Travel Alerts

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The Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) team is here to keep you informed about immigration policy updates that may affect your F-1 or J-1 status.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at enhancing the screening and vetting of visa applicants, particularly from countries identified as having potential security risks. This may result in increased processing time for visa applicants, a higher likelihood of application denials, and more intensive inspections during the immigration process.

Travel Ban – Effective June 9, 2025
A new Presidential Proclamation restricts entry to the U.S. for nationals of 19 countries, with full and partial travel bans based on visa type and country of citizenship. These restrictions take effect at 12:01 AM (EDT) on Sunday, June 9, 2025, and apply only to individuals outside the U.S. without a valid visa on that date.

👉 Read below for details on who is affected and what this may mean for you.

Current Recommendations for International Travelers

Until more information is available, we strongly recommend taking the following precautions:

• If you’ve had prior interaction with the criminal justice system avoid non-essential travel, as this may increase the risk of delays or complications at the border.
• Be mindful of your digital footprint. Border officials may review content on your personal devices and social media accounts.

Planning International Travel? Here’s What You Should Know

If you plan to travel internationally, it’s important to plan carefully, be prepared for unexpected changes, and allow ample time to accommodate potential delays. To help you prepare, we recommend the following:

1. Travel Timing: Plan your travel carefully and prepare for the possibility of sudden change.
2. Visa Processing Times: If you require a new U.S. entry visa, be prepared for longer processing times, delays in scheduling an appointment, and more extensive security checks.
3. Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have all required documentation for travel, including your passport (with valid visa), your I-20/DS-2019 with valid travel signature, proof of enrollment (i.e. transcript, enrollment verification or print out from SOLAR), and evidence of funding ready for inspection.
4. Be prepared to answer questions: CBP officers may ask about your purpose for entering the U.S., your studies, travel history, or plans. Stay calm, and answer clearly and confidently.
5. Expect Additional Screening: Expect more intensive screening at U.S. ports of inspection when you return from abroad. While delays can be frustrating, patience and cooperation with CBP officers go a long way in ensuring a smoother reentry process.

TRAVEL BAN

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
    • 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
    • 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.

Need Help While Traveling?

If you encounter any issues or delays that require assistance, you can contact our office at (631)632-4685 or email vis@stonybrook.edu. We’ll be here to support you if needed.

Stay Updated

We encourage you to check your email regularly, as updates or important information will be sent from vis@stonybrook.edu.

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