Government Updates

For more than 30 years, certain nonimmigrants, including students and scholars in F and J status, have been admitted to the United States for a period known as “duration of status” (D/S) rather than until a specific date.

Duration of Status means that an F or J individual can stay in the U.S. for as long as they have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 and as long as it takes them to complete their program of study or research project, plus a 60-day grace period for F status holders or a 30 day grace period for J status holders.

Under the new proposed rule, individuals applying for admission in either F or J status would be admitted with a specific end date, not to exceed four years.

Individuals who need time beyond their authorized period of stay for any reason (additional time to complete a program, transferring between schools, moving to a higher academic level, or using post-completion practical training [F-1 OPT and STEM OPT, or J-1 Academic Training]) must file an extension of stay application with USCIS using Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Other changes in the proposed rule include:

• The current 60-day grace period for individuals in F status, during which time students can remain in the U.S. and prepare to depart, transfer to another program, or apply to change status, would be replaced with an additional 30 days, matching what is currently the case for individuals in J status, being added to the end of the program of study.
• Undergraduate F-1 students would not be allowed to change programs, majors, or educational levels within the first academic year of their program. F-1 students at the graduate degree level or above would not be allowed to change programs at any point during their program of study.
• If an international student completes a program at a particular level, they would not be eligible for F-1 status to undertake a program at the same level or a lower level.
• An F-1 student would not be allowed to transfer to another school until they completed an academic year of a program of study at the school that initially issued their I-20.
• F and J individuals traveling with a pending extension of stay (EOS) application may be readmitted for the balance of their previous admission period, in which case the pending EOS is not considered abandoned. Alternatively, depending on the documentation presented at the port of entry, the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer can admit them for the requested extended period, in which case the EOS is deemed abandoned.
• F and J individuals who do not timely file an extension of stay application would begin accruing unlawful presence as soon as their specified admission period expires.
• There are also complex transition provisions for the treatment of students and scholars who have already been admitted for duration of status (D/S) before the effective date of the rule. UC International Services will provide additional guidance on these provisions when the rule becomes official.

This is currently a proposed rule , which means that any member of the public can comment on the rule until September 29, 2025. The DHS must then review all the public comments, submit a final rule to the federal administration, and then publish the final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date.

Changes to the proposed rule based on submitted comments are possible. There is no set timeframe for publishing the final rule, but the process typically takes multiple months. The Federal Register notice contains instructions on submitting comments.

The University of Cincinnati will be responding to the proposed regulations and will be working with other organizations representing higher education institutions to comment on the rule. UC International Services will post additional updates, guidance, and FAQs as the rule making process progresses.

Section 264(e) of Immigration and Nationality Act requires every individual over the age of 18 to always carry documentation of legal status.

• Students and scholars may consider carrying paper copies of their legal status and keeping original documents in a safe place that is easily accessible when necessary. 
• The most common item of identification is the passport (biography page only) and the most common forms of evidence of lawful status in the U.S. are the I-94 card accompanied by the appropriate visa document (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Notice of Action, EAD card when on OPT, etc.). 
• I-94 cards can be downloaded electronically.

The University is required to track information relating to international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 status via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including violations of status for things like lack of enrollment or working without authorization.

It’s important that F-1 and J-1 status holders follow all the rules for maintaining those statuses to avoid a terminated designation in SEVIS. Information about maintaining your status is available on the UC International website.

On January 21, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded previous guidance that designated universities as a “protected area” against enforcement activities by ICE. Therefore, it is possible that ICE agents may make unannounced visits to campus to execute a warrant or subpoena.

The University will continue to comply with valid warrants and subpoenas as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and any other applicable laws as appropriate.

The Executive Order “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” enhances and tightens vetting for all visa applicants.

• Students and scholars should expect longer wait times to obtain visa appointments. 
• Those applying for immigration benefits should apply as early as possible and expect longer processing times. 
• Students and scholars may want to consult their immigration attorney if they are considering travel at this time. 

Scheduling visa appointments

On June 18, 2025, the Department of State lifted the pause on scheduling new visa appointments for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. While appointments can now be booked, appointments will now include social media vetting and processing capacity may be reduced due to the expanded screening requirements.

As a reminder, if you are a new student arriving for the first time, please notify us of the outcome of your visa interview. If your visa is issued, return to the New International Student Checklist in our iBearcatsGlobal system and complete the “Planning your Arrival” eform. 

If you are a current student returning to the U.S., please submit the “Update Immigration/Visa Documents” eform in our iBearcatsGlobal system when your visa is issued. 

If your visa is denied, please email us at international.services@uc.edu and we will instruct you about next steps.

If you have further questions about your visa appointment, email us at international.services@uc.edu.

Beginning April 11, 2025, certain foreign nationals in the United States are required to register online with the Department of Homeland Security and undergo biometrics collection and a background check. The new registration rule mandates that all non-US citizens present in the United States for over 30 days register with the federal government.

Most foreign nationals present in the United States, including those who entered on a visa, have been issued an I-94 card, were issued a permanent resident card (green card), have obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), etc., are considered already registered and do not need to take further action. However, certain foreign nationals, particularly dependent children who have or will turn 14 while in the US, will need to comply with the registration rule.

