Please read the below new safety and security tips for international students, scholars, and employees.
- What do I need to know about traveling outside of the United States?
The ISO supports and offers general visa-related guidance to all university-sponsored international students, scholars and employees in F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, and E-3 statuses. In addition to those holding the above visa statuses, the university includes many people who hold other immigration statuses. Due to the complex and fluid nature of government policies, the university advises individuals in these categories to use caution and to consult with the ISO with any questions prior to engaging in international travel. Please refer to the ISO's Travel and Re-entry page for information. Individuals may also wish to consult with a qualified immigration attorney prior to engaging in international travel.
- Which documents should I carry to prove my status?
Immigration law requires nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents to carry proof of immigration registration. In particular, “every alien" 18 years of age and over must "carry with him and have in his personal possession" their "evidence of registration document "at all times," even during domestic travel and when going about daily activities.
Please see here for more information on this requirement, including a list of acceptable documents. Requirements to Carry Immigration Registration Document and Report Change of Address | NAFSA.
- What do I need to know about my digital footprint when traveling internationally?
In March, USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register titled “Generic Clearance for the Collection of Social Media Identifier(s) on Immigration Forms” essentially stating that they may collect information from individuals applying for US visas or requesting admission to the United States. You can read more about this on the Customs & Border Protection Website.
Electronic Device Searches at Airports and Border Crossings
International travelers are facing added scrutiny—from immigration restrictions to enhanced screening procedures for U.S.-bound flights. GW travelers should be aware that government authorities may ask individuals to provide access to phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices, as well as social media profiles, e-mail, and similar accounts when entering or exiting a country, including the U.S.
What Can I Expect When Entering the U.S.?
The U.S. government asserts broad authority to search all electronic devices at the border. However, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of travelers crossing the border that experience a border search of their electronic devices is small. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, less than 0.01 percent of arriving international travelers encountered by CBP at a port of entry had their electronic devices searched.
Advice for All Locations
- Follow data security best practices, including minimizing the number of devices and amount of data on your devices to reduce the risk of unwanted exposure.
- Allow plenty of extra time to pass through customs and multiple enhanced security screenings.
- Be polite and respectful with any government officials you encounter.
- If you are an international traveler, have a valid passport (with at least six months validity and required number of blank pages), visa document, visa stamp, and other paperwork as applicable (i.e., resume/CV and an invitation letter, etc. attesting to your status).
- If you're asked for passwords to search your device or accounts, you should change your passwords as soon as possible afterward and not use them elsewhere.
What if I Refuse a Search Request?
Consequences of refusal to comply with search requests vary according to the location, the applicable laws and regulations, and the citizenship and immigration or visa status of the traveler, but can include detention, denial of entry, or confiscation of devices.
If your device is taken, make sure you obtain a receipt outlining what was taken and whom to contact in order to retrieve it. If it's a GW-owned device, report the incident to GW IT.
- What other resources should I know about?
Please familiarize yourself with the AILA's Know Your Rights guide and the ACLU's Know Your Rights webpage.
- How can I minimize risk while traveling?
Traveling internationally as a visa-holder always carries inherent risk and re-entry is always at the discretion of border officials. If you are not comfortable with those known and inherent risks, traveling is likely not the best choice for you right now. However, international students, scholars, and employees who must travel for work or study or who choose to engage in travel and plan to re-enter to the U.S. within the terms of their visas should be extra cautious and be prepared for increased scrutiny at ports of entry. Please see here for travel and re-entry guidance to the U.S.
- Is GW University able to protect me from problems while re-entering the United States?
Some travel issues can be rectified quickly. Generally, if there is an issue at a port of entry that can be quickly resolved, Customs and Border officials (CBP) will call a school official within the International Services Office for clarification. However, re-entry to the United States is always at the discretion of border officials, and neither GW nor immigration attorneys can predict all possible scenarios, guarantee re-entry to the U.S., or reverse decisions made by CBP.
- I have further questions. How can I receive individualized support?
Immigration Questions: For individualized advising and general support, please make an appointment with your ISO Advisor. Please note that the International Services Office works diligently to provide general guidance and support to international students, scholars and faculty of The George Washington University. However, we cannot provide legal advice. Due to the fluid nature of government policies, the ISO may recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney for complex cases.
General Support: The International Services Office is happy to provide you with support beyond immigration advising, including serving as a listening ear and referring you to resources beyond our office. We understand that uncertainty surrounding immigration can cause anxiety, and we encourage all students, scholars, and employees to use the many GW institutional resources for support. For a list of GW support services, please visit our Resource Library.