Guidance on International Travel

As you begin this new semester and plan your schedules, activities and commitments, we at the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) are here to provide international travel guidance to you and all students, faculty and researchers under Columbia University’s visa sponsorship.

There are a number of new developments described below that may impact your international travel or future visa applications, including where you apply for a visa. Please ensure that you are up to date with the guidance below, and plan accordingly before travelling internationally.

How can I stay informed about new federal immigration updates? 

Bookmark and review our ISSO News, which highlights recent and emerging federal immigration updates. This valuable resource will keep you informed on current events impacting international travel and help you assess your personal risk tolerance over the fall semester and beyond.

What recent developments should I consider regarding international travel?

Key Department of State (DOS) developments, explained in further detail in ISSO News, include: 

DOS Advises Nonimmigrants to Apply for Visas in Country of Nationality or Residence 
 
The DOS, in a September 6, 2025 announcement, advised that effective immediately applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. The announcement also provides further guidance on designated consular posts for nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not currently conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations. 
 
DOS Revises Visa Interview Waiver Policy
 
Per a DOS announcement effective September 2, 2025, all applicants for a nonimmigrant visa will generally need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, with very limited exceptions. 
 
Visa applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the consular post’s operating status and services.
 
DOS Expands Social Media Vetting
 
In a June 18, 2025 announcement, DOS expanded social media screening and vetting for certain visa applicants. Complete details on the purpose and process for vetting can be found on the websites of each consular post.
 
Visa applicants should be prepared for longer visa processing times between interview and the issuance of the visa.
 
Once it has been determined that the applicant is otherwise eligible for the requested nonimmigrant visa, the consular officer will:

• Refuse the case under INA 221(g)
• Inform the visa applicant that their case is refused and requires additional administrative processing to establish his eligibility for the visa
• Conduct the required screening

Assuming that the screening does not raise concerns, the visa application will revert from being refused to being approved.

How do I prepare for entering the U.S.?

 
Understand the Purpose and Duration of your Entry Visa
 
As a reminder, a U.S. visa is an entry document (Canadian citizens are exempt from this entry visa requirement). If your visa expires while you are in the U.S. it has no effect on your immigration status. However, if your visa has expired, when you leave the U.S. to travel abroad, you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate to return in the same status.
 
The length of the visa’s validity is based on newly revised reciprocity agreements between your country and the U.S.

Make sure that you have all your required documents when entering the U.S. The ISSO website on international travel is your go-to resource for understanding your required travel documentation. 

When you arrive in the U.S., ensure you check your I-94 and let ISSO know right away if you have any questions. If you are entering the U.S. through a land border, you should ask about getting an I-94 as they are not always provided without asking. 

What if I encounter an issue at the border?

If the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers need to contact Columbia University for additional information or verification, they generally contact Public Safety (212) 854-5555 who will then immediately reach an ISSO Director at all times (24/7) to answer the officer’s questions in an effort to facilitate your entry.

A final reminder from ISSO...

ISSO recognizes that navigating the dynamic international travel landscape can be challenging; ISSO will keep you posted on any further developments. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to speak to an ISSO adviser for any reason, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our contact information can be found here. We are available for phone, Zoom, or in-person appointments.