You do not need to register if:

1. You were admitted to the US on a nonimmigrant visa, even if the visa has expired.
2. You have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), even if it has expired.
3. You are 14 or older at the time of admission to the US and have an I-94. You can find your most recent I-94 online.
4. You will be in the United States for less than 30 days.

You or your dependent child needs to register if:

1. You do not have an I-94. Check your most recent I-94 online.
2. Your dependent child is currently under 14 and does not have an I-94.
3. Your dependent child turns 14 while present in the US after April 11, 2025. Foreign nationals need to register within 30 days of turning 14.

To register:

• Create a personal account in myUSCIS; if the registrant is a child under 14, a parent or guardian must create the account for the child;
• Complete and submit USCIS Form G-325R, the online registration form;
• If age 14 or older and not a Canadian visitor, appear at a USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting and photographing.

Registrants must carry proof of registration at all times. All foreign nationals who are obligated to register but fail to do so face significant consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and potential deportation. Individuals who have a criminal history or entered the United States without inspection may face enforcement actions after registration and should consult with an immigration attorney to fully understand potential consequences.

At 12:01 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, a proclamation will go into effect that will restrict and limit the entry to the United States of nationals (immigrants and nonimmigrants) from 19 countries. Full restrictions will apply to twelve countries and partial restrictions will apply to seven countries. Unless exempted, full restrictions will apply to the entry of any visitor (all immigrants and nonimmigrants). Partial restrictions will apply to the entry of immigrants and B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J nonimmigrants.

Full ban countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Partial ban countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Exemptions

• The travel bans are applicable only to nationals of the subject country who are outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. Individuals who are inside the United States on June 9, 2025, or who are outside the United States but have a visa that is valid as of June 9, 2025, would likely not be covered by the ban. Visas previously issued to affected individuals should not be revoked. 
• Lawful permanent residents of the United States, refugees, asylees, recipients of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, diplomatic visas, immediate family member immigrant visas and those "for ethnic and religious minorities in Iran" are exempt from the ban. 
• There are also exceptions for adoptions, dual nationals traveling on a passport from an unrestricted country and any athlete or member of an athletic team traveling to the country for the World Cup or the Olympics.

UC International Services will be monitoring these travel bans and will update the information as countries are added or removed from the list of affected countries.

In simplest terms, visa revocation means that a previously issued U.S. visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for entry into the U.S. A visa is revoked by the U.S. Department of State, typically by a consular official at the consulate or embassy that issued the visa. A visa revocation can occur for many reasons, including violations of U.S. laws.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a tracking and monitoring system for F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors. There are two SEVIS systems. The F-1 SEVIS system is administered by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The J-1 SEVIS system is administered by the U.S. Department of State. F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors must meet certain requirements to maintain their status while in the U.S. If certain requirements are not met, then the student’s SEVIS record may be terminated by the school or by the government. ICE has recently begun directly terminating F-1 SEVIS records.

See "protecting your status and options if terminated," further in this FAQ.

Visa Revocation: In many cases, the U.S. Department of State, through the Consulate/Embassy at which you applied for your visa, will send an email to the address you used when applying for your visa notifying you that your visa has been revoked.

SEVIS Termination: If UC terminates the SEVIS record, we always notify the student of the termination. However, when the government terminates the SEVIS record, notification to the student or the school is not required. UC International Services regularly checks the SEVIS system and will notify affected F-1 students. Students with Optional Practical Training (OPT) can check their SEVIS record through the OPT portal in SEVIS. 

Yes. Any non-immigrant whose visa has been revoked or SEVIS record has been terminated could be detained and placed in removal proceedings.

Be aware of scammers who may claim to be from ICE, the U.S. Department of State, or other government agencies and offer to “fix” your status for money or gift cards. Government Agencies will not request payment to resolve SEVIS or visa issues. Contact UCPD if you receive communications that you believe are fraudulent.

The F-2 or J-2 visas for any accompanying dependents (spouse or children) are not automatically revoked because your visa is revoked.

However, their legal F-2 or J-2 status in the U.S. is directly tied to your legal status. If your SEVIS record is terminated, the F-2 or J-2 SEVIS records for your dependents are also terminated.

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 student status. You can find guidance on all the rules on the Department of Homeland Security website.

Some key rules to keep in mind:

• Report changes of address promptly (within 10 days)
• Enroll full-time, in-person each term
• Do not work without authorization
• Obtain new I-20 forms timely if you change your academic degree level or transfer to a different institution
• Avoid violating U.S. criminal laws (do not drive under the influence, do not shoplift, speed excessively, etc.)

Similar rules are in place for J-1 students. J-1 scholars can find out details about maintaining status on the Department of State website.

Every situation is unique. It is possible that a student could have a visa revoked but the SEVIS record remains active. Conversely, a SEVIS record could be terminated but the visa is not revoked. If the SEVIS record is active, the student remains in status and can remain in the U.S. pursuing a full course of study.

The options below assume the visa has been revoked AND the SEVIS record has been terminated.

