Immigration Resources & FAQ

The UO will continue to monitor and timely communicate any immigration updates, and their potential impact to our international, Dreamer, and undocumented students, faculty, and staff.

The information provided on this webpage is designed to help you understand any changes to immigration.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact an International Student & Scholar Advisor or the UO Dreamers working group.

The information on this webpage is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. This webpage contains information valid as of 03/03/2025, the situation is fluid, and guidance may change rapidly.

Executive Order Updates

Executive Order: Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

The US federal administration issued an Executive Order on January 20, 2025 (“Protecting the United States…”) that may result, by late March, in restrictions on entering the US for citizens of certain countries.

This executive order calls for immediate “enhanced vetting and screening” of foreign nationals, which may result in delays in consular appointments, and visa processing around the world.

It also directs US government officials to submit a report within 60 days that identifies “countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries.”

It goes on to state that “whenever information is identified that would support the exclusion or removal of any alien” who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021, from the countries identified above, “the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take immediate steps to exclude or remove that alien.”

At this time, we do not know which countries may be identified in the next 60 days for restrictions on entry to the US. We also do not know if and how citizens of such countries who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021, may be subject to exclusion or removal.

We will continue to monitor the potential federal actions resulting from this Executive Order and will provide timely updates on this site.

Immigration FAQs for UO Students and Graduate Employees (GEs)

ISSS advises caution with any international travel for the foreseeable future. We recommend only mandatory or absolutely necessary travel and strongly advise scheduling an appointment to talk with an ISSS advisor before traveling. If you're planning to travel internationally soon, here are a few helpful tips that may make your reentry into the US easier:

Engaging with Customs and Border Protection: Be prepared to present all necessary documents and answer Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers' questions about your travel upon re-entry. Have all necessary paperwork easily accessible before encountering the border officers:

Passports: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
Visas: Confirm your visa is still valid and appropriate for re-entry.
Advance Parole: If you have a pending adjustment of status application (Form I-485), ensure you have a valid and approved Advance Parole document to re-enter.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Carry your valid EAD card, if applicable.
Student Status: Form I-20 or DS-2019, proof of financial support, evidence of ties to your home country, evidence of acceptance into program, and SEVIS fee payment receipt.

Expect Delays and Increased Scrutiny: Potential staffing shortages within CBP may lead to longer processing times at airports and ports of entry. In addition, increased scrutiny and a heightened number of secondary inspections for non-immigrant visitors, immigrants, and US citizens are also likely to lead to extended wait times upon reentry.

Consular Processing: Expect delays or limited availability for visa renewals and initial issuances of visas at US consulates and embassies abroad. In addition, current administrative policies requiring extreme vetting of all visa applicants may lead to greater visa refusals and delays in visa issuances.

Extended Absences for Legal Permanent Residents: Legal permanent residents (green card holders) who have been abroad for extended periods should be prepared to show they have not abandoned their US residency.

I-94 Arrival Record: Upon clearance by CBP, your passport may be stamped to show the date and class of admission and period of authorized stay. For F-1 and J-1 students your period of authorized stay should always read “D/S” with no fixed expiration date. If you do not receive a passport stamp, this is fine; however, your entry information must be logged into CBP’s online record system, and your I-94 arrival record must be updated. Please be sure to review your I-94 upon entry to ensure accuracy. You may retrieve your I-94 from the Customs and Border Protection website.

Q: Where do I go with questions about support for international students on campus?

A: The Division of Global Engagement's International Student & Scholar Services will serve as the University of Oregon’s point of contact and resource for international students. Becky Crabtree, Director of International Student Services can be reached at 541-346-3206 or becky@uoregon.edu.

Q: Has the US imposed any new travel restrictions yet?

A: The US government has not yet imposed any travel restrictions. However, the “Protecting the US...” Executive Order requires several federal agencies to recommend, by March 20, 2025, a list of countries for which travel restrictions may be imposed. Therefore, it is important for international students to pay close attention to updates and information provided on this site.

Q: I have a valid US nonimmigrant visa and need to travel internationally in the next few months. Is this advisable?

