According to recent news reports, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the scheduling of  new student and exchange visitor visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide as it develops expanded "social media screening and vetting.” Brown University is continuing to monitor this change closely and we will provide further updates as information becomes available. 

In the meantime, our guidance to international students are:

• Scheduling of new visa appointments for international students is temporarily on hold at all U.S. embassies and consulates.
• Students who have visa interviews already scheduled can generally expect these interviews to proceed as planned. However, we strongly advise checking directly with your consulate beforehand to confirm your appointment hasn't changed. Please familiarize yourself with the FAQ resources available on what to expect when applying for a visa (under the “Travel Guidance” section of the FAQs).
• If you have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 from Brown’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) and you are already in the U.S. but considering international travel to renew your visa stamp, at this time, we continue to recommend that you consider delaying or postponing travel, including visa renewal appointments. Some reports suggest that visa appointments for routine visa renewals may not be available until revised vetting procedures are established.
• For newly admitted students awaiting an I-20 and DS-2019 from the Brown’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS), please be assured that OISSS is actively issuing I-20 and DS-2019 forms to admitted international students. Please check your Brown email for the latest updates on procedures and guidance regarding submitting your immigration documents.

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced potential visa revocations for Chinese international students, including individuals with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in “critical fields.” At this time, no further information is available about this policy, however, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) continues to monitor daily the SEVIS records of international students and scholars and will directly contact any individual whose SEVIS record is terminated. To help facilitate our outreach, please make sure that your contact information — including your mobile phone number and email address — is current. Students should update their contact information directly in Banner Self Service, while scholars are advised to email OISSS (oisss@brown.edu) to provide their updates. 

Current Brown students can also check their SEVIS status through the OISSS Gateway Portal. Similarly, Brown alumni who are currently on OPT/OPT STEM are also authorized by DHS to use the SEVP Portal to verify their status and to update their records as needed. Scholars do not have access to OISSS Gateway Portal or SEVP Portal.

Changes in U.S. immigration policy and procedures have introduced additional screening processes, and in some cases, extended processing times, for those applying for visas at U.S. consulates. If you are applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate, you can check the relevant consulate or embassy average visa application wait times. Below are some recommendations and guidance on applying for your visa and planning your timely arrival to Brown University.

Visa Delays: Expect potential delays in visa issuance at U.S. consulates due to increased summer travel, consular staffing reassignments, and enhanced vetting and screening of applications. Check the specific consulate for average appointment and processing wait times. Plan to apply for your visa as soon as possible to allow for maximum flexibility to make your planned travel dates.

Enhanced Screening: During the visa application process, be prepared for enhanced security screening including reviews of your social media activity, prior criminal and civil violations (including minor offenses, even if the incident did not result in an arrest or conviction) and prior U.S. immigration violations (such as visa overstays, visa revocations or denials), which may result in lengthy wait times. In addition, the embassy or consulate may require additional information as part of your visa application. If security clearance is being conducted, the visa won't be issued until it's complete. Consulates would likely not confirm clearance is underway but may indicate "administrative processing." This can take days to months, and expediting is unlikely.

Port of Entry Screening: Once you arrive at a U.S. port of entry (via land, sea or airport), expect a security screening, including biometric data collection. Customs and Border Protection at the airport can also ask you to step out of line to speak with you in a secondary inspection area and may question you about your status, travel, background, studies and/or employment. During the secondary inspection process, the agent may request to search your electronic devices. More information about electronic screening is available on this page listed the heading  “Travel Guidance.”

Obtain I-94 Record: After entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will create an electronic I-94 record with your admission details and authorized stay. Obtain a printout online, double check to make sure all your details (e.g., name, date of birth, nationality) are accurate, and keep track of this document at all times.

Be Patient and Cooperative: We appreciate that the process may be unnerving, but we encourage you to remain patient during inspections. Ask for clarification if you are unsure about directives, or a translator if you are more comfortable speaking in another language. We also advise you to always answer questions truthfully. If detained, immediately call Brown’s Administrator-On-Call (AOC) at 401-863-3322. An AOC is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Prior Legal Consultation: If you have any concerns about prior civil or criminal violations, social media activity or prior U.S. immigration violations, seek immigration counsel before travel.

Beginning on April 11, 2025, all non-U.S. citizens are required by Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and, if required, provide their fingerprints. Regulations specify that this registration is accomplished via Form I-94 for nonimmigrants (temporary visa holders) and Form I-551 (the Permanent Resident Card or “green card”) for immigrants. The majority of international students and scholars at Brown University have already been issued documentation that meets the registration requirements through the process of applying for a visa abroad at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Permanent residents also completed the process when acquiring their green card. USCIS details documents that verify registration (in the "How to Determine if You are Already Registered" section). 

