation? I am an international student and I received an email informing me that my visa has been revoked and that I should report to ICE.
If you receive an email message, you can reach out to the International Center to help determine if the message is legitimate and accurate. You are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Recent cases suggest that appealing such actions can be challenging. However, legal advice can help you explore all of the options that are available to you. Before you decide what actions to take, we strongly recommend that you consult with your family or support network and an immigration attorney.
What can I do to maintain my status?
The International Center has outlined a checklist of items to maintain immigration status during your program of study. If you are currently participating in post-completion work authorization, you will also need to stay up to date with reporting requirements.
What can I do to stay informed of any updates or changes about immigration policy or practices?
We recommend that you routinely check and review your UCI email. The International Center will communicate important information to via this email address.
In addition, the International Center sends out various communications to keep you informed. This includes quarterly reminder messages sent to all enrolled F-1 and J-1 international students, important regulatory updates, and opportunities to engage with the International Center.
The International Center is also routinely updating Immigration Policy Updates with the latest information.
What if I need personal or emotional support navigating the current U.S. immigration climate?
You can connect with the UCI Counseling Center to request counseling and consultation services.
02/18/2025: Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced changes to its policies on eligibility for waivers of the in-person visa interview requirement. This means that in order to qualify for the interview waiver (IW) program and forgo an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, a non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicant must meet the following criteria, in addition to other general program requirements:
- Be applying for a visa in the same NIV classification as their prior visa; and
- Prior visa must have expired within the last 12 months or still be valid.
The previous policy allowed interview waivers for applicants whose prior visa had expired within the past 48 months.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
- 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.
Students and scholars who do not meet these requirements for an interview waiver should plan to appear for an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate abroad to obtain their next visa. This may require careful advance travel planning, as the availability of in-person visa appointments varies widely depending on consular post and visa type, and the new Interview Waiver eligibility criteria are expected to increase appointment wait times for in-person appointments. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. We encourage applicants to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.
02/06/2025: Updates on Federal Actions and UC Guidance
A message of updates and guidance was sent to the campus from UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman.
01/29/2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for University Employees About Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property
01/20/2025: Brief Summary of actions around Executive Orders, Policies, and Legislation
Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats
This Executive Order 14161 directs federal agencies to enhance immigration screening and vetting procedures to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a terrorist, national security, or public safety threat to the United States. The order restores prior vetting standards from the Trump administration and requires a comprehensive review of visa and immigration policies to ensure stringent security measures. Key provisions include identifying high-risk countries for potential entry restrictions, strengthening refugee screening, and evaluating visa programs for potential security vulnerabilities. Additionally, the order mandates stricter oversight of foreign nationals already in the U.S. and calls for measures to promote immigrant assimilation into American society.
Possible impacts to F-1, J-1, H-1B or other non-immigrant visa holders:
- Increased scrutiny could result in delays and additional requirements for student and scholar visa applicants.
- Students and scholars from countries identified through the process described in may face bans on admission to the United States or increased visa denials. It could also potentially impact all individuals applying for a visa from a certain country.
DHS Rescinds “Protected Areas” Enforcement policy
A January 21, 2025 Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole stated that on January 20, 2025 Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman rescinded the Biden administration’s 2021 Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas memorandum. The rescission of the 2021 policy memo means that there are no longer any specific protected areas like schools, hospitals or churches under DHS enforcement policy.
11/08/2024: U.S. Election and Immigration Policy
A new presidential administration will take office in January 2025. As a new administration prepares to take office, we understand there may be adjustments to immigration policies and practices. Please be assured that we are here to support you through any changes that may arise.
The International Center will notify you by email if new immigration policies or practices are introduced that might apply to your student visa status, in addition the International Center Immigration Policy page will be updated. The International Center will also host an immigration policy update workshop in the Winter Quarter.
Contact the International Center if you have any questions or concerns. You can email the office at internationalcenter@uci.edu.
Immigration Policy Updates FAQs:
Last Updated: 02/18/25
How will the election results affect my immigration status?
We do not know specifically what immigration-related changes may occur with the new administration. The previous Trump administration proposed and implemented policies that negatively impacted international students, scholars, and employees. At that time, there were ongoing lawsuits and other legal challenges that blocked or minimized the policies. The International Center will keep you informed if any changes occur.
Where can I find support if I have immigration questions related to my visa status or travel?
The International Center is your resource regarding immigration advice and support. Our advisors are available for appointments to discuss your concerns and questions. You can contact us with a question or to schedule an appointment.
Can I travel outside the U.S.?
The International Center recommends that you carefully consider any international travel. Current U.S. immigration policy is unpredictable and subject to change. The International Center cannot guarantee your ability to renter the U.S. in a timely manner, which could have an impact on your visa status if you are unable to resume and continue your student, scholar or employee requirements.
Review the International Center Travel Information page. If you need to apply for a new visa to return, visa processing timeline may delay your return.
Will I be able to apply for OPT, OPT-STEM, CPT, Academic Training, or changes to H-1B visa?
There is no information on specific changes to regulations. Current regulations are in affect and the International Center will continue to process recommendations and certifications for these benefits.
The International Center will continue to monitor any changes that may impact you and will provide updated information as soon as it is available through email communication and updates to this page.
I am feeling stressed and worried about the change of administration, where can I go for help?
If you are an international student and need support, the Counseling Center is available for you. You can find information on their website, or you can call at (949) 824-6457.
International Scholars and Employees can find support through the Life Resource Program. This is a free, confidential benefit that can help address personal or work-related issues faced by UCI faculty, staff, retirees, and dependents.
I want to learn about my rights in case I come into contact with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent?
We recommend that you read the resources provided below to learn more about your rights.
- The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has a “red card” available that you can carry with you with information on what you may say to an ICE agent
- The National Immigration Law Center has resources where you can read and learn about your rights
- For multi-lingual Know Your Rights materials
- The American Civil Liberties Union has information about this topic
04/27/2023: Digital Signatures for J-1 DS-2019 Visa Documents
On March 28, 2023, the Department of State announced that effective April 27, 2023, DS-2019s may be digitally signed and electronically transmitted. This will allow AROs at the International Center issue DS-2019 visa documents with a digital signature through electronic, secure distribution.
03/28/2023: Visa Fee Increases (effective 5/30/2023)
A Department of State (DOS) final rule published at 88 FR 18243 (March 28, 2023) raises visa processing fees, effective May 30, 2023. The visa processing fees are for an entry visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.