A: We recommend you plan your travel in consultation with an ISSS advisor, consider consulting an attorney, and prepare for sudden change. Upon re-entry, US Customs and Border Protection may ask for more evidence of your connection to UO. For that reason, when entering the US, carry the following documents with you and ensure that they are up to date: For enrolled students:

A valid passport (at least 6 months in the future)
Unexpired I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) - must be printed, signed and dated
Valid travel signature on I-20 or DS-2019 within past 12 months
Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa (or other unexpired US visa)
Evidence of funding or OPT/Academic Training employment
Copy of class schedule printed from DuckWeb
Official transcript or ‘advising’ transcript provided by ISSS

For graduated students on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT or J-1 Academic Training:

A valid passport (at least 6 months in the future)
Unexpired I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) - must be printed, signed and dated
Valid travel signature on I-20 or DS-2019 within past 6 months
Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa (or other unexpired US visa)
UO diplomas and official transcript (evidence of degree award)
Evidence of employment (i.e. job offer, contract)
F-1 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or J-1 Work Authorization Letter from ISSS
If working remotely outside the US a letter from employer agreeing to this arrangement

Q: I am planning to travel internationally in the next few months and will need to renew my expired US visa. What should I expect?

A: We recommend you plan your travel in consultation with an ISSS advisor who can help you weigh the risks and benefits of international travel depending on the current state of US entry policies. Reduced staffing levels and increased background checks at US consulates abroad may lengthen visa processing times. Possible travel restrictions could delay re-entry for certain individuals and visa processing times may likely increase with enhanced vetting and screening policies in place. You may be required to appear for an in-person visa interview, even if you received a waiver of the interview requirement in the past. You may also be subject to longer security checks and deeper questioning by consular officers which could delay your return to the US.

Q: My F-1 (or J-1) visa has expired. Do I have to renew my visa to remain legally in the US?

A: First, you do NOT have to renew an expired visa if you are in the US and have no plans to leave the US, as long as you are maintaining legal status and have a valid I-20 or DS-2019. An expired visa is not a condition of legal status in the US. A US visa is an entry document and only needs to be valid upon entry to the US. If you do have plans to leave the US. and your visa has expired, then you will need to renew your visa at a US embassy or consulate outside the US. Please review the website of the US embassy or consulate in your home country or country of destination for information about how to renew your visa. In most cases, it is recommended that you renew your visa in your home country. If you do need to renew your visa, you may qualify for an interview waiver. For details, review the Important Update on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants.

Q: What should I do if I leave the US and cannot re-enter due to a travel ban or an expired visa that is not renewed by the US embassy or consulate?

A: Contact ISSS immediately at intl@uoregon.edu. ISSS will assess your specific situation and determine if and how we can advocate on your behalf through a number of channels that have proven effective over the years. If you are a graduate student, you should also contact your graduation program about your situation to discuss options available to you if your return to the US will be delayed.

Q: I am planning to travel domestically within the US in the next few months. Is there anything I should be prepared for?

A: If you are traveling within the US, carry original identity documents including:

Unexpired passport
Unexpired I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
Paper copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record as evidence of F-1 or J-1 status.
To download and print the I-94 arrival record, go to I-94 CBP Travel Website and click on 'Get Most Recent I-94'.

Q: Are work authorization benefits impacted by executive orders?

A: Only Congress can lawfully change federal regulations pertaining to F-1 Curricular Practical Training, F-1 Optional Practical Training, and J-1 Academic Training. While executive orders have mentioned enforcement of employment authorization rules, no change to the regulations is expected in the short term. Consult with an ISSS advisor or an attorney if policies, regulations, or laws change.

Q: What steps should international students take to maintain their immigration status to avoid any difficulties as rules evolve, sometimes rapidly?

A: The fundamentals and requirements of maintaining immigration status for F-1 students have not changed. The ISSS team educates students through pre-arrival, orientation, advising sessions, and workshops. This includes ensuring students are:

Maintaining full-time enrollment at all times, unless approved for a reduced course load
Adhering to the 20-hour on-campus employment limit when classes are in session
Not working off-campus without authorization
Updating home address within 10 days of a move
Keeping passports valid six months into the future
Ensuring that I-20 or DS-2019 documents don’t expire until after the student graduates

In terms of F-1 or J-1 status, students should continue to follow the above guidelines. If there are changes, uncertainty, or questions, students should always be checking the ISSS website, emailing, and come in for advising services.

Q: How is the office preparing to assist international students if F-1 or J-1 regulations do change under the current administration?

A: ISSS is supporting international students by:

Updating this Immigration Resources website as information is available.
Offering private appointments, same-day phone advising, and walk-in advising for students to meet with an ISSS advisor about their concerns, ask questions, and discuss their plans and get advice.
Sending an ‘ISSS Updates’ newsletter throughout the term with updates for F-1 and J-1 students.
Being a member of NAFSA, an association of international educators. NAFSA has robust resources to help ISSS stay abreast, in real-time, on how to understand executive orders and related actions that may impact international students, and recommendations on how ISSS should advise international students as school officials.
Communicating with other universities regarding the changing regulatory landscape to share information and ensure ISSS is providing students with the most updated information.

