Category Archives: Immigration

Travel Guidance for International Students and Scholars

As you make your international travel plans, please keep in mind that we highly recommend that you plan to return to the United States on or before the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. As context, a new presidential administration can enact policies on its first day (e.g., travel bans). Although ISSS is not aware of nor speculating about any such policies, we are sharing this recommendation to minimize potential disruptions to your travel. We will be certain to message you immediately if we learn of any such policies going into effect.

 

Please make certain to review the travel page on our website for more detailed information on the documents you should be carrying. Please remember:

  • To remain calm if questioned at the Port of Entry (POE) and to answer questions truthfully;
  • To review your social media postings to make sure they represent the best version of you;
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the right to inspect your electronic devices.

 

We also recommend planning your return trip during normal ISSS business hours, if possible, so you can contact us if anything comes up. Please either stop by or consult with an ISSS advisor if you have any questions or simply to ensure all your documents are in order. You can learn about various ways to contact or meet with us here.

More Stringent COVID Testing Requirments Imposed

As part of his strategy to combat COVID-19, on December 2, 2021, President Biden announced more stringent testing requirements for international travelers to the United States. Beginning on December 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before their travel to the United States. Please visit the CDC website for more detailed information.

U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination

President Biden signed a new proclamation on November 26, 2021, suspending indefinitely the entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrants  who pose a risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease. The immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and others excluded in section 2 are exempted. This proclamation suspends the entry into the United States, of nonimmigrants and noncitizens who were physically present within Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the 2 week period before their entry into the United States. The proclamation went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Monday, November 29, 2021.