News
Fall 2025 Student Reminders
Please review the information below for important reminders regarding maintaining status for new students and continuing F and J students. Please read our updated summaries of F-1 student and J-1 student regulations to learn more! Entering the US this Fall Whether you are a new student arriving to the US for the first time or are a... More
Fall 2025 Workshops
Please find our virtual immigration workshop series below. Join us at one of our scheduled workshops to learn about maintaining status and employment benefits as an F-1 or J-1 student and get your questions answered by ISSO staff. In addition, you are welcome to access one of our on-demand workshops available on... More
USDOS Will Require Interview for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals
The US Department of State announced limitations to the criteria for a waiver of the in-person visa appointment when applying to renew a visa. Effective September 2, 2025, nearly all visa applicants will be required to schedule an interview as part of the visa renewal process. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, More
ISSO Scholar Communiqué – July 2025
Immigration & Travel Updates Impacting the Scholar/Employee Community, Onboarding Reminders Upcoming Changes to Premium Processing Fee Payments More
DOS Resumes Scheduling Visa Interviews
According to media reports, the Department of State (DOS) resumed scheduling visa interview appointments on June 18th after a 3 week pause. During this time, DOS disseminated instructions to consular posts about how to review the social media presence of the visa applicant along with standard eligibility criteria when adjudicating... More
Possible Expansion of the Travel (US Entry) Ban
See more recent news for updated information on topic. Several news outlets are reporting that an internal Department of State (DOS) memo issued to consular posts indicated that 36 more countries will be given 60 days to meet the administration's benchmarks and requirements or face either a partial or full entry... More
US Entry Banned for Nationals of Certain Countries
See more recent news for updated information on topic. President Trump announced a ban on entry to the US of foreign nationals from certain countries in certain nonimmigrant categories who are outside the US effective at 12:01 am EST June 9, 2025, who do not have a valid US visa. See... More
US DOS Announces Additional Vetting of Visas for Chinese Students
The US Department of State (DOS) has issued a press release stating they may work with the Department of Homeland Security to revoke visas for some Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in critical fields. DOS states they intend to revise visa... More
Visa Appointments Paused So DOS Can Screen Social Media
See updated news on this topic. Several media outlets are reporting that the US Department of State (DOS) has paused scheduling new visa interview appointments temporarily at consular posts to establish a new protocol to screen social media as part of the visa application review. Outlets are citing an interagency cable... More
SEVP Warns Graduates on OPT About Exceeding Unemployment Limits
A few recent BU graduates on post-completion OPT have reported receiving letters from the Department of Homeland Security about failing to report their employment information and exceeding allowable F-1 regulatory unemployment timeframes. The letters, sent directly to some graduates via email from SEVP (Student Exchange Visitor Program), asserted that the... More