On December 3, 2024, ISSS sent the following message to all international students and scholars:
Over the past few weeks, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has received several inquiries regarding the effect the transition to a new presidential administration will have on visas and travel. At this time, there are no specifics regarding what, if any, policy or regulation changes will be attempted. ISSS is not currently recommending our international population make any changes to their travel plans nor carry any additional documentation. We are aware that some institutions have issued stricter suggestions regarding travel, but this guidance is speculation that is not based on a current government policy or recommendation. We only want to communicate facts and to avoid promoting misinformation, we will not address unverified news reports or social media speculation.
ISSS carefully monitors immigration and visa policies impacting the community of international students, scholars, employees, and dependents we serve. This includes regulatory changes proposed by federal agencies and executive actions or presidential proclamations made by the White House. When necessary, we make sure to quickly and widely share updates to ensure that our students, scholars, and campus partners are aware of any new information that may impact them.
Any transition within local and national governments presents a level of uncertainty. We encourage everyone to continue following these best practices:
Prepare in advance for international travel
If you are travelling outside the U.S., make sure you have reviewed the following travel guidance and have all the necessary documents for your specific visa type.
Avoid unverified sources of information.
Consider the source of your information carefully. Look to university resources such as the ISSS website (https://isss.illinois.edu) for verified news and advice.
Prioritize wellness and self care
We are aware that there is a considerable amount of anxiety surrounding this upcoming travel period. We encourage you to look after yourselves and each other, and take advantage of the opportunities on campus that can help.
Remember, ISSS is here to support you and we remain committed to openly communicating the latest information to our international community. We wish you a successful end to the semester, and a safe and happy winter break.