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Logistical Concerns
- Can I keep working if my SEVIS record is terminated?
- No. If your SEVIS record is terminated you immediately lose any work authorization tied to that record including on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
- If your SEVIS record is terminated you must cease all employment immediately.
- How long is the grace period if my SEVIS record is terminated?
- There is no grace period. As soon as your SEVIS status is terminated, you no longer have a legal status in the U.S. and federal regulations require you to depart the U.S. immediately.
- The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Global Support Team is here to help you through this.
Legal Processes and Enforcement
- Can the federal government place an international student or exchange visitor in removal proceedings if a student or scholar’s visa has been revoked?
- Yes. Any nonimmigrant (including F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors) can be charged with removability and placed into removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
- Can the federal government place an international student or exchange visitor in removal proceedings if their SEVIS record has been terminated?
- Yes. Any nonimmigrant whose SEVIS record has been terminated can be charged with removability and placed into removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
- Can the U.S. Department of Homeland Security detain students or scholars outside of the U.S.?
- No. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security only has authority within the borders of the U.S.
- What should I do if I encounter or am detained by ICE?
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
- If you have your immigration documents on you, you may present those to the law enforcement agents to clarify that you have lawful immigration status.
- Will I be detained at the airport if I try to leave the U.S.?
- This is unlikely. If you have been instructed to depart the U.S. and are actively doing so, officials will typically allow you to leave, even if your SEVIS record has been terminated.
Legal Support and Representation
- Do international students or exchange visitors need an immigration attorney? How can I find an immigration attorney?
- You always have the right to an attorney. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ does not and cannot provide legal counsel for our international students and exchange visitors.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has a . You can also reach out to the (702-895-3000) to see if they have an immigration attorney who can assist you with this situation.
- What happens if ICE comes to campus?
- While we don’t expect to have ICE or other officials come to campus unannounced, law enforcement agencies (including ICE or other branches within the Department of Homeland Security) are permitted to enter campus.
- Ask for proper identification, the purpose of the visit, and then contact the University Police Department (UPD).
- If you haven’t already done so, this is a good moment to download the RebelSAFE App, which allows you to call UPD directly rather than being routed through the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
- All ICE inquiries will be forwarded to the appropriate units within 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, including the UPD, International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC), and the Office of the General Counsel. No staff or faculty should answer questions or provide any information to anyone; redirect all inquiries to UPD for further assistance.
Personal Considerations
- Should I reconsider international travel?
- 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is recommending that all international students and scholars reconsider international travel at this time.
- If you must leave the U.S., be prepared for additional delays, increased government review, and the possibility of delay or denial at both the U.S. Consulate or Embassy (if applying for a new visa) or at the Port of Entry (border crossing) when applying to enter the U.S.
- While there are currently no travel bans in place as of April 21, 2025, they could go into effect at any point in time. There is no confirmed information of which countries could be affected by a travel ban.
- If you do travel internationally, be sure to check your I-94 once you have returned to the U.S.
- Reach out to International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) right away if you encounter any issues at either the U.S. Consulate or Embassy or at the U.S. Port of Entry.
- Should I go home for the summer?
- This is a personal decision. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ can only recommend to reconsider travel.
- Should I consult an immigration lawyer?
- You always have the right to an attorney. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ does not and cannot provide legal counsel for our international students and exchange visitors.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has a . You can also reach out to the (702-895-3000) to see if they have an immigration attorney who can assist you with this situation.
- If my I-20 is terminated and I'm working with an immigration lawyer can I stay in the U.S.?
- Please speak with your individual attorney as well as your 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ DSO.
- Remaining in the U.S. with a terminated record does carry a significant risk of detainment by the federal government and can have a long-term impact on any future U.S. immigration actions you may wish to take.
- Can I apply for Reinstatement?
- 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is not recommending Reinstatement for these terminations.
- Reinstatement can never be used for someone on OPT or STEM OPT.
- If you are working with an immigration attorney and they would like to discuss Reinstatement, please have them contact International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) (issc@unlv.edu).
- Some students at other universities have worked with immigration counsel to apply for reinstatement; there have not been any confirmed reports that these have been successful.
- What do I need to know about social media?
- Any person's social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications, border screenings, or law enforcement encounters.
- There may be a possible impact of posting politically sensitive content.
- Some immigration attorneys suggest managing your online presence and securing your accounts.
- Information from CBP and NAFSA:
- CBP's page (last modified January 7, 2025)
- (January 9, 2018, reviewed January 2021)
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) (March 6, 2025, AILA Doc. No. 25030604)
Carrying Documents Locally and for Travel
- What documents do I need to carry on me either inside the U.S. or during international travel?
- Inside the U.S., including here in Las Vegas:
- For F-1 or J-1 international students:
- Valid passport
- Most recent F-1/J-1 student visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- Most recent DS-7002 (J-1 student interns only)
- Most recent
- Employment Authorization Documen
- For F-1 or J-1 international students:
- Inside the U.S., including here in Las Vegas: