About > International Programs Posts > Immigration Advisory > April 18, 2025 Immigration Advisory

April 18, 2025 Immigration Advisory

Please read this information as a guide to help you with your studies and maintain a valid immigration status. The information below may not apply to international students at all campuses.

Contents

  1. Participating in Protests or Demonstrations
  2. ISSS hours in summer
  3. Changing levels (bachelor’s to master’s or PhD, master’s to PhD, non-degree to degree seeking)?
  4. Last semester summer enrollment reminder
  5. International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens

Participating in Protests or Demonstrations

International students and scholars may have concerns about participating in demonstrations while in the US. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects speech, which includes symbolic speech and protest, as long as it is conducted peacefully. The US constitution protects non-citizens, but there are some considerations to immigration, particularly if participating in a protest.

Please refer to our earlier notice of dealing with Federal law enforcement.

International students should be aware that arrests, criminal charges and convictions may impact immigration status. If you choose to participate in a protest, remain peaceful, and in the event a protest becomes threatening, violent, or disruptive, you should leave the area to maintain your own safety. Any criminal activity can have long-term consequences and restrict international students during their time here or future attempts to enter and/or stay in the US.

Washington State University supports its students and their rights to free expression. Complying with WSU codes of conduct and maintaining studies and program activities will ensure your immigration status is not at risk. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions.

ISSS hours in summer

ISSS will remain open throughout the summer from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pacific time but may experience fewer staff available. Open advising hours those days will remain available in person or over Zoom between 1 and 3 p.m. Feel free to contact our office during these times if you need to speak with an International Student Advisor.

As a reminder, ISSS requires 3-5 business days for processing requests submitted through mypassport system. This processing time also applies to signature on social security letters, so please plan accordingly as we are unable to accommodate same day requests due to staffing.

Changing levels (bachelor’s to master’s or PhD, Master’s to Phd, non-degree to degree seeking)?

If you completed one level of study (Academic English, Bridge, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) in spring or summer and will be beginning a new, different level in fall 2025, please note that you MUST check in with ISSS in August 2025. If you are traveling internationally this summer, note that your I-20 will be changed, and we need to report to the U.S. government that you plan to return and will be pursuing a new degree level. You will need the new I-20 to re-enter the U.S., so please visit our office prior to your departure.

Last semester summer enrollment reminder

If summer will be your last term in your program, then please note there are some additional requirements on enrollment (listed below).

As you will not be a continuing student for fall, summer is not considered a vacation term so you will need to be enrolled full time for the summer or apply for the reduced course load for last term.

  • Graduate full-time summer enrollment: 3 credits
  • Undergraduate full-time summer enrollment: 6 credits

If you need to apply for a reduced course load for the last semester for summer, you can find this request on myPassport, under Enrollment Forms.

International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens

ISSS is closely monitoring for any travel changes, including a possible travel ban. We all are reading reports of international students who are being detained at the border upon entry or re-entry to the United States.  We recognize these are very difficult times for members of our international community and offer the following guidance:

  • Carefully consider not traveling internationally at this time if your visa status has you concerned.  When considering whether to travel, also review your social media history, which could be scrutinized by border control personnel. Immigration enforcement is also reviewing minor legal violations, including traffic offenses.
  • If your education or work responsibilities at WSU require travel, thoroughly assess the risk in advance of traveling and determine if there are alternatives.  If you are a student sponsored on a visa by WSU, reach out to ip.intlservices@wsu.edu.
  • All non-U.S. citizens must carry original immigration documents when traveling –both within the U.S. and internationally. This requirement is now actively enforced. Acceptable documents include:
    • Green Card (I-551)
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD
    • I-94 Arrival/Departure record
    • Travel permits
  • If you decide to travel and have immigration concerns, identify an immigration attorney in advance and carry their contact information.  Resources for finding an immigration attorney (navigate to legal support tab) can be found here:

If you have any questions about the above announcement, please contact International Student and Scholar Services.