Q: What should international students do if they are feeling anxious about their status and future in the US?

A: It is normal to feel anxious in uncertain times, but it is important to take care of yourself and seek out verified, correct information. Below are a few suggestions:

Be wary of misinformation and disinformation. There is a lot of disinformation online and on social media. Talk to an ISSS advisor when you have questions about what you are reading or hearing.
Practice self-care by utilizing campus resources available to help students cope and thrive, including: Counseling Center, Duck Nest, and Dean of Students: Community
Get involved in helping others or doing something that contributes to the greater good. The Holden Center offers great opportunities for service learning and leadership development.
Seek advice from an ISSS advisor. Advisors are designated school officials with the knowledge, experience, and expertise to guide and support you and help you understand your options for your future.
Engage and participate in campus life by attending any available F-1 and J-1 workshops, speaker forums, cultural events, and career readiness workshops and events.

Q: Will there be any changes in the availability of scholarships for international students?

A: We do not expect any changes to the availability of scholarships and financial aid for international students. The University of Oregon disseminates information about scholarships in compliance with existing law. Scholarships and financial aid for international students are provided by the University of Oregon, through the endowment and generous donations from alumni and friends of the UO. ISSS scholarship funding does not come from the federal government.

Immigration FAQs for UO Faculty/Staff & Scholars

Q: Where do I go with questions about support for international employees on campus?

A: The Division of Global Engagement's International Student & Scholar Services will serve as the University of Oregon’s point of contact and resource for international faculty and staff. Lindsay Pepper, Director of International Scholar Services can be reached at 541-346-3206 or lpepper@uoregon.edu.

Q: Where can I find information about the impacts of the federal updates on my international research?

A: The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation maintains the update on federal executive orders and research activities website.

Q: Has the US imposed any new travel bans yet?

A: The US government has not yet imposed any travel bans. However, the “Protecting the US...” Executive Order requires several federal agencies to recommend, by March 20, 2025, a list of countries for which travel restrictions may be imposed. Therefore, it is important for international employees, scholars, and visitors to pay close attention to updates and information provided on this site.

Q: I have a valid US nonimmigrant visa and need to travel internationally in the next few months. Is this advisable?

An unexpired passport (valid at least 6 months in the future)
A courtesy appointment or official UO contract
Recent paystubs, if applicable

Travelers should be aware that “Protecting the US...” Executive Order signals the possibility of a new ban on entry, by late March 2025, from certain countries deemed to have insufficient vetting of travelers to the US.

Q: I am planning to travel internationally in the next few months and will need to renew my expired US visa. What should I expect?

A: We recommend you plan your travel in consultation with an advisor in International Student & Scholar Services who can help you weigh the risks and benefits of international travel depending on the current state of US entry policies. Reduced staffing levels and increased background checks at US consulates abroad may lengthen visa processing times. Possible travel bans could delay re-entry for certain individuals and visa processing times may likely increase with enhanced vetting and screening policies in place. You may be required to appear for an in-person visa interview, even if you received a waiver of the interview requirement in the past. You may also be subject to longer security checks and deeper questioning by consular officers which could delay your return to the US.

Q: I am planning to travel domestically within the US in the next few months. Is there anything I should be prepared for? A: If you are traveling within the US, carry original identity documents including:

Unexpired passport
Paper copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record as evidence of your valid status.
To download and print the I-94 arrival record, go to I-94 CBP Travel Website and click on 'Get Most Recent I-94'.

Q: Is the H-1B/J-1 program going away?
A: Only Congress can lawfully change federal immigration regulations through legislation; current regulations regarding H-1B, J-1, and permanent residency sponsorship remain in place. Any changes in laws or regulations pertaining to these statuses or programs will take time and have advance warning. Applications for new employment-based visas or extensions (e.g., H-1B or O-1) may take longer to process. ISSS will contact employees to start the process in advance of deadlines. Employers may file for an extension of H-1B status six months in advance of the extension start date.

UO's Support for Dreamer and Undocumented Students

Q: Where do I go with questions about support for undocumented students and community members on campus?

A: The Office of the Dean of Students' Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Multicultural & Identity-based Support Services, Justine Carpenter, will serve as the University of Oregon’s point of contact and resource for Dreamer students, including those covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Justine can be reached at 541-346-1123 or justcarp@uoregon.edu. Learn more about UO Dreamers.

