Immigration Updates

ISSS is committed to providing updates that impact our international student and scholar community and to alerting you to resources that might be of use. Please check this page regularly for updates and continue to check your DU email account for important communications from our office.

On this page you will find:

  • Consolidated tips to maintain your non-immigrant status (key rules you need to follow)
  • An archive of relevant ISSS and campus email messages
  • List of people you can talk to about your immigration status or your concerns
  • Resources that might be of use to you while you are in the U.S. as a non-immigrant

 

  • How to maintain your non-immigrant status
    For F-1/J-1 students: 
    • Enroll full time each academic term starting on day 1 of the term. 
      • UNLESS it is the summer and summer is your annual vacation term, you are already authorized by ISSS to be on a non-summer vacation term, or you are already authorized by ISSS to have a Reduced Course Load.
    • Full time is 8 credits for graduate students and 12 credits for undergraduate students. 
    • Enroll in no more than one online class that counts towards your full time enrollment.
    • Remain in good academic standing.
    • Do not work without authorization. 
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update in My4D by entering your residential address in the "Mailing Address" section.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • If you have an EAD card (for example, when you are on OPT), carry this with you at all times.
    • Follow all immigration, local, state, and federal laws.
    • For J-1 students: Always have J-1 compliant health insurance coverage that is approved by ISSS. 
     
    For J-1 scholars:
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update by emailing isss@du.edu your new address.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • Always have J-1 compliant health insurance coverage that is approved by ISSS.
    • Get permission from ISSS for any activity outside of DU in advance of the activity.
    • Follow all immigration, local, state, and federal laws.
     
    For H-1B beneficiaries:
    • Report any change to your residential address within 10 days. Make this update by reporting to USCIS either online or via paper Form AR-11.
    • Carry a copy of your I-94 record with you at all times.
    • Do not do any work outside of your job duties as listed in your H-1B petition. This includes work off campus or on additional on campus work, including a promotion. These activities would require a formal H-1B petition to be submitted for approval prior to the work beginning. 
    • Follow all immigration, local, state, and federal laws.
  • ISSS and Campus Messages
    April 23, 2025: Travel and Safety This Spring and Summer

    Dear DU Community, 

    As a globally engaged institution, the University of Denver is committed to supporting our diverse community. We understand that recent changes in the enforcement of federal immigration policies may create uncertainty or anxiety, especially when planning spring and summer travel or navigating other aspects of daily life. To help navigate these changes, the following are some important details and resources. However, please note this is a time of rapid change, and while the resources and information within this email are valid today, they may change in the future. 

    Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.

    All students, faculty, and staff should take a moment and verify that DU has at least one emergency contact within the United States on their DU record. Faculty, staff and students can update this information through My4D by clicking on or searching for “My Person Profile,” and scrolling down to the emergency contact section. Staff and faculty should also please enter their emergency contact’s information into their Concur profile. 

    Within this message, you will find: 

    • Travel Considerations 
    • DU International Students, Faculty, and Staff 
    • Additional Details for International Students 
    • Potential Federal Travel Bans 
    • Helpful Tips for Traveling as a Transgender Individual 
    • Guidance for Campus Community Regarding ICE Visits 
    • General Safety Tips 

    Travel Considerations 

    All DU students, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related academic and business activities abroad (including to their home country) are required to register their travel at least two weeks prior to departure. Faculty and staff business travel is almost always automatically registered due to the use of Concur for travel bookings. All others can learn how to register travel by visiting our website. 

    University-related activities include but are not limited to: 

    • Academic research 
    • Conference or workshop attendance 
    • Participating in an internship 
    • Externship or practicum 
    • Study abroad or faculty-led 
    • Travel for athletics 

    By registering your travel, the University can assist in an emergency situation abroad, provide important travel resources prior to departure, and better track the international efforts of all DU members. 

    If you are part of DU’s international community and planning to travel abroad, we recommend that you carry the following documents with you when traveling: 

    • Passport 
    • Valid US Visa stamp 
    • Relevant Immigration Document: Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature; EAD card; H-1B Approval Notice; O-1 Approval Notice 
    • Proof of Financial Support 
    • If applicable, your personal immigration attorney’s contact information. If stopped at Border Control, please contact Campus Safety. 
    • Letter of Attendance or Employment: International faculty can obtain this letter from their dean, and international students can obtain the letter from the  Office of the Registrar. Present this letter at the port of entry only if requested by an immigration officer. 
    • Remember to print a copy of your new I-94 record when you return to the U.S. and carry it with you at all times. 

