Over the last few weeks, news outlets have reported actions taken against international students, faculty, staff, and scholars. The university—together with peer institutions—has been closely monitoring these issues, advocating for those impacted, and working together to communicate information in support our international community.
We want to emphasize that our international students, faculty, staff, and scholars are both wanted and needed here at Illinois, and we will continue strive to create a campus where faculty, staff and students from all areas of the word feel welcome.
Below are frequently asked questions regarding the immigration, visas, terminations, and resources. Immigration issues are nuanced, complicated, and specific to each individual case. We are sharing this information to keep our community informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are specific to immigration laws and policies in the United States:
General Information
Where can I find information related to federal updates?
For immigration-specific updates, please refer to the ISSS Announcements blog. You can also find general immigration information on the ISSS website (isss.illinois.edu). You can also find additional information and resources on the university's Federal Updates website (federalupdates.illinois.edu).
Travel
Should I travel outside of the United States?
Your decision to travel internationally is a personal one and we encourage you to consider your own unique circumstances and comfort level based on the information available. it is important for our international population to be aware that the rules regarding travel and re-entry could change suddenly. Travelers should assess their own comfort level with international travel using the current information available.
Where can I find guidance regarding international travel?
ISSS encourages all travelers to review following travel guidance and have all the necessary documents for their specific visa type:
All travelers should review reminders and resources for procedures at ports of entry to the United States. For additional official guidance from Customs and Border Patrol regarding re-entry, please refer to the following resources: CBP Search Authority, Border Search of Electronic Devices, and Information for U.S. Citizens.
Visa Appointments & Late Arrival
Where can I schedule my entry visa appointment?
On Sept. 6, the Department of State announced that any individual wishing to apply for a nonimmigrant entry visa must now do so at an embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. This is a change to the previous policy where applicants could apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate, including those in third party countries. Limited exceptions exist for citizens and residents of countries where the embassy or consulate is not conducting routine operations. A list of these countries, along with further details, can be found on the Department of State website. Additionally, citizens of certain countries may be prohibited from obtaining certain entry visas at this time
I cannot get an entry visa appointment. Is there a possibility of deferred enrollment or an online start?
If you are a continuing student, please contact your department or college directly. Continuing students will have different options based on their own unique academic plan.
If you are a new student, please review the information below:
- Undergraduate Students: Newly admitted first year and transfer undergraduate students should arrive on campus by the “no-later-than” report or start date indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019. Undergraduate Admissions does not allow for delay of admission requests for students who are not able to obtain a visa. Undergraduate Admissions encourage students to re-apply next cycle by our November 1st deadline if they are interested in enrolling at the University of Illinois for fall 2026. If you have questions about delaying admission, we encourage you to contact Undergraduate Admissions (admissions@illinois.edu).
- Exchange Students: Exchange students who need to request a late arrival, please contact your Illinois exchange coordinator to explore possibilities. To request a deferral to a subsequent semester, please first contact your home university exchange coordinator.
- Graduate Students: Graduate Students who are unable to arrive prior to their start date have two options available to them if they are unable to obtain a visa and reach campus by the start of classes in August.
- Option 1: Defer Admission. Admitted students may request to defer their admission to a future term, for up to one calendar year. This can be a helpful option for students who are unable to begin their studies in Fall 2025 due to visa-related delays. Departments may determine whether to approve deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
- Option 2: Late Arrival. If a student is unable to arrive by the program start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 (August 20, 2025), departments may allow a late arrival when appropriate. While it is preferred that students arrive by the 10th day of classes, exceptions can be made if need be and if it is in the best interest of the student. Here are some additional considerations:
- Students with assistantships must arrive and be put on appointment no later than September 19, 2025.
- Students without assistantships may arrive as late as the beginning of Part of Term B. Students who are delayed may begin the semester remotely with a fully online course schedule. However, once they arrive on campus, they will need to transition to in-person course sections.
- Arriving in late September to mid-October presents additional challenges for our students such as finding housing, transitioning from taking their courses online to face-to-face, transitioning to living in the U.S. (and working if on appointment), etc. We encourage programs to talk through the options with their students when requesting to arrive this late.
- As a reminder, approval must be obtained to employ an individual outside of Illinois. Please consult your HR contact for more information. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact our office at grad@illinois.edu.
- Colleges and departments should contact Export Controls at exportcontrols@illinois.edu if they make plans for students to work and/or study outside the U.S.