• Depart the U.S. and apply for a new visa to return. This is your only option if you are outside the U.S. when notified of a visa revocation. You will need a new Form I-20 from UC International Services.
• Apply for F-1 reinstatement to student status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This option allows you to request restoration of your F-1 status while remaining in the U.S. You will need a new Form I-20 from UC International Services. This option may not be appropriate for all students. UC International Services will review your qualifications for reinstatement prior to issuing the Form I-20. More details about filing for reinstatement can be found online.
• Consult with an immigration attorney regarding the above actions or any alternative legal action that may be taken.

We strongly encourage consulting with a qualified immigration attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case and to determine what options might be available to you. See "support resources" in this FAQ.

If the SEVIS record was terminated for a violation of status, then there is no grace period. You should take prompt action when notified of SEVIS termination.

Visa Revocation: A visa revocation alone does not affect your ability to remain in the U.S. and work.

SEVIS Termination: If your SEVIS record is terminated, you must stop all authorized employment immediately, including:

• On-campus work
• Off-campus authorized work
• Curricular Practical (CPT)
• Academic Training (for J-1 students)

Visa Revocation: Can happen to any student or scholar on any immigration status, not just those on F-1 or J-1 status.

SEVIS Termination: Only applies to F-1 students or J-1 Exchange Visitors. So far at UC, terminations have only focused on F-1 students, not J-1 Exchange Visitors. 

It is rumored that the Trump Administration will be issuing an Executive Order that could impose travel restrictions on as many as 43 countries. These restrictions may be organized by three levels:

• Full Suspension: Complete travel ban for everyone from designated countries.
• Partial Suspension: Travel possible with certain restrictions.
• Probationary Period: Countries would receive a 60-day period to address concerns regarding security and vetting processes. 

Students and scholars from countries on the full suspension and partial suspension lists should carefully consider travel plans until more information is known. Additionally, if your SEVIS record is terminated while abroad, you cannot reenter until you obtain a new visa.

Potential Full Suspension Travel Ban Countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen

Potential Partial Suspension Travel Ban Countries: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan

Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires every individual over the age of 18 to always carry documentation of legal status. Consider:

• Carrying paper copies of your documents
• Keeping originals in a safe, easily accessible place

Common identification includes:

• passport (biography page)
• I-94 (downloadable online)
• Appropriate visa documents (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Notice of Action, EAD card when on OPT)

The University’s Office of General Counsel cannot provide personal legal advice or representation to individuals on personal matters. The following are resources to help locate legal counsel for personal matters:

• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Cincinnati Bar Association
• Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC
• Ohio State Bar Association

• Conventional Munitions: technologies associated with warhead and large caliber projectiles, fusing and arming systems, electronic counter measures and systems, new or novel explosives and formulation, automated explosive detection methods and equipment.
• Nuclear Technology: technologies associated with the production and use of nuclear material for peaceful and military applications include. This includes materials, equipment or technology associated with nuclear physics or nuclear engineering.
• Rocket Systems: technologies associated rocket systems and unmanned air vehicles including ballistic missile systems, space launch vehicles and sounding rockets, cruise missiles, target drones and reconnaissance drones.
• Rocket System and Unmanned Air Vehicle Subsystems: technologies associated with propulsion including solid rocket motor stages and liquid propellant engines. Other critical subsystems include re-entry vehicles, guidance sets, thrust vector controls and warhead safing, arming and fusing.
• Navigation, Avionics and Flight Control Usable in Rocket Systems and unmanned Air Vehicles: These capabilities directly determine the delivery accuracy and lethality of both unguided and guided weapons. Associated technologies include: internal navigation systems, tracking and terminal homing devices, accelerometers and gyroscopes, rockets and UAV and flight control systems, and global positioning system (GPS).
• Chemical, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering: associated technologies used to produce chemical and biological weapons.
• Remote Sensing, Imaging and Reconnaissance: technologies associated with satellite and aircraft remote sensing including military and intelligence reconnaissance activities, drones and remotely piloted vehicles.
• Advanced Computer/Microelectronic Technology: Advanced computers and software that play a useful role in the development and deployment of missiles and missile systems, and in the development and production of nuclear weapons, over-the-horizon targeting, airborne early warning targeting, and electronic countermeasures (ECM) processors.
• Materials Technology: technologies related to the metallic, ceramic and composite materials for structural functions in aircraft, spacecraft missiles, undersea vehicles and propulsion devices.
• Information Security: technologies associated with cryptographical systems to ensure secrecy of communications video, data and related software.
• Laser and Directed Energy Systems: technologies associated with laser guided bombs, ranging devices, and lasers having critical military applications.
• Sensors: technologies associated with marine acoustics, missile launch calibration, night vision devices, high speed photographic equipment and magnetometers
• Marine Technology: technologies associated with submarines and deep submersible vessels, marine propulsion systems designed for undersea use and navigation, radar, acoustic/nonacoustic detection;
• Robotics: technologies associated with artificial intelligence, automation computer-controlled machine tools, and pattern recognition technologies.
• Urban Planning: technologies associated in the construction or design of systems necessary to sustain modern urban societies including architecture, civil engineering, community development, environmental planning, geography, housing, land use and urban design.