    We encourage the DU community to refer to our website for up-to-date immigration related updates. Please reach out to isss@du.edu for any questions. 

    Potential Federal Travel Restrictions: There is a possibility of heightened travel restrictions and policy changes with little to no notice. We recommend limiting international travel at this time. 

    Helpful tips for traveling as a transgender individual: 

    • If your passport shows your updated gender marker, it is still valid. The State Department has confirmed that all valid passports, including those with an "X" gender marker, will be respected. 

    Bring additional documents such as a birth certificate and a copy of the federal policy as backup. 

    Guidance for Campus Community Regarding ICE Visits 

    The University of Denver has not had any visits from ICE agents under the current administration. As DU is private property, our protocols are clear: ICE agents are not permitted in private spaces on campus without a judicial warrant or order. 

    If approached by someone you believe to be an ICE agent, please contact the Office of General Counsel at 303-871-4646 first during working hours (8 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday) and Campus Safety via the DU Safe app or non-emergency line during non-working hours. If an ICE agent presents a subpoena or warrant, instruct them to wait for the Office of General Counsel or Campus Safety to arrive. Only designated staff are authorized to accept service of a court order or subpoena. Please visit this “Know Your Rights” website for additional information. 

    General Safety Tips for Spring 

    As we move into the busy and vibrant weeks of spring, here are some reminders to help keep our campus community safe: 

    • Do not hold doors open for people you don’t know. 
    • Lock your residence or office when stepping away, even for a short time. 
    • Secure your valuables—never leave laptops, phones, or bags unattended. 
    • Travel in groups when possible, especially after dark. 
    • Use the DU Safe App to: 
    • Alert Campus Safety to something on or near campus 
    • Request an escort in and around campus 
    • Activate the virtual walk-home feature with Campus Safety or a trusted friend 
    • If you see something, say something—report any suspicious activity/behavior right away. 

    Thank you for your support in maintaining a safe and welcoming campus. Our warmest regards to you. 

    Sincerely, 

    Mary Clark
    Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

    Stuart Halsall
    Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
    Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation

    Jeff Banks
    Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

    Uttiyo Raychaudhuri
    Vice Provost for Internationalization

    Mike Bunker
    Chief of Campus Safety

     

    April 22, 2025: Explaining Visas and Visa Revocations

    Dear Student,

    There has been recent discussion in the media about visa revocations and we want to provide an overview of the visa and what a visa revocation is. We know that this is a stressful and uncertain time for many and hope that this information clarifies some questions you may have.

    What does a visa do?

    The visa (also called visa stamp, visa foil, visa sticker) is an entry ticket into the U.S. It needs to be valid any day you enter the U.S. and the classification must match that of your immigration documents and purpose in the U.S. For international students seeking to study full-time at a U.S. institution, this will mean that you need an I-20 and an F-1 visa to enter in F-1 status OR you will need a DS-2019 and a J-1 visa to enter the U.S. in J-1 status. 

    The visa itself does not grant a student the right to remain in the U.S. What does grant a student the right to remain in the U.S. is an I-94 record that indicates a “class of admission” of F-1 or J-1 AND an “admit until” date of “D/S” or “Duration of Status.” This means that if you continue to follow the F-1/J-1 rules and your SEVIS record remains active, you are in valid status and are lawfully present in the U.S. You can find your I-94 record here (please carry a copy of this record at all times with you when you are outside your home).

    Please note that Canadian citizens remain exempt from the visa requirement and are able to enter the U.S. using a valid F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 without a corresponding F-1 or J-1 visa. All other rules and regulations apply to Canadian citizens. 

    What is a visa revocation?

    A visa revocation means the government has determined that a visa is no longer valid and cannot be used to enter the U.S., even with a valid I-20 or DS-2019. 

    What would cause a visa to be revoked?

    Visa revocations are most common following interaction with law enforcement. This can be an arrest, traffic violation, or other interaction, even if the student is deemed innocent or the case is still in process. 

    How do I know if my visa is revoked?

