January Travel FAQ

At this time it is not clear what, if any, changes will take place via executive orders, legislation, or changes to agency guidance, policies, and regulations.

Starting in 2017, the prior Trump administration issued various travel bans for citizens from Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Yemen. In most cases, bans affected travel and processing for immigrant and refugee visas, but mostly did not affect F-1 or J-1 visa issuance and travel. The Trump administration also banned entry for F-1 and J-1 visa holders from China affiliated with the military-civil fusion strategy, which remains in place to this day. Increases in processing times for applications and delays in visa appointment availability were common.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) cannot make the decision for any F-1 student visa holder or J-1 exchange visitor to engage in international travel or remain in the United States. Every visa application has an element of risk of denial at the consular officer’s discretion, and every entry into the US is at the discretion of the border official. Students and exchange visitors must weigh the risks of international travel and make their own decisions.

The best way to minimize risk during international travel is to make sure all documents are in order:

• a printed and signed copy of your I-20/DS-2019 including a valid travel signature
• a valid F-1/J-1 visa
• a passport valid for at least 6 months into the future

Optional Practical Training (OPT) students should also have:

• their valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• job confirmation letter

For current students, also have:

• a copy of your transcript
• proof of financial support

For J-1 scholars, a copy of your appointment letter can be useful.

If you have concerns about your travel plans, and particularly if you are from a country affected by a prior travel ban, you may want to discuss your concerns with an immigration attorney prior to travel. Please also note that embassy and border officials sometimes search electronic devices and review social media accounts – it is important to be judicious with electronic records.

Visit Oberlin's housing website for policy information and the application for Winter Housing

If ISSS becomes aware of any changes affecting F-1 and J-1 visa holders, an email will be sent to the affected population, and the information on this page will be updated.

Please email us at isss@oberlin.edu so we can advise you directly and add to this page as needed!