International Students, Scholars, and Faculty Immigration Resources

Penn State Global, together with other University offices, is closely monitoring any potential changes that could affect our international community. This could include F-1/J-1 students, J-1 scholars, employees, and their dependents.

We remain committed to keeping our Penn State community informed and safe. Please bookmark this site, as we will keep this page updated with the most relevant information.

Email to International Students, Scholars, and Faculty (04/03/2025)

April 3, 2025 

Dear Penn State community,  

We want you to know that international students, scholars, and faculty at Penn State are valued members of our campus community. Penn State is committed to supporting and assisting you. Recently, some incidents have occurred around the country that are concerning to many in our community, particularly our international students, faculty and staff. The University is aware that some international students have had their lawful status in the U.S. terminated. We want to remind you of the guidance and resources that are currently available to you while we continue to monitor evolving federal actions and policies related to immigration and international travel, particularly as they pertain to the Penn State community. 

Please take a few moments to review the guidance below, and or reach out to the International Student and Scholar Advising Office in Penn State Global at 814-865-7681.   

Sincerely, 

Sabine Klahr 
Interim Vice Provost  

Penn State Global 

BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION 

Students, Scholars, and Faculty on University Sponsored Visas 

International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA) in Penn State Global highly recommends that you keep documentation regarding your visa status up-to-date and always carry copies of proof of status, such as a photocopy or scan/digital copy of your primary immigration documents. ISSA provides guidance, which is updated periodically, about which documents you should carry based on your visa type. 

As a reminder, for students on F-1 or J-1 student visa status, your documents would include:   

  • Your main passport page   
  • Your current I-94 Record    
  • Your most recent I-20/DS-2019   
  • Your most recent visa   
  • It may also be helpful to have a copy of your class schedule and a copy of the AILA’s Know Your Rights document.  

Federal Law Enforcement Efforts 

Our Penn State campuses are comprised of public and private spaces.  Federal law enforcement officers can enter public spaces on our campuses without permission; however, they cannot enter private spaces, such as residence halls, locked offices, or other secured University spaces, without a valid judicial warrant. Please note that Penn State classrooms are not private spaces.  

If you are approached by ICE or other federal law enforcement officers on campus, please alert University Police at 814-863-1111. You should remain calm and ask for identification. If the officer produces identification and a signed warrant, you must comply with their orders. You do, however, have the right to remain silent. Bystanders should not attempt to interfere with the actions of the federal law enforcement officers.  

A quick reference guide for engaging with federal law enforcement officers is available online. 

Travel Guidance 

Last week, the U.S. Secretary of State announced that the Department of State is revoking visas, including F-1 and J-1 visas of individuals who have criminal records or otherwise fail to adhere to court orders. In addition, in January, the President issued an Executive Order asking agencies to identify countries for which full or partial suspension of new visas may be appropriate and existing visas should be suspended or revoked.  

Those making international travel plans should closely monitor these and any future developments and use caution when deciding when to travel outside of the U.S.  Rules regarding travel may change suddenly and without warning.  

If you are travelling outside the U.S., please review travel information for your visa type on the Penn State Global website.  

If you will be traveling within the United States – driving on major highways, or riding on buses, trains, or planes – you should carry your key documents documenting your legal status in the U.S.   

Additional Resources 

For more information, Penn State Global maintains a web page with relevant information.   

If you are on a visa sponsored by Penn State and have any questions about your immigration status, please don’t hesitate to contact International Student & Scholar Advising. If you are not in the U.S. on a Penn State sponsored visa or if you have specific questions or concerns related to your immigration status, you may also contact an immigration attorney, including (if you are a student) Student Legal Services.  

Penn State sponsored students, scholars, and faculty are encouraged to stay connected with ISSA. They are always available to assist and connect you with resources for support.   

When Penn State Global becomes aware that a student has had their lawful status in the U.S. terminated, a staff member reaches out directly to the student to make them aware of the situation, if they aren’t already. Penn State also has other support teams in place who are available to you, including:   

What You Can Do (Updated 04/03/2025)

  • Maintain Your Visa Status. As you are aware, there are specific requirements for those in a non-immigrant status (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc). It's crucial to understand and comply with the rules for your visa status.
  • Be Cautious of Unreliable Sources. It's important to carefully consider where your information is coming from, as rumors and misinformation can create unnecessary worry. For instance, social media and news outlets may not offer accurate details about policy changes or highlight important differences between the various visa types.
  • Apply Early. Whether you're applying for a visa or immigration benefits like OPT, it's crucial to start the process early. Processing times can vary and are affected by factors like policy changes, staffing levels, and other variables. Account for possible delays when applying for visas or immigration benefits.
  • Plan Ahead for International Travel. If you're planning or thinking about traveling outside the U.S., make sure to review the travel guidelines for your visa type. Sometimes, wait times for visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates can be lengthy. If you're unable to schedule an appointment to renew or get a visa stamp before traveling, be aware that your return to the U.S. might be delayed and plan accordingly. 

    • Please use caution when making decisions about international travel and be mindful that rules regarding travel and re-entry into the United States could change suddenly and without warning.

      If you are travelling outside the U.S., please review travel information for your visa type on the Penn State Global website.  

      If you will be traveling within the United States – driving on major highways, or riding on buses, trains, or planes – you should carry your key documents documenting your legal status in the U.S.   

  • Report Any RFE You Receive. If you’ve applied for an immigration benefit and get a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other unexpected communication from USCIS, reach out to your ISSA adviser for help in providing a timely and accurate response. This also helps ISSA track the RFEs our population receives. Even if the request seems straightforward (for example, an F-1 student receiving an RFE for transcripts after applying for OPT), having your ISSA adviser review it before you respond could save time or prevent further issues.
  • Maintain Your Documents. Carry your immigration documents with you and keep them secure when traveling within the U.S. Also, make sure to store copies of them securely at your residence.
  • Reach Out to ISSA. We're here to help you get answers to your questions. In certain situations, factors like your degree/major, citizenship, or immigration history may require personalized advice. It's also important to remember that not all proposed changes will apply to you, your visa type, or your specific situation.

Identify Your Resources (Updated 02/03/2025)

We understand that uncertainty can be stressful, and we genuinely care about your well-being. We encourage you to take care of yourself and make use of the many campus resources available to support your mental and personal health during this time.

There are also external resources to assist you.