    DU is not notified of visa revocations by the government and is unable to verify validity of visas. Instead, the U.S. Department of State, usually through the consulate who issued the visa, will send an email to the student alerting him/her of the revocation. If you think your visa is at risk, please check the email address you used when you applied for your visa, including the spam/junk filter. If you are still unsure, you can contact the consulate that issued your visa to verify. 

    Does a visa revocation impact my SEVIS record?

    If your visa is revoked, there is no automatic impact on your SEVIS record. However, there have been recent cases where a visa revocation has triggered a SEVIS record to be terminated. ISSS monitors SEVIS regularly and will alert you if we discover your SEVIS record has been terminated by the government. 

    If you have questions, please reach out to ISSS. You can schedule a Zoom appointment with an ISSS Advisor or meet with an ISSS Advisor during walk-in hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 3 in CCOM 3100). 

    Best wishes,

    ISSS

     

    April 22, 2025: DU Stands in Solidarity

    Dear DU community members, 

    The University of Denver has joined higher education institutions across the nation to sign a public letter expressing our grave concern over several recent federal actions. These actions threaten our autonomy and our ability to conduct vital research and best educate our students. I invite you to read the letter, organized by American Association of Colleges and Universities.  

    These are tumultuous and unsettling times. I am in continual conversations with fellow presidents and chancellors and looking into the other ways DU may participate in group actions where strength in numbers can protect our mission, our students, and the future of higher education in this country.  

    Sincerely, 

    Jeremy Haefner
    Chancellor

     

    April 10, 2025: New DHS Rule Impacting Some Dependents and Increased Enforcement of Failure to Update Residential Address

    Dear International Student/Scholar,

    We recognize that this is a difficult time for many in the international community, and we are dedicated to providing you with essential resources and support to help navigate the challenges you may be currently facing. ISSS will continue to keep you up to date on any regulatory update that could impact your immigration status. We are writing today with an update on a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that may impact you. 

    DHS recently published an Interim Final Rule for an “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration Form.” While this rule might change slightly during the formal rule making process, barring court intervention, it will go into effect and be enforceable on April 11, 2025.

    This new rule won’t directly impact most DU international students and scholars. By entering the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status (such as F-1, J-1, H-1B) and obtaining an I-94 record, you have fulfilled the rule’s registration requirements. Most nonimmigrants are already registered. 

    You do NOT need to re-register if:

    • You entered the U.S. at age 14 or older; and
    • You received an I-94 form when you entered.

    The new rule will change the rules for those with F-2, J-2, or H-4 visas, or other dependent children who will turn 14 years old while in the U.S.

    Key points:

    • A valid I-94 record fulfills the requirements for registration for those who entered the U.S. after turning 14 years old or for those who are currently under 14 years old. 
    • For those who arrive in the U.S. before turning 14, the child must re-register with USICS within 30 days of reaching their 14th birthday. 
    • If your child needs to re-register upon turning 14 years old, you as the parent can create a myUSICS account at https://my.uscis.gov/​ and then complete the Form G-325R Biographic Information (Registration). 
    • You must update your U.S. residential address within 10 days of any change. Note: this is not a new requirement but will likely be enforced more.

    What do I need to do?

    1. Print a copy of your most recent I-94 record.
    2. Keep a copy of your I-94 record with you any time you are outside of your home.
    3. Every time you enter the U.S., repeat steps 1 and 2.
    4. Anytime you move, update your residential address within 10 days of the change:
      1. F and J students - My4D by updating the Mailing Address in your contact information
      2. J scholars - email ISSS  
      3. Other non-immigrants such as H-1B - submit USCIS Form AR-11 
    5. If you have dependent children:
      1. who are under the age of 14, complete Form G-325R Biographic Information (Registration) within the first 30 days of them turning 14 years old.
      2. who are over the age of 14:
    6. and last entered the U.S. when they were 14 years old or older, there is no additional action to take.
    7. and they last entered the U.S. before they were 14 years old, complete the G-325R Biographic Information (Registration) form.

    Please note that the information provided in this email is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have questions related to your immigration status in the U.S., you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney. 

    Should you need assistance, ISSS offers walk in advising on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm – 3 pm in Community Commons Suite 3100 as well as Zoom advising appointments throughout the week. You can schedule a zoom appointment here.

