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Immigration Updates
The University and the Office of International Students Scholars & Programs (ISSP) are closely monitoring ongoing changes in immigration policy. The resources below address frequently asked questions with the most current facts available. As more information becomes available, or new questions arise, ISSP will update this page.
If you have questions, please submit them to globe@wm.edu.
Should I travel outside the U.S.?Updated 4/3/2026 It’s always been important to plan any travel carefully, but it’s even more important now. We cannot advise for or against travel, but we urge you to make sure you understand all the factors and potential risks as you make your decision. Employees or scholars with concerns about university related travel should also consult with their supervisor about options for addressing those concerns. If you do decide to travel, please review the following information on our website and continue to check your email regularly for important updates from our office:
If you are traveling abroad with your laptop, be sure that you are complying with all U.S export controls laws and regulations. While Traveling: Keep your important documents in your carry-on bag—never in your checked luggage. You will need these for inspection when you return to the U.S. Stay informed about any international travel advisories or health regulations that might affect your trip. Reentering the United States: explains some of the requirements for entering the U.S. and addresses the necessary documents, as well as prohibited and restricted items. If you encounter difficulties at the border, ask the officer to call or allow you to call ISSP at 757-221-3590 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm). An International Student & Scholar advisor will work with you to try to resolve the situation but cannot guarantee entry into the U.S. Outside office hours call Campus Police (757-221-4596) and they will forward your call to an ISSP staff member. Additional Resources: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has guidelines on . American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides information about The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides information at U.S. Ports of Entry. Upon Returning to the United States: Check your I-94 information: Your (arrival and departure information) is recorded when you enter the U.S. Make sure that your information is correct by going to the I-94 government website. If the information is incorrect, please contact an ISSP advisor for assistance. Please note that it usually takes a few days after arrival for the information to appear on the website. In addition, USCIS requires every noncitizen who is 18 years old and over to always carry evidence of their immigration “registration documents”. For most people the easiest thing will be to carry a copy of their . |
What is the latest update on the travel bans and the hold on immigration benefit applications?Updated: 4/7/2026 On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation outlining travel restrictions was issued. The proclamation establishes a "full" travel suspension on 12 countries and a "partial" travel suspension on 7 countries, effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. Countries Affected by the “Full” Travel Ban Nationals of the following countries are restricted from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Countries Affected by the “Partial” Travel Ban The entry into the U.S. of nationals of certain countries on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended. The countries are: The proclamation only applies to nationals of the above 19 countries who:
On December 16, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation added new countries to the “travel ban” list. This proclamation is effective 12:01 am eastern daylight time on January 1, 2026. New Countries Affected by the “Full” Travel Ban Nationals of the following countries are restricted from entering the U.S.: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria, plus any individuals who seek to travel on any travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. New Countries Affected by the “Partial” Travel Ban The entry into the U.S. of nationals of certain countries on B-1, B2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended. The countries are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d ‘Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The new proclamation only applies to nationals of the above countries who:
* The December 16, 2025 Proclamation updated the travel restriction for Turkmenistan, where entry is suspended only of immigrants. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the Proclamations. Hold on USCIS Processing of Benefit Applications On January 1, 2026, stating that a hold would be placed on all pending benefit applications for individuals from countries on the travel ban lists. This policy may impact the application of immigration benefits, such as a Form I-765 filed for Optional Practical Training (including the STEM OPT Extension), a Form I-539 filed to change nonimmigrant status, a Form I-129 filed to extend an H-1B employee's stay, etc. Note that this is not a ban on applying for immigration benefits; it is a hold on USCIS processing of benefit requests, while the agency completes their screening and vetting processes. Applicants from a travel ban country may still apply for immigration benefits within all applicable filing windows, deadlines, and eligibility conditions. |
What is the latest update on visa applications at U.S. embassies?
Updated: 12/5/2025
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What is the latest update on H-1B petitions?Updated: 10/27/2025 On September 19, a was issued by the U.S. government, imposing a $100,000 fee on some H-1B sponsorships. On October 20, USCIS released relating to the Proclamation, clarifying that the fee applies to people who are being sponsored for H-1B after September 21, 2025, who are outside of the U.S. and do not hold a valid H-1B visa. USCIS has advised that if someone currently has an H-1B visa, and a valid H-1B petition, they should be fine to travel. Holders of H-1B visas should continue to monitor guidance from USCIS as this situation evolves. |
I’m hearing that international students are having their visas and/or SEVIS record revoked. Can that happen to me? What can I do?Updated: 4/29/2025 We continue to monitor the situation very closely and are prepared to work with students individually. If you receive a notice from the government about your visa or immigration status, contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu. Our office is not typically aware if a visa has been canceled, but we can see SEVIS records. We are actively monitoring SEVIS records and will reach out to students if we see any unexpected changes in a record. |
Can ISSP provide legal advice if I have a question?Updated: 4/16/2025 We cannot provide legal advice. We can, however, direct you to where you can find an attorney who can advise you in legal and complex immigration matters. In addition, NAFSA: National Association of International Educators has compiled the following resources (which are shared as a convenience and not an endorsement).
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