What can the university do to expedite my visa appointment?
Issuing nonimmigrant entry visas is a federal process. Unfortunately, the university is unable to influence individual cases.
Status Terminations
What is the difference between an entry visa and immigration status?
An entry visa is the document individuals receive that permits them entry into the United States. Entry visas can expire while the holder is in the United States without any negative effect on the holder’s immigration status. Immigration status is a legal classification that outlines your permitted activities while in the United States, such as a student, employee, or tourist.
What is an immigration status termination?
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the government’s database for tracking international students and scholars with F-1 and J-1 immigration status. Traditionally, SEVIS terminations have been initiated by a university official following a change in or violation of a student’s immigration status (refer to the International Student and Scholar Services website for guidelines regarding maintaining status). Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used its authority to terminate immigration status through SEVIS itself. This termination of one’s immigration status ends that student’s lawful status in the U.S.
What role does ISSS have in maintaining immigration status information?
Individuals are responsible for maintaining their own immigration status. ISSS is federally mandated to maintain and update records and ensure all student and scholar information is up to date in SEVIS on behalf of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ISSS also advises students and scholars on how to maintain their immigration status and remain compliant with federal laws and regulations.
What happens when an immigration status is terminated?
ISSS regularly monitors SEVIS immigration status terminations. When a status is terminated, by either a federal agency or the school, ISSS directly communicates with the individual to provide details and options specific to the student or scholar’s unique situation.
How will I be informed if my immigration status is terminated?
When a status is terminated by the U.S. Department of State, the individual will typically be notified at the email address listed on the visa application. If you receive such a notice, please inform ISSS. ISSS will review the SEVIS record to determine if this reflects a termination of the individual's status.
The federal government does not proactively notify the university of no-contact terminations, but ISSS regularly monitors SEVIS immigration status of students and scholars. When a status is terminated for any reason, by either a federal agency or the school, ISSS directly communicates with the individual to provide details and options specific to the individual’s unique situation.
When the university is made aware of a termination, ISSS will notify impacted individuals with information regarding their situation and provide support and guidance to address their situation. Neither ISSS nor the university has authority to reverse this termination.
What are the consequences of status termination?
Per federal law, nonimmigrant (F-1) students who fail to maintain status are not eligible for an additional period for departure and are no longer authorized for on-campus employment or curricular practical training. Students on post-completion practical training (OPT or STEM OPT) will no longer have work authorization. J-1 students whose status has been terminated are no longer authorized for Academic Training.
Remaining in the United States without lawful immigration status may result in fines, detention, and/or removal (deportation), and could also impact eligibility for future U.S. visas. Students should work with their academic department to identify academic options.
This type of termination does not automatically impact a student's enrollment at the university and individuals may be able to continue studies remotely. Impacted individuals are encouraged to reach out to their college or department to discuss possible options for academic program continuation.
Where can individuals who have been impacted by a status termination receive support?
Status termination may be upsetting and disruptive, and impacted individuals may wish to access the following resources:
- International Students and Scholar Services can provide support will communicate directly with individuals to provide specific details and options depending on the circumstances of the termination.
- Student Assistance: The Connie Frank CARE Center in the Dean of Students office helps individuals understand university policies and procedures, connect with campus resources, and provide support in times of distress. Visit the Connie Frank CARE Center website or call 217-333-0050 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Legal Advice: This process is complex and varies by individual circumstance. Impacted individuals should speak with a trusted immigration attorney who specializes in deportation/removal cases. Below are resources for immigration legal aid.
- List of deportation specialists in Illinois: AILA's Immigration Lawyer Search: Why choose an AILA lawyer?.
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: https://www.icirr.org/
- SIAN (Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network): https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldImmigrant
- National Immigration Justice Center: https://immigrantjustice.org/
- Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services provides support for employees of the university, including counseling, well-being, and crisis support. Their standard business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please call (217) 244-5312 for an appointment. If there is a crisis outside of regular business hours, please call the crisis line at (217) 244-7739.
- Academic Support: Impacted individuals can reach out to their college, department, or academic advisor to explore academic options, which may include but not be limited to options for remote coursework completion.
- Mental Health Support: The University offers crisis, walk-in, and by appointment supportive services. Visit the Student Affairs Mental Health page for a list of campus mental health supports.
What is the university doing to advocate for international students and scholars?
The university has joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, an alliance of over 500 college and university leaders, that has condemned the apprehension and detention of international students and that is working to support their rights.