Also, all individuals 18 years or older must carry and have in their possession evidence of their registration at all times.  For most of our students and scholars, this means that you must carry a printed copy of your I-94 record with you at all times. Other non-U.S. citizens can carry their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). 

In addition to the registration and fingerprinting requirements, and along with the requirement that noncitizens over the age of 18 years old must carry proof of registration at all times, this is a reminder that all non-citizens must report a change of address within 10 days.  Failure to comply with the change of address requirement can also result in criminal and civil penalties. Please note that DHS has signaled that this rule will now be enforced in a much stricter fashion than it has in the past.

In short, who needs to register includes:

• Any noncitizen, regardless of previous registration, who turns 14 years old in the United States, must update their registration and be fingerprinted within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
• Nonimmigrants, such as F-2, H-4, or J-2 children of nonimmigrants, who obtained their nonimmigrant visa or last entered the United States under age 14 are required to register by creating an account on the myUSCIS website and filing Form G-325R. Parents of children are responsible for ensuring their children’s fingerprinting.
• Green card holders who obtained their green cards under age 14 are required to register by filing Form I-90, to replace their green cards, and be fingerprinted, upon reaching age 14. They should file Form I-90 instead of Form G-325R.
• All non-US citizens who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. This includes Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration must now register if they intend to remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer; however, fingerprinting will continue to be waived for Canadian visitors.

To complete the Registration for yourself or a child, you will need to create an account on the myUSCIS website and submit Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration).  Individuals who register under this requirement will receive a "certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card" and must "at all times carry and have it in their personal possession." Registered individuals must notify DHS in writing of any changes of address.

For more complete instructions and information, please refer to the USCIS webpage for the Alien Registration Requirement.

Any community member who receives a request for information addressed to the University pertaining to citizenship status or other information about a Brown community member, or for a campus site visit from a government regulatory or investigative agency, must notify the Office of General Counsel (OGC) immediately at (401) 863-3122. The OGC will determine whether the request or visit is legally valid, coordinate the University’s response, and notify appropriate senior officers. Refer all representatives of regulatory authorities or the government (including attorneys) in these instances to the OGC. If a contact from a government agency occurs after hours, call the Administrator-on-Call (AOC) at 401-863-3322 and AOC will notify the OGC.

There are reports of a growing number of scams and frauds targeting non-U.S. citizens including misleading communications from individuals falsely claiming to be U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. The U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency, which oversees ICE, has published guidelines on how to protect yourself and available resources if you are a victim of immigration fraud. 

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a U.S. government agent, you can ask for written proof of a warrant or legal notice. For examples of what a warrant is, please review the FAQs provided separately on this page on “What is a judicial warrant?” and “What is an administrative warrant?”. The ACLU provides images of what these warrants look like as well. 

If someone attempts to hand-deliver an official legal document to you that is addressed to the University, you should inform the individual that you do not have authority to accept service of the document on behalf of the University, and that the document should be taken instead to the OGC, which will determine whether it can be accepted by the University. The OGC is located in South Street Landing at 350 Eddy Street and can be reached at (401) 863-3122.

Whenever official legal documents addressed to the University come into your possession other than hand delivery, you should forward them immediately to the OGC, as they typically have short deadlines to respond. Examples include subpoenas requiring the University to produce copies of records in court proceedings and summonses notifying the University that a lawsuit has been commenced against the institution.

If someone serves you a personal summons, subpoena or other legal notice, you may reach out to an attorney or pursue other legal resources for assistance. For a list of immigration-related resources, email (oisss@brown.edu).

Brown will only share information with law enforcement regarding the immigration status of community members under a valid subpoena. DPS does not inquire about or act on information related to immigration status, and does not partner with federal or state agencies to do so.

Both judicial and administrative warrants are legal orders that authorize searches and seizures, but they differ significantly in their purpose, the level of proof required, and the issuing authority. 

A judicial warrant is an official court order signed by a federal judge or magistrate that authorizes a search of private property, seizure, or arrest based on probable cause that a crime is being committed or has been committed.

A judicial warrant will:

• Specify the specific address to be searched.
• Specify the time period in which the search must take place.
• Particularly describe the place or person, or both, to be searched and things to be seized.
• Be issued by a court and signed by a Judge or magistrate.

An administrative warrant is a document, issued by a federal agency such as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), purporting to document their authority to arrest a person suspected of violating immigration laws. These administrative documents are not signed by a neutral magistrate or judge but rather an immigration officer like an ICE agent or immigration judge.

