Immigration Information

In recent days, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and University leadership have been monitoring numerous developments at the federal level, including recent actions by government authorities to either revoke or terminate the visa statuses of a number of international students at universities across the nation.

These actions have understandably prompted a number of questions across our University community, and we want our international students, faculty and staff to know that we remain committed to providing resources and outlets for support as this situation continues to progress. The ISSS office has already provided a similar update to students and scholars on F or J visas.

Understanding the potential impacts of a visa revocation or a termination of status

First and foremost, it is important to understand the difference between a visa stamp being revoked and a visa status being terminated. Our International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team has provided some guidance below, which pertains to F and J visa holders only.

Visa Stamp: A visa stamp in the passport allows F or J visa holders to request entry into the U.S. If it’s revoked while they are in the country, no immediate action is needed unless advised by ISSS, an immigration attorney, or a U.S. government official. F and J visa holders are admitted under Duration of Status (D/S), meaning they can stay in the U.S. as long as they maintain their status, even if the visa stamp expires or is revoked.

Visa Status: Visa status refers to the purpose of a person’s stay in the U.S. and the regulations tied to their visa type, like F or J. After entering the U.S., individuals are responsible for following all regulations for their visa. ISSS provides guidance before arrival and semesterly reminders; however, maintaining this status is the visa holder’s responsibility.

Navigating potential impacts across our OHIO community

Although we are unable to share details regarding individual student experiences due to privacy concerns, we can share that the ISSS office has been in communication with any students who have been impacted by any changes to their visa status to provide appropriate information and support. Additionally, ISSS is designated to access the SEVIS system, which is the online government database housing F and J visa records, and we will continue to monitor it daily for potential changes.

More broadly, we recognize the reality that the evolving federal and state legal landscape might be creating concern amongst some within our international student community, and we encourage them to connect with our ISSS team and/or the various University resources that stand ready to help answer their questions, offer individual support and provide details regarding various opportunities for assistance that are available based on their specific needs. While OHIO faculty and staff are encouraged to continue to serve as a vital connecting point for academic support; we highly encourage all employees to refer students in need of immigration guidance directly to ISSS. ISSS advisers are trained and in the best position to provide accurate and timely advice.

The ISSS team and University leadership will continue to monitor further developments in the days and weeks ahead, and we will continue to provide important immigration information while helping the University community navigate evolving discussions at the state and federal levels. More importantly, we will continue to remain focused on our collective mission and values while further fostering a welcoming campus where all students can thrive.

Link to OHIO News Post: https://www.ohio.edu/news/2025/04/ohio-provides-immigration-update-remi…

Everyone should be familiar with their rights on and off campus; ISSS recommends students utilize important information that is shared by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) as well as utilizing their immigration lawyer search tool should they be looking for external counsel. 

We have been getting questions about what to do should an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer were to arrive in the area. AILA has published three Know Your Rights documents. Please see below for links to the documents. 

Public 

Workplace

Home

ISSS advises students in F and J status as well as their dependents and scholars in J status only. Please note that we recommend speaking with a certified immigration lawyer should you have any questions beyond the scope of our office. 

Read below for guidance on what types of documents you should carry on your person based upon your visa type. 

Please note that it is not recommended that you carry with you any original documentation including your passport. 

F and J visa holders

• One original form of photo ID (issued from the state or from Ohio University).
• Color photocopy of your passport ID page.
• Printed I-94 record (You can download your latest I-94 from the I-94 lookup webpage -- https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home)

H1B visa holders

• One original form of photo ID (issued from the state or from Ohio University).
• Color photocopy of your passport ID page.
• Original, valid Form I-797 Notice of Approval of H-1B employment

If you are an H1B visa holder sponsored by Ohio Unviersity and have further questions, please contact Erin Patterson (patterson@ohio.edu) in Legal Affairs. 

B, E, H, O, P, R, TN, TD

• Color copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Current I-94

L-1 or L-2

• Color copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Current I-94
• Blanket L-1 status holders should also have a copy of their endorsed Form I-129S

TPS

• Color copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of relevant status documents

Permanent Resident

• Valid US permanent resident card

For those who have pending immigration relief

• One original form of photo ID (e.g., foreign ID or color photocopy of your passport ID page)
• I-797C receipt notice

As a reminder, Ohio University’s Spring Semester begins January 13, 2025. Students are expected by the U.S. government to return prior to that date to fulfill in-person course requirements. If you are unable to return prior to the start of classes, we recommend that you return to the U.S. prior to January 20, 2025, as we are uncertain of potential changes to U.S. immigration policies.

Carry Essential Documents: Upon entering the United States (U.S.), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) may ask for evidence of your reason for returning to the U.S. 
To be prepared, make sure you carry all your documents:

• Valid passport (validity 6 months into the future, especially when requesting entry into the U.S.)
• Valid visa stamp (Canadians exempted)
• I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature
  • Validity for student and scholars is 12 months from the date of signature from ISSS
  • Exception: validity for F-1 students on OPT is 6 months from the date of signature from ISSS
• Students: Proof of enrollment (https://www.ohio.edu/registrar/enrollment-degree-verification)
• Students: Proof of funding for one academic year
• Scholars: Letter from host department confirming continued employment/fellowship

At the border of the United States, USCBP makes the final determination to admit any individual into the country.

Need to apply for a new visa stamp? Before leaving the U.S., make sure you have a confirmed visa appointment.

Note: This information does not include immigration advice for any individual. If you have specific questions, please contact ISSS using the below information.

We appreciate your patience as we will answer questions as they arrive.

International Student and Scholar Services    
Email: isss@ohio.edu                    
Phone: 740-593-4330  

For Ohio University international faculty and staff, please contact the Office of Legal Affairs at patterson@ohio.edu or (740) 597-1774. You may also visit the Office of Legal Affairs website regarding essential travel information for H-1B and H-4 dependent visa holders.