Travel Advisory

**DHS Proposes Changes to "Duration of Status" (D/S) for F and J Visa Holders**

Posted September 10, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a regulatory change that would eliminate the current “Duration of Status” (D/S)policy for F and J visa holders (including international students and exchange visitors). If finalized, this rule would replace D/S with a fixed period of stay and a specific end date tied to each individual’s visa category and program.

Under the proposed rule, any updates or changes—such as program extensions, school transfers, or changes of level—would require formal approval by the U.S. government, rather than being managed internally by the university’s international office.

Important Notes:

• This is currently only a proposed rule and is not yet in effect.

• The federal government is accepting public comments on the proposal through September 29, 2025.

• No changes to your current status or responsibilities are required at this time.

OISS Action and Advocacy:

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) is closely reviewing the proposal and actively monitoring developments. We are in communication with professional organizations such as NAFSA: Association of International Educators to understand the potential implications and to participate in the comment process. Because this is a proposed rule and is subject to revision, OISS staff cannot provide advising on hypothetical outcomes or impacts at this stage. We will continue to update our community as more information becomes available.

What This Means for You:

• No action is required by F-1 or J-1 students at this time. Your current status and responsibilities remain the same under existing federal regulations.

• If you are interested in submitting a public comment, you may do so as part of the formal government review process. Please note that all public comments become part of the official public record.

• Stay informed by reading our bi-weekly newsletter and visiting our website. 

If you have specific concerns about your situation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with an OISS advisor.

We remain committed to keeping our international students and scholars informed and supported throughout this process.

"New Guidance: Visa Interviews Must Be Scheduled in Country of Nationality or Residence"

Posted September 10, 2025

On September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued new guidance regarding the adjudication of nonimmigrant visa applications, including F-1 and J-1 visas.

Applicants are now required to schedule and attend visa interviews in their country of nationality or legal residence. Applying for a visa in a third country—previously an option for many students—is no longer encouraged and may lead to complications.

Countries Without Routine Visa Services:

If your home country does not offer visa services, you must apply at a designated U.S. embassy or consulate. Below are the current designated locations by nationality:

Questions? 

If you are planning to travel abroad and your F-1 or J-1 visa is already expired or will expire before your return, this new guidance is especially important to consider. You may face challenges renewing your visa in a third country, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.

Please contact OISS to discuss your travel and visa renewal plans before you leave the U.S. You can schedule an appointment with an advisor to review your options and ensure you are prepared.

Stay informed by reviewing our website regularly. 

**Upcoming Change: Visa Interview Waiver Ending (August 2025) **

Posted August 6, 2025

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program. As a result, most F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa applicants—including renewals—will once again need to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

This change ends the broader flexibility introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed many students to renew visas without an interview under certain conditions.

Key Points:

• Starting September 2, 2025, interview waivers will apply only in limited situations, such as for:
• Certain diplomatic or official visa categories (e.g., A, G, NATO)
• Some B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Card renewals for Mexican nationals
• Age-based waivers (for applicants under 14 or over 79) will no longer apply in most cases.
• Most F and J visa holders will need an in-person interview, even for renewals.

What This Means for You:

If you plan to travel and need to renew your visa, please plan ahead for longer processing times and limited appointment availability. Be sure to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for their most up-to-date procedures.

** Visa Reciprocity Updates May Impact F and J Visa Travel (July 2025) **

Posted July 31, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has updated the visa reciprocity schedule, which may affect F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa holders from certain countries. Changes include:

• Shortened or extended visa validity (e.g., from 5 years to 3 months)
• Changes in number of permitted entries (e.g., from multiple to single entry)

These changes do not affect your current immigration status or your ability to stay in the U.S., but they may impact your future travel plans outside the U.S.

• Who is affected? Citizens of countries with updated visa reciprocity terms. These changes apply to new visa applications only; valid existing visas remain unchanged until expiration.
• What should you do? Check the Visa Reciprocity Schedule to see if your country is affected, and plan international travel carefully. Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for confirmation if needed.

** Update on U.S. Visa Screening for F-1 and J-1 Students (June 2025) **

As of June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has expanded screening procedures for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 students. Key changes include:

Online Presence Review: Consular officers will review applicants’ public online content, including social media and search results. Content suggesting support for terrorism or hostility toward the U.S. may lead to visa denial.

Social Media Disclosure: Applicants must report all social media accounts used in the past five years. Setting accounts to “public” before the interview is encouraged to avoid delays.

Administrative Processing: Some applicants may face delays under Section 221(g) while their applications undergo additional review.

Interview Availability: Student visa interviews have resumed, but limited availability is expected during initial rollout. Review visa appointment wait times to help with planning and check for visa appointments frequently as times will get added.