    Best wishes,

    ISSS

     
    January 28, 2025: Uncertain Times and Resources for Support

    Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:  

    We are writing today to reaffirm that the strength found in the University of Denver’s community comes from its people and their diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences.   

    The University of Denver is dedicated to providing ongoing support to every member of our community as we stay true to our values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. As always, we strive for a Community of Care in which all members of our community feel welcomed, valued, and affirmed. We honor the rich diversity of our community including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, national origin, religion, faith, disability, and socio-economic status. 

    We recognize this time of uncertainty and fear that members of our community are experiencing. Executive orders, federal agency action, the vacated 2024 Title IX regulations, and legislative developments are causing members of our community to be concerned about possible impacts to themselves, family, and friends, as well as how DU will approach diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance efforts considering these changes. In short, our values will not change, and we remain committed to supporting every member of our community. 

    DU has and will continue to be guided by our institutional values and policies, in addition to state, federal, and local laws. The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, now led by Lin-Chi Wang, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Equal Opportunity and Title IX; the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Division of Human Resources and Inclusive Community; the Office of General Counsel; Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence; and many other offices are partnering to understand the changes as they are being proposed or happening, create resources of support, and help the campus community navigate this time. 

    We encourage students, faculty, and staff to use the resources that are available to you.  

    • Students: the DUhelp website provides information on various student support resources at DU including identity-based support. Students can share their experiences with the Dean of Students Office  and learn more about support resources. 
    • The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOIX) will continue to enforce the University’s Discrimination and Harassment policy, which prohibits discrimination and harassment on the bases of protected statuses including sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 
    • First@DU includes resources for students in the immigrant community. 
    • Employees: Lean on your HRIC partner as a trusted resource and source of information.  
    • There is also helpful information about diversity resources on the University of Denver website.  

    You matter and you are not alone. You are part of a community that values you and we will continue to provide essential resources and support to help navigate these changes.  

    One of the most unique aspects of the DU community is our care and compassion for one another. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.  

    Sincerely, 

    Jeff Banks
    Vice Chancellor, Human Resources & Inclusive Community 

    Stu Halsall
    Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs & Inclusive Excellence 

    Lin-Chi Wang
    Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Equal Opportunity and Title IX 

    Christopher Whitt
    Vice Chancellor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

     

    January 6, 2025: Support for our Immigrant & International Communities

    Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

    The University of Denver’s strength comes from its people and their diversity of thought and experience. Every person is a welcome, respected, and essential part of our DU community. 

    As the Chancellor and Provost of the University of Denver, we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our immigrant community and international students. We can only imagine the fear that comes from the conversations reported in the news. The University of Denver will remain committed to our values of non-discrimination, including on the basis of national origin. Please know that your presence profoundly enriches our university and elevates the quality and diversity of our student body and employee community. Every day, your unique talents, insights, and cultural perspectives strengthen DU. We are grateful for the invaluable contributions you make to our community.   

    We recognize the unique challenges many of our students face in pursuing their degrees, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. We are dedicated to providing essential resources, advocacy, and support to help navigate these challenges. Together, we will continue working to help maintain a safe and welcoming space for everyone. 

    In the coming weeks, DU will host “Know Your Rights” workshops designed to empower our immigrant community members with information about your rights and protections. We will offer these sessions in a manner that prioritizes the safety and anonymity of attendees. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate and take advantage of the resources available to you, including mental health services and information on legal resources. In addition, please visit the First@DU website, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website, and the DEI Resources page for more resources and helpful information. 

    Please know that you are not alone. We stand with you and are here to support you. 

    Sincerely, 

    Jeremy Haefner
    Chancellor 

    Mary L. Clark
    Provost 

  • Talk to Someone

    There are a variety of professionals at DU and in the community that want you to succeed as an international student or scholar. Please reach out to someone if you need assistance. You are welcome here!

    • International Student and Scholar Services - Meet with an ISSS Advisor via an appointment or during walk in hours.
    • Health and Counseling Center - Counselors are available to you if you need to talk through some of your stress or fear.
    • American Immigration Lawyers Association - If you wish to discuss your immigration questions with an immigration attorney, you can find a database of attorneys through AILA. For guidance on how to find an immigration lawyer, Informed Immigrant has put together this webpage with helpful tips. 
  • Resources