International Student & Scholar Services

In light of evolving concerns and reports of travel bans, SEVIS record terminations, executive orders, and other status concerns under the Trump Administration, international F-1 and J-1 students and scholars at The New School can refer to this Q&A for help with answers to sensitive questions.

The university is closely monitoring news reports about a possible travel ban affecting citizens of dozens of countries. We recommend that you check this webpage regularly for updates. Although a ban is not currently in effect, our ISSS team advises our current international students and scholars to take extra precautions when traveling internationally.  

If you are a new student applying for the F or J visa for the first time or you are a current student with an expired visa or a visa that will expire before your return to the United States, please keep in mind that visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates will likely be subject to additional scrutiny. This may result in longer wait times or delays in receiving a visa. Please take this into consideration in your travel planning. Learn more about how to apply for a visa.

Please refer to the ISSS Travel Checklist for information on what you need to prepare in order to enter the United States. The ACLU has more information about your rights when traveling.

What to Expect Upon Arrival in the United States
Please see our page about Entry to the U.S. for more information about what to expect when crossing the border at a U.S. port of entry, and review our Travel Checklist for the documents you need to physically carry with you when you arrive.

Once F and J international students and scholars are admitted into the United States, it is important that they follow the regulations for F or J status and our guidance on maintaining nonimmigrant status while in the United States. You must also be sure to report any address changes within ten days of moving within the United States. As someone who is maintaining your nonimmigrant status, you can rest assured that you are in the United States lawfully with proper documentation.

Interaction with ICE Agents

• If approached by an ICE agent after you have entered the United States, you may be asked to show your immigration documents.
• The following webpage includes resources on knowing your rights if approached by law enforcement.
• You should be prepared to show proof of your immigration status.
• While in the United States, you are required to keep your I-94 record with you at all times.
• The I-94 is your certificate of registration of entry to the United States and changes every time you enter the country.
• Access and print out your I-94 after arriving in the United States.

You should also have the immigration documents listed below accessible while you are in the United States. ISSS recommends that you save these documents on your phone in a folder or another electronic device with easy access. Please be aware that if you are providing your device to the ICE agent to show your documentation, they may have the right to look at other information on the device, including social media. Consider protecting access to personal, private, and other information stored on your device that is not related to your documentation, such as financial apps and social media.

• Passport
• Visa
• Signed I-20
• I-797A (if status has changed)

Helpful Tips

• Store all original documents in a secure location at home—a safe, a lockbox, a filing area, or another location you feel comfortable keeping your documents in.
• Carry your university ID to show that you are a student at The New School.
• Have access to your course registration to show that you are an enrolled student.
• Be sure to have ISSS contact information saved in your phone for easy access in case any information needs to be confirmed by the ICE agent.
• Memorize important phone numbers in case your phone is taken away.
• Report any interactions you have with ICE agents to [email protected].
• If you have an emergency situation related to immigration, you can contact the ISSS emergency phone line at 212.229.7001 with your name and New School ID number.