Read the full U.S. Department of State guidance here

 "Presidential Proclamation on Entry Restrictions for Certain Foreign Nationals (June 2025)"

Posted June 5, 2025

On June 4, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing entry restrictions on nationals of 19 countries, effective 12:01 AM ET, June 9, 2025.

Importantly, this proclamation does not affect individuals who already hold valid U.S. visas or immigration status as of the effective date.

Our office has contacted impacted individuals directly and will continue to provide updates as they become available. If you are on F-1 or J-1 status and are a citizen of one of the designated countries, please make sure to connect with us by email or schedule an appointment to receive tailored guidance.

We remain committed to supporting you during this time — not just as students, but as valued members of our community. If you have questions, would like help reviewing your travel plans, or simply need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Read the full proclamation here

"Update on U.S. Visa Policy News (May 2025)" 

Posted May 29, 2025

We are aware of recent reports regarding a pause in student visa issuance related to expanded social media vetting, and potential visa changes affecting certain international students. While no official guidance has been issued by the U.S. Department of State at this time, California Lutheran University is closely monitoring the situation. We will update this page as needed and as more information becomes available.

Please continue to check this page regularly for verified updates and guidance.

Before traveling abroad, ensure that you have the required documents to re-enter the U.S., including: 

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) 
• Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) with a valid travel signature 
• Valid U.S. F-1 or J-1 Visa 
• Class Schedule (if applicable) and for OPT students, your Employment Authorization Document and employment letter (if available) 

If any of your documents have expired or need updates, contact the OISS as soon as possible to ensure that everything is in order for your return. 

A valid travel signature on your Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) is required for re-entry into the United States after traveling abroad. Here is what you need to know: 

• Signature Validity: The travel signature is valid for 12 months for most students (or 6 months for those on Optional Practical Training (OPT)). 

• Requesting a Travel Signature: If your travel signature has expired, you must request a new one before your departure. Submit the Intention to Travel Form through the OISS portal. We recommend submitting your request at least three weeks before your departure to allow time for processing. 

• What’s Needed: Ensure that your passport, visa, and Form I-20 or DS-2019 are up-to-date before requesting the signature. 

Check your U.S. visa validity before leaving the United States. If your visa is expired or will expire before your return, you will need to renew it. Here is how to prepare: 

• Check Visa Validity: Ensure that your visa is valid through your return date to the USA. 

• Visa Renewal Process: If your visa will expire soon, visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to learn about the renewal process and estimated wait times. It is crucial to start this process well in advance. 

• Interview Waivers: If you need to renew your U.S. visa, it is important to check with the consulate or embassy where you will complete your visa renewal to confirm the document requirements. Some applicants may qualify for a waiver of the in-person interview, and the consulate will provide confirmation if you meet the specific criteria for an interview waiver. Be sure to review the consulate’s guidelines carefully and plan ahead to ensure a smooth renewal process.

Political and global events can affect your travel plans or visa processing times. Consider the following: 

• Change in U.S. Administration: While political transitions may bring potential changes in immigration regulations, no immediate impacts are expected. 

• Consular Post Closures: U.S. Embassies or Consulates may close unexpectedly due to natural disasters, political unrest, or other emergencies. 

• U.S. Political Sanctions: Travelers may experience delays or denials due to U.S. sanctions on certain countries or individuals. Be sure to check travel advisories for the country/countries you plan to visit while outside the USA.  

• Visa Denials/Revocations: In some cases, specific individuals or countries may face delays, denials, or visa revocations due to federal regulations. 

If you plan to travel to a country with political instability or other concerns, consult the U.S. Department of State travel advisories and reach out to OISS for personalized advice before finalizing your plans. 

US. Custom and Border Patrol (CBP) officers may ask questions about your studies and plans while in the United States. Be ready to explain your purpose of entry clearly and have all necessary documents ready for inspection.

Be prepared to present the following documents to CBP officers: 

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) 
• Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) with a valid travel signature 
• Valid U.S. F-1 or J-1 Visa 
• Class Schedule for the current semester of enrollment (if applicable) and for OPT students, your Employment Authorization Document and employment letter (if available) 

Once you return, remember to: 

• Download your new I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and verify that all information is correct. 
• Upload copies of any new travel documents (including your updated visa, passport, or I-94) to your OISS student portal. 

• Always notify OISS before traveling abroad so we can assist you with the necessary steps to re-enter the U.S.A. 

• Stay updated by reviewing the OISS Travel Advisory page regularly for updates related to U.S. immigration policies, visa processing, or political developments. 

• If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the OISS team for personalized guidance at international@CalLutheran.edu or by scheduling an appointment.