Key Differences Between Judicial and Administrative Warrants

The below image is an example of a judicial search warrant issued by a U.S. District Court. This image was sourced from the following ACLU website: https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-immigration-enforcement-and-warrants

The below image is an example of an administrative warrant issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This image was sourced from the following ACLU website: https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-immigration-enforcement-and-warrants

Travel regulations and policies continue to evolve, both in the U.S. and internationally, which may cause travel disruptions and potentially impact or restrict U.S. border re-entry for some international students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, scholars and staff as well as undocumented or DACA students. While the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) continues to monitor these developments closely, OGE wants to reiterate the guidance offered in the message that the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) sent to international students related to Winter Break travel. This includes the importance of proactive planning and preparation, anticipating travel delays and carrying required and important documentation, and potentially, deferring non-critical personal travel. 

All travelers are strongly encouraged to review Brown's Office of Information Technology (OIT) website for important information on security tips and possible restrictions involved with use of certain technology during international travel, in particular preparing your mobile device and preparing your laptop for travel. If you are traveling internationally as part of a university-related event, you are required to also register your travel with the Brown Travel Office. 

If you are a U.S. visa holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, etc.), you must ensure that you have a valid passport and, if you are an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, a travel signature that has been issued within the last 12 months (or within the last six months if on OPT) of your anticipated return. For more information about international travel for visa holders, consult the OISSS website. Students (F-1 and J-1) who need a travel signature can request it through their OISSS Gateway portal as instructed on the "What to Bring When Traveling" webpage. Scholars should email OISSS@brown.edu to request a travel signature.

Please note that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires non-U.S. citizens (including minors) to carry proof of registration at all times. For international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 status, a printed copy of your most recent Form I-94 is a valid form of registration; for other non-U.S. citizens, an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) is a valid form of registration, while lawful permanent residents are required  to have their green cards readily available.  

We also recommend that all U.S. visa holders (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, etc.) carry printed, official copies of their proof of current student enrollment, faculty appointment letter which can be obtained from your respective division’s faculty personnel, or an employment confirmation letter from the University Human Resources when traveling away from the Providence area. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) provides additional guidance and recommendations for travel within the U.S.

In addition, Immigrants Rising has a resource guide for undocumented individuals traveling within the U.S.

Yes, federal agents can search your electronic devices and data; however, they are not permitted by law to search your data that is stored remotely (i.e., on the cloud). During recent webinars hosted by the Office of Global Engagement, attorneys from the firm Iandoli Desai and Cronin LLC recommended the following resources for additional information: the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s “Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry” guidance, and the ACLU’s “Can Border Agents Search Your Electronics” information. Both provide more information on the protocols for electronic device inspections at ports of entry.

In addition, all Brown travelers are strongly encouraged to review Brown's Office of Information Technology (OIT) website for important information on security tips and possible restrictions involved with use of certain technology during international travel, in particular preparing your mobile device and preparing your laptop for travel. 

We continue to recommend that U.S. visa holders consider postponing personal travel, including routine visa renewal appointments abroad, if possible. If you have a question about whether your visa stamp needs to be renewed or valid during your stay in the U.S., please refer to the OISSS guidance on "What to Bring When Traveling." For all other questions related to visa requirements, please contact OISSS at oisss@brown.edu. 

If you are a U.S. visa holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, etc.) and encounter issues at any U.S. port of entry, ask the individuals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if they would be willing to speak with Brown’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS). During business hours (Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 5:00pm EST), you can reach the OISSS front desk at (401) 863-2427. 

For all other Brown community members, including lawful permanent residents as well as individuals with DACA, TPS or other statuses, or if you are calling after business hours, please call Brown’s Administrator-on-Call at 401-863-3322. The AOC contact information - as well as other emergency contacts - are printed on the back of your Brown ID (the below image is an example of where you can find the contact phone number).

In addition, it may be advisable to create a personal list of emergency contacts and share it with a trusted person before traveling, who upon hearing from you in the event you encounter a challenge at a port of entry, could assist in reaching out to relevant contacts.

We recommend that non-U.S. citizens considering international travel postpone their plans if they have specific concerns about travel risks, delayed return or other immigration-related issues. Individuals planning to travel can consult with the Brown Travel Office to discuss their travel and make an informed decision. If you are particularly concerned about the ability to re-enter the U.S., it may be prudent to seek advice from an immigration lawyer before deciding to travel abroad. Please email OISSS at oisss@brown.edu if you would like a referral list of immigration attorneys and other legal resources. 

If you do decide to travel, ensure you possess all necessary immigration documents and understand the procedures required for re-entry to the United States. For more information, please review the other guidelines on this page listed under the heading “Travel Guidance.” In addition, Brown students, staff and faculty on university-related travel are required to to register their travel with the Brown Travel Office. We encourage you to stay informed of potential shifts in travel restrictions or policies from the U.S. federal government, and to have contingency plans for your travel and return to the U.S. 

For specific information about travel based on your particular non-immigration status, contact OISSS (oisss@brown.edu). If you have specific questions about your university-related international travel plans, contact the Brown Travel Office. For non-travel questions, please refer to relevant resources in the “Help and Support for Brown Community Members” section below.