Important Updates

---

An Important Announcement from the Center for Global Engagement 

As the new White House administration transitions into office on January 20, 2025, some of you may wonder about potential changes to policies governing U.S. visas and immigration. The Center for Global Engagement in collaboration with International Center at the Ann Arbor campus is  monitoring immigration/visa policies and any proposed changes impacting the populations of international students, scholars, employees, and dependents we serve. This includes shifts in policy or regulatory changes proposed by federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, as well as executive actions or presidential proclamations made by the White House. Note that some types of changes can be made quickly, whereas other changes would take a significant amount of time to implement. 

While we cannot predict any future courses of action or shifts in policy, we will clarify any changes and potential impacts for the populations we serve to the extent that we are able. To avoid spreading misinformation, we will not address pending legislation, proposed policy changes, unverified news reports, or social media speculation.

As of now, there are no changes that have been implemented that affect the international student, scholar, employee or dependent population served by the CGE.

What you can do

Maintain status

As you are aware, there are specific requirements for those in a non-immigrant status (F, J, H-1B, etc). It is important to understand and follow these requirements. 

Ask the CGE questions

We are here to advise. There are some scenarios where, based on a number of different factors (e.g. degree/major, field of expertise, country of citizenship, immigration history), individualized advice may be merited. It is important to also understand that not all proposed changes apply to you or your visa type or situation.

Apply as early as possible

If you are applying for a visa or for immigration benefits, such as OPT, it is important to apply early. Processing times vary, and are influenced by a variety of factors, including policy and regulatory changes and staffing levels. It is important to factor in potential delays in processing when applying for specific immigration benefits or visas.

Report an RFE

If you have applied for a benefit related to your immigration status and receive a Request for Evidence or other unexpected communication from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you should contact the CGE for assistance to make sure that you provide a prompt and accurate response. This will also help the CGE track the number and details of the RFEs received by our population. While the request may seem simple (for instance, a F-1 student receiving an RFE for their transcripts, after applying for OPT), having your immigration advisor review it before you respond may save additional time or prevent further requests.

Plan ahead for international travel

If you have planned or are considering travel outside the U.S., make sure you have reviewed any travel related guidance for your visa type. On occasion, the visa appointment wait times are long at some U.S. embassies and consulates. If you are unable to secure an appointment to renew or obtain a visa stamp prior to travel, it is important to consider that your return to the U.S. may be delayed and to plan accordingly.

Ensure you have your immigration documents while traveling within the U.S.

Just to be safe, if you are travelling in the U.S. at some distance from campus, the CGE recommends carrying your immigration documents with you. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as part of Customs and Border Protection, can legally stop travelers to check their immigration status within a 100-air mile distance from any US border. 

Traveling Abroad

When traveling abroad, ensure you have valid travel authorization and a visa for your return.  Return to the U.S. before the start of the academic term. If for any reason you are arriving late, obtain written approval for an excused absence from your academic department beforehand.

Avoid poor sources of information

Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.

Realize that your well-being matters

Some individuals may feel apprehensive about changes that might happen in the U.S. We understand that uncertainty can create feelings of anxiety. We encourage you to be mindful of your overall well-being and take advantage of the opportunities at UM-Flint that are of interest to you. This includes wellness resources for students, faculty and staff, recreational sports, and a wealth of social, educational, and cultural events. Counseling and Psychological Services – CAPS (for students), Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office – FASCCO (for employees), offer confidential counseling and some group-based sessions.

The CGE is here to serve the international population and UM-Flint departments and schools. We will continue to monitor and inform the community of any specific and relevant changes in policies or regulations. We are glad you are here!

Updated 05/01/2025

---

Visa Termination and SEVIS Compliance Guidance

We have become aware of reports from other institutions regarding the cancellation of F-1 and J-1 student visas by the U.S. government, leading to visa revocation and the termination of student SEVIS immigration records. As of this update, no I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS records issued by the University of Michigan-Flint have been terminated for currently enrolled F-1 or J-1 international students or students on OPT and STEM OPT.

We understand that such news can be concerning to our international student community. Rest assured, the Center for Global Engagement team, along with the University leadership, is closely monitoring the situation. We regularly check the SEVIS immigration system and will directly notify any F-1 or J-1 students if there are changes to their SEVIS records due to government action.

Please note that while University officials do not receive direct notifications from the government about SEVIS record terminations or visa revocation, reports from other schools indicate that affected students receive an email from the embassy or consulate where their visa was issued. If you receive such communication or any notification from an official U.S. government office indicating that your F or J visa has been canceled and you need to leave the U.S., please contact CGE before you take any action. You can meet Kim Butka, your immigration advisor, or email us right away so we can review your SEVIS record and provide you with guidance and support.

 What can you do to ensure compliance

• Maintain full-time status by following the F-1 or J-1 enrollment requirements. 
• Engage only in authorized employment. This includes campus jobs, internships with CPT authorization (even if it’s on campus), post completion OPT
• Report U.S. address changes within 10 days of moving. Failure to report an address change within 10 days is a violation of your immigration status.  
• Check the program date on your I-20. Apply early in a timely manner for any immigration benefit (I-20/DS-2019 extension, final semester reduced course load, CPT, etc.) or any USCIS-adjudicated benefit like OPT.
• If you need to travel internationally, please make sure you have all the documents needed to reenter and consult with your immigration advisor. Documents required are:
  • I-20/DS 2019 with a valid travel authorization signature
  • Valid passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of seeking admission
  • Valid US Visa visa should be valid on the day of reentry
  • Current and upcoming semester class schedule
•  Carry Copies of your current immigration status documents, including:
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94
  • I-20 or DS 2019
  • Employment Authorization Card
• Avoid poor sources of information: Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.

Realize that your well-being matters

Some individuals may feel apprehensive about changes that might happen in the U.S. We understand that uncertainty can create feelings of anxiety. We encourage you to be mindful of your overall well-being and take advantage of the opportunities at UM-Flint that are of interest to you. This includes wellness resources for students, faculty, and staff, recreational sports, and a wealth of social, educational, and cultural events. Counseling and Psychological Services – CAPS (for students), Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office – FASCCO (for employees), offer confidential counseling and some group-based sessions.

The CGE is here to serve the international population and UM-Flint departments and schools. We will continue to monitor and inform the community of any specific and relevant changes in policies or regulations. We are glad you are here!

Updated 05/01/2025