About > International Programs Posts > Immigration Advisory > May 2, 2025 Immigration Advisory

May 2, 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. New Advising system and process for ISSS
  2. Changing levels (bachelor’s to master’s or PhD, master’s to PhD, non-degree to degree seeking)?
  3. Restore of terminated SEVIS records
  4. Participating in Protests or Demonstrations
  5. ISSS hours in summer
  6. International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens

New Advising system and process for ISSS

As of May 5, 2025, ISSS will no longer have open advising hours in person or over Zoom. Advising will occur by appointment only, and students will be able to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor in-person or over Teams by booking through this link. Please note there is no option for same day appointments, and walk ins cannot be accommodated.

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 contact our office prior to your departure.

Restore of terminated SEVIS records

ISSS is pleased to share that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has restored the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of the three impacted undergraduates at WSU whose records had been terminated. ISSS continues to monitor any and all such activity as well as changes from the current administration and will communicate those to you. Support and guidance from ISSS continue to be available to you. Get in touch: ip.intlservices@wsu.edu.

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. Advising by appointment those days will remain available (see item 1 above) in person or Teams. Feel free to contact our office if you need to speak with an International Student Advisor.

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.