Current Immigration and Travel FAQ

• We recommend carrying paper photocopies of your original immigration documents and keeping the originals in a safe place. You may wish to save a digital copy in a safe place such as your email or a cloud-based service as well.
• Currently enrolled F-1 students: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form I-20, passport, F-1 visa, your most recent I-94 proof of entry, and physical identification (LMU OneCard, LLS Student ID card, U.S. driver’s license, or CA identification card)
• F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94 proof of entry, your OPT EAD card, and physical identification (U.S. driver’s license or CA identification card).
• J-1 students and scholars: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form DS-2019, passport, J-1 visa, your most recent I-94 proof of entry, and physical Identification (LMU OneCard, U.S. driver’s license, or CA identification card).

Yes, as long as you are maintaining your status, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired F-1 or J-1 visa. However, if you choose to travel abroad, you must obtain a new F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate outside of the United States before attempting to reenter the United States in F-1/J-1 status. Very limited exceptions may be made for brief travel to Canada, Mexico, or other neighboring islands; this is referred to as automatic visa revalidation.

International travel subjects non-citizens to additional scrutiny each they cross a border, which can affect international students and scholars.  F-1 and J-1 visa holders who are in legal status are eligible to depart and reenter the U.S.; however, each U.S. entry is granted at the discretion of U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP).

1. On June 4, 2025, the White House released a proclamation, Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorist and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
2. As of June 9, nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are restricted and limited from entry into the United States.  These restrictions apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants.  Specific restrictions on entry have also been placed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
3. Students, faculty and staff on F, J, and other non-immigrant visas who are in the United States may remain in the country but are advised not to travel outside the U.S. for the duration of their programs/appointments. Students should contact visasupport@lmu.edu for advice on their unique situations.

If you choose to travel internationally, please carry all required documents in your carry-on/hand luggage (not your checked luggage!) through U.S. customs to facilitate entry in F-1/J-1 status.

Yes. Please review the ACLU Recommendations before traveling as well as information on the Customs & Border Protection website: Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has published a helpful document regarding your rights at U.S. ports of entry: Know Your Rights | Enforcement at the Airport | ACLU

Additional information regarding travel can be found on the Department of State website. You can also refer to reliable sources such as U.S. government websites with .gov URLs, and reputable immigration law firm websites. Be aware that social media sources may provide incomplete or misleading information.

You should not be contacted by any government agency regarding termination of your SEVIS record. OISS monitors students’ SEVIS records daily and will immediately reach out to any students whose records have been terminated. If you are contacted by any other source claiming there is an issue with your SEVIS record or your visa, please contact OISS immediately before taking any action so that we can verify the validity of the communication and protect students from scams.

If your record is terminated, OISS will work closely with you and your college or law school to create an individualized plan dependent on your unique situation. LMU is committed to assisting students in completing their semester if at all possible.

As of June 2025, as long as you are maintaining your status, you may legally remain in the U.S. with a revoked F-1 or J-1 visa. However, if you choose to travel abroad, you must obtain a new F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate outside of the U.S. before attempting to reenter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. This is subject to change and if it does, a communication will be sent to all students and scholars.

We understand that evolving immigration, visa, and entry/exit processes, along with federal policies, can be a source of concern. While we strive to provide the best guidance, it's important to note that circumstances can change rapidly, and LMU does not have the ability to intervene with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on anyone’s behalf if they are detained or denied entry.