Here you will find critical and timely news updates pertinent for our international students. Please check this page every so often to ensure you stay informed.
News Updates
Preparing for the U.S. Government Transition in January (December 9, 2024)
Over the past few weeks, we have spoken to many in our international student community who have expressed concern about what to expect regarding the upcoming U.S. government transition occurring in January.
International students are valued members of the Emerson community and our Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) staff are committed to providing proactive and holistic support to our international students and wider community. One important support involves providing timely communication throughout this administrative change as events transpire.
Recommendation to Re-enter U.S. Prior to Start of Class and Prior to Inauguration
While many changes to U.S. legislation and regulation take time to play out, actions such as Executive Orders may be enacted quickly and have immediate effect. For this reason, we recommend that international students traveling abroad this winter — as well as international faculty and recent graduates on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) — seriously consider returning to the United States no later than January 20, 2025, the date of the Presidential inauguration.
Boston-based students are encouraged to return to campus before the start of classes on January 13, 2025. Emerson Los Angeles students are encouraged to move onto campus during the ELA move-in times the weekend of January 18, 2025 — prior to the Inauguration, and in advance of ELA classes starting.
This recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution and based on historical precedent, as several travel bans affecting global travelers were enacted within the first few days of the first Trump Administration in 2017. In addition, it is common for staff turnover at U.S. consulates abroad to delay the process of visa issuance following a transition in federal administration.
Additional information about preparing for travel as an international student in F-1 or J-1 status can be found on Emerson Today.
Spring Semester Support and Communication
Our priority at this time is to prepare communication channels so that we can quickly share information and offer effective support if and when changes occur that may have a direct impact on our international community.
Our spring semester support and communication plan will include:
- Posting of major immigration updates to the News and Alerts page of our website
- Daily walk-in hours for individual questions — in addition to the option of scheduled appointment times, OISA will hold daily walk-in hours to address students’ immediate questions. These are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET in person; Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET via Zoom
- New communication initiatives including tabling and brown bag sessions
- Workshops on pertinent topics including:
- International Study in the U.S: What to Expect from a Second Trump Presidency
- A History of U.S. Immigration Policy Towards LGBTQIA+ Migrants
- Immigration Options after OPT: H-1B and Alternatives for Artists and Entrepreneurs
Information related to U.S. immigration status and work permission, as well as international travel, can be found on our website. In addition, OISA’s experienced immigration advising staff are available to assist students in one-on-one advising appointments and walk-in hours.
OISA Travel Advisory (November 26, 2024)
If you are traveling outside of the U.S. during Thanksgiving or Winter Break, now is the time to check your immigration documents for your U.S. return!
OISA Advisory for International Travel and Return to the U.S.
The advisory below is intended to provide general guidance for a return to the U.S. if you hold “active” SEVIS status and are eligible to continue enrollment following your return. The advisory does not cover all international travel scenarios and students with specific questions are advised to schedule an appointment with an OISA advisory for additional clarification.
Key Considerations for International Travel and a Return to the U.S.
- Are your passport and F-1 or J-1 student visa valid for your return to the U.S.?
- Do you have a valid travel signature from OISA on your F-1 Form I-20 (or J-1 Form DS-2019)? For current students, a travel signature is valid for 12 months.
- Have you reviewed the entry/visa, quarantine and testing requirements for your destination and transit countries, for the airlines with which you will fly, and for your return to the U.S.?
The F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport must be valid on the day you will reenter the U.S. in order for you to be eligible to re-enter the U.S. student immigration status.
If your visa will expire before the date of your return, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy while you are out of the U.S. We would advise against leaving the US for a short trip if your F-1 (or J-1) visa or passport has expired if you will not have sufficient time to renew your document before your return.
You will also need an unexpired passport and a valid travel signature on your I-20 (or DS-2019) to re-enter the U.S.
Travel Signature for Students Departing U.S. Temporarily
Any international student currently in the U.S. who plans to depart temporarily with plans to return to Emerson study in Boston (or Los Angeles) must have a valid travel signature on page 2 of their F-1 Form I-20 (or J-1 Form DS-2019).
A travel signature is generally valid for one year, and can be used for multiple trips abroad. A signature is valid for six months only for F-1 students on approved F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- See: Travel Signature Request – in the Control Center of your Terra Dotta record
- See: Frequently Asked Questions about Travel from OISA
- See: Travel During Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Please allow 2-3 business days for OISA processing of travel signature requests. Remember: you do not need a travel signature to depart the U.S. but will need one on the day you reenter the U.S.
While the travel signature is given electronically, please make sure to print your new I-20 (or DS-2019) so you have a physical copy when you enter the U.S. and keep it for your records along with any past I-20 (or DS-2019) copies you may have.
Travel Under “Automatic Visa Revalidation”
In limited circumstances, F-1 and J-1 students and other non-immigrants to the U.S. may be eligible to travel with an expired U.S. visa to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands under “automatic visa revalidation.”
To be eligible:
- Travel must be solely to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands and for 30 days or less
- The non-immigrant must have a valid (unexpired) Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, endorsed by DHS, and
- The traveler cannot apply for a new U.S. visa while in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, and cannot have a pending or denied visa application
Use of “automatic visa validation” is not available to nationals from certain countries, to students who have traveled to Cuba, or who have traveled to other countries outside of Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands. Please make sure to read the full details prior to attempting travel under this provision.
See: Automatic Visa Revalidation
Travel FAQs
Please see our website for answers to other frequently asked questions (FAQs) about travel, including:
- How do I know if my visa is valid for my reentry to the U.S.?
- What should I keep in mind if I am graduating or my I-20 is expiring?
- What is a travel signature?
- Do I need a travel signature?
- What should I do after I return to the U.S.?
Students considering travel out of the U.S. should carefully research the visa requirements, travel documentation, and (as applicable) the COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for each destination and transit country to which they will travel. Emerson OISA is not able to advise in detail about the entry requirements to other countries.
Questions?
Should you have any questions related to international travel, please contact us by email at oisa [at] emerson.edu (oisa[at]emerson[dot]edu). You may also schedule an appointment or attend our walk-in hours (Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.)