November 27, 2024
As the new White House administration transitions into office on January 20, 2025, some of you may wonder about potential changes to policies governing U.S. visas and immigration. The International Center (IC) monitors immigration/visa policies and any proposed changes impacting the populations of international students, scholars, employees, and dependents we serve. This includes shifts in policy or regulatory changes proposed by federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, as well as executive actions or presidential proclamations made by the White House. Note that some types of changes can be made quickly, whereas other changes would take a significant amount of time to implement. We confer with the U-M Office of the Vice President and General Counsel and retained immigration counsel, when additional analysis is needed.
To keep the U-M community informed, we send updates via email, make announcements on the IC website, and schedule forums or webinars, when specific changes are announced by the U.S. Government that directly impact the community. While we cannot predict any future courses of action or shifts in policy, we will clarify any changes and potential impacts for the populations we serve to the extent that we are able. To avoid spreading misinformation, we will not address pending legislation, proposed policy changes, unverified news reports, or social media speculation.
As of now, there are no changes that have been implemented that affect the international student, scholar, employee or dependent population served by the IC.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Maintain status. As you are aware, there are specific requirements for those in a non-immigrant status (F, J, H-1B, etc). It is important to understand and follow these requirements. These are explained in detail on the IC website broken down by immigration status and in the F-1 and J-1 Canvas check-in courses, which you can review at any time.
Ask the IC questions. We are here to advise. There are some scenarios where, based on a number of different factors (e.g. degree/major, field of expertise, country of citizenship, immigration history), individualized advice may be merited. It is important to also understand that not all proposed changes apply to you or your visa type or situation.
Apply as early as possible. If you are applying for a visa or for immigration benefits, such as OPT, it is important to apply early. Processing times vary, and are influenced by a variety of factors, including policy and regulatory changes and staffing levels. It is important to factor in potential delays in processing when applying for specific immigration benefits or visas.
Report an RFE. If you have applied for a benefit related to your immigration status and receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other unexpected communication from USCIS, you should contact the IC for assistance to make sure that you provide a prompt and accurate response. This will also help the IC track the number and details of the RFEs received by our population. While the request may seem simple (for instance, a F-1 student receiving an RFE for their transcripts, after applying for OPT), having an IC staff member review it before you respond may save additional time or prevent further requests.
Plan ahead for international travel. If you have planned or are considering travel outside the U.S., make sure you have reviewed any travel related guidance for your visa type. (F and J, see this webpage; employment based visa holders, see this guidance). On occasion, the visa appointment wait times are long at some U.S. embassies and consulates. If you are unable to secure an appointment to renew or obtain a visa stamp prior to travel, it is important to consider that your return to the U.S. may be delayed and to plan accordingly.
Ensure you have your immigration documents while traveling within the U.S. As always, if you are travelling in the U.S. at some distance from Ann Arbor, the IC recommends carrying your immigration documents with you.
Avoid poor sources of information. Consider the source of your information carefully as rumors and misinformation can cause undue concern. For example, social media and news outlets may not provide accurate information about policy changes, nor address important differences in the myriad of visa types.
Realize that your well-being matters. Some individuals may feel apprehensive about changes that might happen in the U.S. We understand that uncertainty can create feelings of anxiety. We encourage you to be mindful of your overall well-being and take advantage of the opportunities at U-M that are of interest to you. This includes wellness resources for students, faculty and staff, recreational sports, and a wealth of social, educational, and cultural events. Counseling and Psychological Services - CAPS (for students), Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office - FASCCO (for employees), and the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (for those affiliated with Michigan Medicine) offer confidential counseling and some group-based sessions.
The IC is here to serve the international population and U-M departments and schools. We will continue to monitor and inform the community of any specific and relevant changes in policies or regulations. You are a valued part of the U-M community and we are glad you are here!
The International Center