Q: What’s the latest on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

A: For now, recipients can continue to renew their DACA. On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision finding major parts of the Biden Administration’s DACA rule unlawful. The court preserved the stay for existing DACA recipients which means the decision is on hold pending further action from the Fifth Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court. Therefore, existing DACA recipients can continue to renew their deferred action and work authorization for the time being.

Q: Does the UO have resources for students renewing their DACA?

A: UO students who will be renewing their DACA have access to an immigration attorney at no cost. Please contact Justine Carpenter to request a referral. Financial assistance may be available to assist with the DACA renewal fees.

Responses to Immigration Enforcement

Guidance for Immigration Enforcement (PDF)

Q: What do I do if an immigration law enforcement official requests information about a UO student, employee, or visiting scholar?

A: The UO Office of the General Counsel is the first point of contact for law enforcement officials seeking information about a UO student, employee or visiting scholar. Contact the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at 541-346-3082 or gcounsel@uoregon.edu. Any voicemails left on the OGC main number will be immediately routed to attorneys for response.

Q: What do I do if I am stopped or questioned by an immigration law enforcement official about my immigration status in the US?

A: Know your rights when dealing with immigration law enforcement. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to speak to an attorney before you answer any questions by an immigration law enforcement official. If you are not a US Citizen and you have your immigration documents with you, you must show them to a federal immigration officer if demanded.

For more information about your rights, visit Oregon Law Help, The Legal Aid Society, ACLU Know Your Rights, and the President's Alliance Higher Ed Immigration portal.

The Immigration Legal Resource Center, an independent immigration rights nonprofit organization, has available on its website legal rights red cards, which anyone can print out and give to an immigration enforcement official to succinctly assert one’s rights in written form.

Q: Can the UO refer me to an immigration lawyer?

A: If you are contacted by law enforcement, you may want to contact an immigration attorney about your specific situation and concerns. For help in finding immigration legal help, visit Oregon Law Help.

Q: What else should I be aware of and prepared for in the coming months?

If you are an international student, employee or visitor and are concerned about your legal status, contact International Student & Scholar Services or consult an immigration lawyer to evaluate your options.
Questions regarding support available for DACA and undocumented students at UO can be directed to Justine Carpenter, Assistant Dean of Students; Director, Multicultural and Identity-based Support Services.

Note: This guidance does not contain immigration advice for any individual. If you have questions about your specific immigration situation, please contact:

International Students: Becky Crabtree, Director of International Student Services

International Scholars & Employees: Lindsay Pepper, Director of International Scholar Services

Dreamers & Undocumented Students: Justine Carpenter, Assistant Dean of Students; Director, Multicultural and Identity-based Support Services.

Resources for Support

University of Oregon Police Frequently Asked Questions: Immigration FAQ
Research and Innovation Updates on Executive Orders
Communicating With Students from Families with Mixed Immigration Statuses About Completing the FAFSA
For information about your rights under immigration law, see Oregon Law Help and ACLU Know Your Rights
Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC): an independent immigration rights nonprofit organization
Legal Rights Red Cards: available from ILRC for anyone to print out to give to an immigration enforcement official to succinctly assert one’s rights (available in English, Spanish, and 18 other languages)
Equity Corps of Oregon: Connects Oregon residents who need legal assistance to attorneys who may be able to help.
Immigrant Rising: National educational, career and empowerment resources for Dreamers

Event Information

Information and Support Session for International, Dreamer, and Undocumented Students, Faculty, and Staff

Event details:

Wednesday, February 5

6:30 p.m.

Eugene: Straub 156 (no RSVP required).

Portland: Library & Learning Commons Room 312. Please RSVP for the Portland session.

Livestream: Microsoft Teams (DuckID Log in Required) Meeting ID: 218 901 797 376 Passcode: bm9tL6Hf

The University of Oregon is hosting an immigration information and support session for our international students, faculty, and staff, including those who are Dreamers, DACAmented, and undocumented.

Essential Information: Gain up-to-date knowledge on immigration policies, and available resources for UO students.
Expert Perspectives: Hear from legal professionals and university representatives on the evolving rules and policies.
Community Building: Connect with fellow members of our diverse community and find support from peers and allies.

Panelists:

Victor Essien, Immigration Attorney based in New York
Betsy Boyd, senior associate vice president for federal affairs, UO Government and Community Relations
Jessica Price, special counsel for research, ethics & international affairs, UO General Counsel’s Office
Kristin Yarris, associate professor, Global Studies and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, department head, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, College of Arts and Sciences
Eric Garcia, assistant director, training director, UO Counseling Services

Representatives from the Dean of Students, Division of Global Engagement, Division of Graduate Studies, and Safety & Risk Services will be available for questions and support.