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Logistical Concerns
- Can I keep working if my SEVIS record is terminated?
- No. If your SEVIS record is terminated you immediately lose any work authorization tied to that record including on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
- If your SEVIS record is terminated you must cease all employment immediately.
- How long is the grace period if my SEVIS record is terminated?
- There is no grace period. As soon as your SEVIS status is terminated, you no longer have a legal status in the U.S. and federal regulations require you to depart the U.S. immediately.
- The 黑料网 Global Support Team is here to help you through this.
Legal Processes and Enforcement
- Can the federal government place an international student or exchange visitor in removal proceedings if a student or scholar鈥檚 visa has been revoked?
- Yes. Any nonimmigrant (including F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors) can be charged with removability and placed into removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
- Can the federal government place an international student or exchange visitor in removal proceedings if their SEVIS record has been terminated?
- Yes. Any nonimmigrant whose SEVIS record has been terminated can be charged with removability and placed into removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
- Can the U.S. Department of Homeland Security detain students or scholars outside of the U.S.?
- No. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security only has authority within the borders of the U.S.
- What should I do if I encounter or am detained by ICE?
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
- If you have your immigration documents on you, you may present those to the law enforcement agents to clarify that you have lawful immigration status.
- Will I be detained at the airport if I try to leave the U.S.?
- This is unlikely. If you have been instructed to depart the U.S. and are actively doing so, officials will typically allow you to leave, even if your SEVIS record has been terminated.
Legal Support and Representation
- Do international students or exchange visitors need an immigration attorney? How can I find an immigration attorney?
- You always have the right to an attorney. 黑料网 does not and cannot provide legal counsel for our international students and exchange visitors.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has a . You can also reach out to the (702-895-3000) to see if they have an immigration attorney who can assist you with this situation.
- What happens if ICE comes to campus?
- While we don鈥檛 expect to have ICE or other officials come to campus unannounced, law enforcement agencies (including ICE or other branches within the Department of Homeland Security) are permitted to enter campus.
- Ask for proper identification, the purpose of the visit, and then contact the University Police Department (UPD).
- If you haven鈥檛 already done so, this is a good moment to download the RebelSAFE App, which allows you to call UPD directly rather than being routed through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
- All ICE inquiries will be forwarded to the appropriate units within 黑料网, including the UPD, International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC), and the Office of the General Counsel. No staff or faculty should answer questions or provide any information to anyone; redirect all inquiries to UPD for further assistance.
Personal Considerations
- Should I reconsider international travel?
- 黑料网 is recommending that all international students and scholars reconsider international travel at this time.
- If you must leave the U.S., be prepared for additional delays, increased government review, and the possibility of delay or denial at both the U.S. Consulate or Embassy (if applying for a new visa) or at the Port of Entry (border crossing) when applying to enter the U.S.
- While there are currently no travel bans in place as of April 21, 2025, they could go into effect at any point in time. There is no confirmed information of which countries could be affected by a travel ban.
- If you do travel internationally, be sure to check your I-94 once you have returned to the U.S.
- Reach out to International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) right away if you encounter any issues at either the U.S. Consulate or Embassy or at the U.S. Port of Entry.
- Should I go home for the summer?
- This is a personal decision. 黑料网 can only recommend to reconsider travel.
- Should I consult an immigration lawyer?
- You always have the right to an attorney. 黑料网 does not and cannot provide legal counsel for our international students and exchange visitors.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has a . You can also reach out to the (702-895-3000) to see if they have an immigration attorney who can assist you with this situation.
- If my I-20 is terminated and I'm working with an immigration lawyer can I stay in the U.S.?
- Please speak with your individual attorney as well as your 黑料网 DSO.
- Remaining in the U.S. with a terminated record does carry a significant risk of detainment by the federal government and can have a long-term impact on any future U.S. immigration actions you may wish to take.
- Can I apply for Reinstatement?
- 黑料网 is not recommending Reinstatement for these terminations.
- Reinstatement can never be used for someone on OPT or STEM OPT.
- If you are working with an immigration attorney and they would like to discuss Reinstatement, please have them contact International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) (issc@unlv.edu).
- Some students at other universities have worked with immigration counsel to apply for reinstatement; there have not been any confirmed reports that these have been successful.
- What do I need to know about social media?
- Any person's social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications, border screenings, or law enforcement encounters.
- There may be a possible impact of posting politically sensitive content.
- Some immigration attorneys suggest managing your online presence and securing your accounts.
