Immigration Policy Updates
VIS actively monitors changes to U.S. immigration regulations and guidance that may
affect our students, exchange visitors, and campus partners. On this page, you’ll
find recent announcements from both the university and VIS, along with current immigration
updates to help you make informed decisions—whether you're studying, conducting research,
working in the U.S., or planning international travel.
SBU Visa & Immigration Services: Temporary Pause on New Student & Exchange Visitor Visa Appointments (05/28/2025) SBU Office of the Provost: SBU students’ SEVIS status reinstated (04/28/2025) SBU Office of the Provost: Updates on Recent Immigration Actions (04/15/2025) SBU Office of the Provost: Information on Recent Immigration Actions (04/10/2025) SBU Visa and Immigration Services: Summer Travel, What You Need to Know Now (04/10/2025) SBU Office of the President: Support for International Students (03/21/2025)Announcements:
Policy Updates & Directives
Stay informed on the latest federal immigration policy changes that may impact your visa status or benefit eligibility. This section highlights key updates from DHS, USCIS, and the Department of State
Presidential Proclamation Orders Travel Bans on 19 Countries
On June 4, 2025, a new Presidential Proclamation was signed: Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
The policy will go into effect at 12:01 AM (EDT) on Sunday, June 9, 2025.
What the Policy Includes
- A full travel ban suspending entry into the United States as immigrants and nonimmigrants for nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- A partial travel ban suspending entry into the United States on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas for nationals of the following 7 countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Who Is Affected
These restrictions apply only to individuals who:
- Are outside the U.S. on June 9, 2025, and
- Do not have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025
If you are in the U.S. or outside the U.S. with a valid visa on June 9, the ban may not apply to you.
How to Check Your Visa Status
You can check the status of your visa using the Department of State's Visa Status Portal.To log in, you’ll need your DS-160 Application ID or Case Number.
If you discover that your visa has been revoked, please contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) immediately and share any documentation or communication you received.
Temporary Pause on New Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Appointments
Effective May 27, 2025, U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for F and J visa applicants to allow for expanded social media screening and vetting procedures. Please know that there are indications that this pause is temporary.
Here’s what you need to know:
- New Appointments: U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to remove unfilled visa appointment
slots for F and J categories.
- Existing Appointments: Visa interviews that were already scheduled will proceed as planned. Applicants should
continue to monitor the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying
for the latest updates.
- Form I-20/DS-2019 Issuance: Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will continue issuing Forms I-20/DS-2019 for eligible
requests submitted in accessVIS. However, students/scholars won’t be able to schedule a visa appointment until the temporary pause is lifted.
- Potential Delays: While this pause is expected to be temporary, students and scholars seeking new appointments may experience delays in securing visa interviews.
Visa and Immigration Services is actively monitoring the situation and will share updates as new information becomes available.
carrying immigration documents and reporting address changes
U.S. immigration law requires all nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents to carry proof of their immigration status and to report any change of address within 10 days. While these requirements have long been in place, failure to comply can lead to serious consequences. With increased attention on immigration enforcement, it’s essential to stay compliant.
What You Must Carry
Under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all non-U.S. citizens age 18 and older must carry valid proof of immigration status at all times—even during domestic travel or daily activities. These documents include one of the following:
- F-1/J-1 students and other nonimmigrants: I-94 record or Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
- Lawful permanent residents: Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or “green card”)
How to Report a Change of Address
All noncitizens living in the United States must report any change of address within 10 days of moving.
For students in F-1 or J-1 status (including those on OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training) all changes of address should be done in SOLAR.
Click here for detailed instructions
DHS to Begin Screening Social Media Activity for Antisemitism
USCIS announced on April 9, 2025 that they will begin factoring in non-immigrants' social media activity that reflects antisemitic views or actions when reviewing immigration benefit requests. This includes:
- Antisemitic content or behavior on social media
- Physical harassment of Jewish individuals
- Affiliation with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity
These factors may be used to deny immigration benefits on discretionary grounds. Affected benefit types may include:
- Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) applications
- F-1 or J-1 status requests, including OPT and STEM OPT
- Change of status
- Reinstatement
- Other benefits subject to discretionary review
Specifically, USCIS will view social media content that endorses, promotes, or supports antisemitic terrorism, terrorist organizations, or related activity as a negative discretionary factor during adjudication.
Registration Requirement
Starting April 11, 2025, USCIS will enforce a new USCIS alien registration process for certain foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.
This requirement primarily affects dependents in F-2, H-4, J-2, O-3 status who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14+ are already automatically registered (as evidenced by the Form I-94) and DON'T need to re-register.
See the USCIS Alien Registration FAQ for a list of aliens who are considered already registered.
Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy Announced
On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced an Interview Waiver Update that changes the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person visa interview waiver.
Previously, interview waivers were available for those whose visas had expired within 48 months, a flexibility introduced to address post-COVID backlogs. These new restrictions will reduce the number of eligible applicants, increasing the need for in-person appointments and likely leading to longer visa processing times.
Now, nonimmigrant visa applicants may qualify for an interview waiver only if they are renewing a visa in the same category and:
- Their prior visa is still valid, or
- It expired within the past 12 months
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your region for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.
Travel Guidance
Planning international travel? Find out which documents you should carry and get answers to common questions about reentry to the U.S.
| Students | Scholars & Employees |
| F-1 Students Travel & Re-Entry | J-1 Scholars Travel & Re-Entry |
| J-1 Students Travel & Re-Entry | H-1B Scholars Travel & Re-Entry |
For the latest travel guidance and important updates, be sure to check our Travel Alerts page