This page lists all presidential proclamations and federal agency actions which appear to be related to international students. If there is any change that affects those in F or J status, we will explain it in detail.
We have reviewed all the actions listed on this page.
Executive Order: Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats (January 20, 2025)
This order does not change things for current students and scholars in F and J status.
Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion (January 20, 2025)
This order does not affect those in F or J status.
Executive Order: Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion (January 20, 2025)
This order does not affect those in F or J status.
Executive Order: Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism (January 29, 2025)
This order does not affect those in F or J status.
Notice by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Citizens of Venezuela
If you are a Venezuelan student who has made use of this option in the past, please meet with an ISSS advisor as soon as possible.
U.S. Department of State Press Release: Defending America’s Security through Visa and Travel Restrictions on South Sudan (April 5, 2025)
There are currently no students or scholars from South Sudan at the University of Iowa.
U.S. Department of State Press Release: New Visa Policies Put America First, Not China (May 28, 2025)
ISSS is following this announcement closely for any concrete policy changes. In the meantime, we continue to check SEVIS records regularly and will notify students if any changes to their SEVIS records occur. Students with additional questions about this announcement should meet with an ISSS advisor in-person or remotely during advising hours.
Proclamation: Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats (June 4, 2025)
This restriction only affects citizens of Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen who are both outside the U.S. and do not have a valid U.S. visa as of June 9, 2025. Students with questions should not hesitate to meet with an ISSS advisor for more information.
Reduced Visa Validity: DOS Reduces Validity of New Visas for a Number of Countries (July 15, 2025)
This new policy means that students from the countries listed on this website will receive new visas which are valid for only 3 months and a single entry to the United States. This affects F and J students from all of the countries listed unless there is parenthetical information next to the country.
U.S. Visa News: Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence (September 6, 2025)
Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
We have received many questions about what rights students, faculty, and staff have while they are in the United States. Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, is entitled to the protections of the U.S. Constitution. Please refer to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to learn about these rights.
Resources for Visa Uncertainty
Planning Ahead
With the uncertainty surrounding future policies and visa statuses, it's completely understandable that students may feel concerned, stressed, worried, or overwhelmed. Taking proactive steps can help ease some of that anxiety and ensure you’re better prepared if the U.S. Department of State were to cancel a student visa. Below are some tips and resources to help you create a plan:
- Seek Legal Resources: While the University of Iowa, including International Student and Scholar Services
(ISSS), cannot provide personal legal advice, it’s important to identify legal resources you can turn to if
needed. Research and keep contact information for immigration attorneys or legal aid organizations that
specialize in immigration issues. - Build a Support Network Plan: Assign responsibilities to trusted family members or friends to help coordinate
logistics and provide support if an unexpected situation arises. Be sure to write down all information—don’t
rely solely on access to your phone or digital records. - Create an Immediate Contact List: Make sure all members of your support system have each other’s phone numbers. Keep both digital and physical copies handy.
- Organize Important Documents:
- Store original identity and immigration documents in a safe place.
- Make copies and share them with a trusted individual.
- Gather and organize any documents related to immigration status or criminal history, if applicable.
- Academic and Assistantship Planning: Stay in close communication with academic advisors, assistantship supervisors, and International and Scholar Services. If your visa status changes, they can help with academic continuity or transfer options. Inquire if your department will brainstorm ways to complete coursework or research remotely if necessary. Consider options where your education or career path can continue if staying in the U.S. becomes unfeasible.
- Prepare for Medical Needs:
- Write down important medical information, including diagnoses, medications, dosages, and the names of your healthcare providers.
- Identify a trusted person to share this information with.
- You may want to sign a HIPAA release form, allowing healthcare providers to communicate with your chosen contact, if necessary.
- Make Living Arrangements Preparations: Consider your living situation and if you need to contact your landlord and/or secure storage for items.
- Make Financial Preparations: Consider consulting a financial expert about whether you should grant someone access to your finances or make other financial arrangements. Make sure any decisions are documented and legally sound.
- Know Your Support Resources: Identify local or university mental health services. Both the campus and community have lots of resources to provide support.
- Create a Self-Care Plan: Include routines or activities that help you manage stress, such as journaling, mindfulness, spiritual practices, or regular check-ins with friends or mentors.
- Understand Travel Risks: Stay informed about travel advisories or policies that may affect re-entry if you leave the country. Avoid travel if there's a risk you can't return.
- Plan for Childcare (if applicable):
- Prepare a notarized document authorizing a trusted family member or friend to care for your children if needed.
- Include key information such as school details, medical conditions, and emergency contacts.
- Identify Translators (if applicable): If English is not your primary language, make a list of trusted individuals who can assist with communication for both social and legal services.
University of Iowa Resources
University of Iowa Legal Clinic
1-319-335-9023
Student Legal Services
1-319-335-3276
International Student and Scholar Services
1-319-335-0335
Student Care & Assistance
1-319-335-1162
University Counseling Service
1-319-335-7294
Local Community Resources
Welcome to the Iowa City Area - International & Immigrant Resources
Iowa City Compassion
1-319-330-9883
Path of Hope
1-319-338-5390
Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County
1-319-800-1885
Iowa Legal Aid
1-800-532-1275
Last updated: September 8, 2025