- Information from CBP and NAFSA:
- CBP's page (last modified January 7, 2025)
- (January 9, 2018, reviewed January 2021)
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) (March 6, 2025, AILA Doc. No. 25030604)
Carrying Documents Locally and for Travel
- What documents do I need to carry on me either inside the U.S. or during international travel?
- Inside the U.S., including here in Las Vegas:
- For F-1 or J-1 international students:
- Valid passport
- Most recent F-1/J-1 student visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- Most recent DS-7002 (J-1 student interns only)
- Most recent
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if on OPT/STEM OPT
- For J-1 international scholars:
- Valid passport
- Most recent J-1 visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
- Most recent DS-2019
- Most recent
- For H-1B, TN, or O-1 scholars:
- Valid passport
- Most recent H-1B, O-1, or TN visa (Canadians are exempt)
- Original I-797 A/B Approval Notice (H-1B or O-1)
- Most recent
- Letter verifying current employment from your department chair or director
- For F-1 or J-1 international students:
- During international travel:
- F-1 and J-1 students
- Required Documents:
- Passport that is valid for at least six months past your arrival date
- Valid F-1/J-1 student visa (Canadians are exempt)
- Valid EAD if on OPT/STEM OPT
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature that is no more than 12 months old (6 months if you are on OPT/STEM OPT)
- If you need a new travel signature, please submit a Reprint Request in the .
- Additional Suggested Documents:
- Printout of your current semester鈥檚 class schedule if currently enrolled
- Printout of your job offer letter if on OPT/STEM OPT/AT
- Copy of your 黑料网 admission letter
- Copy of your bank statements, GA appointment letter, or any other funding documents
- For dependents, proof of the relationship to the F-1/J-1 student (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Required Documents:
- J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN Scholars
- Passport that is valid for at least six months past your arrival date
- Valid J-1, H-1B, O-1, or TN visa (Canadians are exempt)
- Original I-797 A/B Approval Notice (H-1B or O-1)
- Most recent DS-2019 (J-1)
- Letter verifying current employment from your department chair or director
- Copies of your three most recent 黑料网 paystubs (can be found in Workday)
- For dependents, proof of the relationship to primary scholar (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- F-1 and J-1 students
- Inside the U.S., including here in Las Vegas:
- Keep photos of these documents accessible on your cell phone, with printed copies stored at your residence as an added precaution.
- While there are currently no travel bans in place as of April 21, 2025, they could go into effect at any point in time. There is no confirmed information of which countries could be affected by a travel ban.
- If you do travel internationally, be sure to check your I-94 once you have returned to the U.S.
- Reach out to International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) right away if you encounter any issues at either the U.S. Consulate or Embassy or at the U.S. Port of Entry.
- Can Customs and Border Protection (CBP) search my phone at the border?
- Yes, CBP Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has wide discretion at the border. They can review your social media, your electronic devices (phone, tablet, smart watch, computer). Even with a valid visa and valid I-20, CBP can still deny you entry to the U.S. at the Port of Entry.
- Yes, CBP Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has wide discretion at the border. They can review your social media, your electronic devices (phone, tablet, smart watch, computer). Even with a valid visa and valid I-20, CBP can still deny you entry to the U.S. at the Port of Entry.
Additional Information for International Scholars
- Are international scholars in J-1, H-1B, TN, or O-1 affected by these visa revocations and SEVIS terminations?
- As far as we know, there have not been any visa revocations for any H-1B, TN, or O-1 scholars.
- SEVIS only includes information on F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors; there are no SEVIS records for active H-1B, TN, or O-1 scholars.
- There have been a few reports of J-1 scholars having their visas revoked and SEVIS records terminated, but this has not been widespread.
- 黑料网 and International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) cannot access any database or information regarding the status.
- Are international scholars being denied entry to the U.S. when attempting to return from international travel?
- Yes. There have been verified reports that some international scholars have experienced additional delays, including secondary inspection, when applying to enter the U.S.
- In some rare cases, these individuals have been denied entry to the U.S.
- How will I know if my immigration status has been terminated?
- USCIS should contact 黑料网 (as the employer) for terminations for any 黑料网-sponsored scholars including H-1B, TN, and O-1.
- Monitor both your 黑料网 and personal email addresses for any potential communications from either the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security. If you receive any information regarding a status termination please contact International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) immediately.
- Can the U.S. federal government revoke my Permanent Residence (Green Card)?
- Yes. The Department of Homeland Security can revoke a person鈥檚 Permanent Residence status under certain circumstances.
- Please speak with an immigration attorney for additional information or if you have questions.