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.
Should I be worried about my digital footprint?
- 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.
What other resources should I know about?
- Please familiarize yourself with the ACLU's Know Your Rights guide.
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.