We want to inform you of an important development that may impact some members of our international student community. On June 4, 2025, the U.S. government issued a Presidential Proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
This action introduces new travel restrictions for citizens from some specific countries who hold B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. The proclamation is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, June 9, 2025.
We know that news like this can be stressful and unsettling, especially if you or your loved ones may be affected. Our office is here for you and will continue to provide guidance and support as we navigate this situation together.
Under the new proclamation:
Entry to the USA is fully restricted for nationals of the following 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Partial restrictions apply to citizens from these 7 countries:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Under Section. 4. Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations. (a) Scope. Subject to the exceptions set forth in subsection (b) of this section and any exceptions made pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the suspensions of and limitations on entry pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:
(i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and
(ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.
Section 6(c) also states that "No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation."
Guidance for Students:
If you are a citizen of the countries listed above:
- If you are currently in the U.S.: Please avoid international travel for now.
- If you are currently outside the U.S. and have a valid F-1 visa and I-20: We strongly recommend that you return to the U.S. as soon as possible, before June 9 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time
- Stay informed by monitoring updates from our office, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Seek legal guidance if you are uncertain about your situation or have specific concerns about your visa or re-entry.
We recognize how difficult and confusing policy changes like this can be, We will update this page as necessary. We want you to know that you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office—we are here to help you understand your options and support you however we can.
