We are writing to inform you of a recent U.S. federal that may impact some of our international students and scholars. This ban, related to an issued by President Donald J. Trump, takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, June 9, 2025.
You are receiving this message because you are a citizen of a country included in the travel ban. We understand this news may be confusing and unsettling. Our goal is to provide timely, accurate information to help you make informed decisions and feel supported during this evolving situation.
Who Is Affected
The travel ban applies to individuals who are both outside the U.S. and do not have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. If you are inside the U.S. this ban does not affect you. If you are outside the U.S. but you already hold a valid U.S. visa on that date, it appears the ban will not apply to you. Please note that this ban does not revoke any existing visas.
Countries Fully Banned (All Visa Types)
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen
Countries Partially Banned (B, F, M, or J Visas Only)
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
If You Are From a Banned Country and Outside the U.S.: What to Know About Returning
If you are outside the U.S. and have a valid visa, but are from one of the countries on the Banned or Partially Banned Countries lists above, we strongly encourage you to return to the U.S. before June 9, 2025. Please note:
- Entry is not guaranteed, even with a valid visa.
- You may face secondary inspection, delays, or denial of entry by Customs & Border Protection (CBP).
- Some airlines may refuse to board travelers from impacted countries due to the evolving situation.
The Proclamation has created ambiguity that may result in inconsistent enforcement at different Ports of Entry for individuals with a visa that was valid on June 9, 2025, but are entering after that date. We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney before attempting to enter the U.S. after June 9, 2025.
If you are having trouble getting a flight directly back to the U.S. before June 9, 2025, you may want to consider alternate routes (e.g., through Canada or Mexico). However, we strongly recommend consulting an immigration attorney before pursuing this option, as entry into those countries may also require visas or other permissions.
If you are currently outside the U.S. and do not have a visa that will be valid as of June 9, 2025, please contact us at issc@unlv.edu for individual support.
If You Are in the U.S.: What We Recommend
We strongly recommend that you do not leave the U.S. until you have fully completed your program of study, including any Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT). Given the current situation, reentry to the U.S. may not be permitted even with a valid F-1/J-1 student visa and valid immigration documents.
If you must leave due to an emergency, please contact us at issc@unlv.edu to discuss your specific situation before traveling.
Important Document Reminders for all International Students and Scholars
If you are in the U.S., we recommend carrying your physical immigration documents at all times, including in Las Vegas and during domestic travel. These include:
- Valid passport
- Most recent
- Most recent F-1/J-1/H-1B/O-1 visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1 students and J-1 student/scholars)
- Most recent DS-7002 (J-1 student interns only)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if on OPT/STEM OPT
- Valid USCIS 797 approval notice (H-1B or O-1)
We also encourage you to keep photos of these documents accessible on your cell phone, with printed copies stored at your residence as an added precaution.
Please remember how much we value you as a member of our ºÚÁÏÍø community of students and scholars.
- In-Person Support: ºÚÁÏÍø Global is located in BEH 543 and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 702-774-6477 and a staff member will meet you on the ground floor near the elevator to escort you to the office.
- After-Hours Immigration Emergencies: Call 702-774-6477 and select 0 to reach the ºÚÁÏÍø Global Support Team during evenings and weekends.
- Mental Health Support: Counseling & Psychological Services are available for students and mental health and counseling resources are available for scholars to support mental health and well-being.
- General Support: Contact Anne White, Sr. Director of International Student & Scholar Success Programs, at anne.white@unlv.edu.
- Immigration and Compliance Questions: Contact the International Student & Scholar Compliance team at issc@unlv.edu.
- Stay Connected to Your ºÚÁÏÍø Community: Participate in weekly events hosted by ºÚÁÏÍø Global.
You belong here, and we’re here to help.
Best Regards,
Laura Chaney
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO)
Director of International Student & Scholar Compliance
Anne White
Senior Director of International Student & Scholar Success Programs
Lindsey Gruber
Senior Executive Director of ºÚÁÏÍø Global