In early April, the University of Washington learned that the Department of Homeland Security has revoked a small number of student visas and/or status of international students at UW. University officials have reached out to affected students and provided information, support, and resources. We recognize the stress that these events, along with other highly public developments related to immigration enforcement, is causing for our students, staff, and faculty and the questions they are raising.
Contact International Student Services if:
- You receive an email regarding your immigration status or a visa revocation.
- You have questions about the documentation required for international travel.
- You are a student and have questions about your F-1 or J-1 status.
The Office of Global Affairs has gathered resources for UW’s global community to help potentially impacted individuals identify what on-campus supports are available.
Important information and updates will also be published on the International Student Services Government Updates page
At this time, all UW community travelers should be keenly aware of the below guidance. This information is intended to help you remain in compliance with university policies and federal regulations.
Planning Travel:
- Have relevant emergency contact information saved in multiple places should you encounter any issues while abroad or while reentering the United States. The 24/7 global emergency line is 206.632.0153.
- Stay informed by monitoring official news sources for any news related to travel. Check your UW email frequently.
- Entry requirements of other countries can change abruptly or in response to changing U.S. policies. Make sure you understand the requirements for crossing borders into your destination. If you have specific concerns or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact UW Global Travel Health and Safety at travelemergency@uw.edu.
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Pages (Use the Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements section on the Country pages)
Carry Necessary Documentation:
- U.S. citizens should have a valid U.S. passport for international travel as well as any required visas for the destination country.
- All non-U.S. citizens should have valid documentation with them at all times during travel that verifies their identity and immigration status. International students and scholars should be aware of the required documentation for re-entry back into the U.S. after overseas travel. Legal permanent residents should carry their Green Card. Carrying additional supplemental documentation that identifies your purpose of travel and ties to the university is also recommended.
Additional Considerations:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) retains the authority to screen arriving travelers for “admissibility” into the United States. This includes the right to inspect international travelers.
- Be aware that CBP officers may inspect your personal belongings, question you about your travel and status, and conduct warrantless searches of your electronic devices. See additional information provided by UW ISS on U.S. Customs & Border Screening.
- Refusal to cooperate may result in delays, seizure of devices, and for non-U.S. citizens, denial of entry.
UW remains committed to supporting our students, staff, and faculty. We will continue to share updated information as it becomes available. If you have any questions or concerns about how your personal situation and proposed activities abroad may impact your travel risk, please contact UW Global Travel Health and Safety at travelemergency@uw.edu.