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April 17, 2025: Registration requirement for dependents who turn 14 years old

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:26:18 +0000

April 17, 2025: Registration requirement for dependents who turn 14 years old Mitchell Brook… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 11:26

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a rule on March 12, 2025, announcing a new registration requirement. Among other things, the new rule requires minor dependents in nonimmigrant visa status – such as but not limited to F-2, J-2 and H-4 status – to register with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when they turn 14 years old.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on currently available information and relate only to this rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new rule become effective?

The order took effect on April 11, 2025.

Who is affected by this rule?

It applies to all minors who are not U.S. citizens, including foreign nationals holding nonimmigrant (temporary) visa status and permanent residents (“green card” holders).

Does this affect international students and scholars and their dependents who were 14 years old or older on April 11, 2025, and have valid nonimmigrant status (F, J, H, etc.)?

No. Only individuals who were younger than 14 years old on April 11, 2025, must register with the USCIS when they turn 14 years old if they are in the United States.

What steps are required to register a nonimmigrant or “green card” holder when they turn 14 years old?

The USCIS website provides instructions on how the minor can register for a USCIS online account and submit Form G-325R, the registration application. Once the form has been reviewed by the USCIS, they will determine if fingerprints and photos are needed. If such steps are needed, the USCIS will schedule an appointment for the minor at a USCIS Applications Support Center to have their fingerprints and photo taken. Please read the USCIS website carefully for detailed instructions.

Is there a fee charged for the minor to register?

No, a nonimmigrant or “green card” holder who turns 14 years old does not need to pay a fee to register with the USCIS.

Can a minor who turns 14 years old register with USCIS using their parent’s USCIS online account.

No. The USCIS website instructions state that the minor must set up their own USCIS online account to register.

Do children under 14 years old and holding dependent visa status (for example F-2, J-2, or H-4 status) need to register now?

No. Only when a nonimmigrant turns 14 years old do they need to register with USCIS.

Is there a “grace period” for a minor to register with the USCIS once they turn 14 years old?

The minor must register within 30 days of turning 14 years old.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at CU Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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April 8, 2025: Concerns about international student and/or scholar visa revocations

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:28:54 +0000

April 8, 2025: Concerns about international student and/or scholar visa revocations Mitchell Brook… Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:28

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and campus leadership are aware that the federal government’s terminations of international students’ visa status throughout the country are causing anxiety and uncertainty among international students and scholars. Recently, the CU System office issued this statement regarding recent student visa terminations impacting our community. On our campus, the ISSS team is working diligently to provide information and direct support to any impacted students and the international community.

ISSS continues to regularly access the federal immigration database for changes to students’ visa records, and ISSS will directly communicate with any impacted students. Our office will reach out to schools, departments, and units on campus should we require their assistance. Please do not contact ISSS inquiring if one’s visa or immigration status has been revoked or terminated. ISSS will immediately notify individuals if the government has taken negative action on their immigration record.
Visa holders who find their visas or status revoked or terminated and have not been contacted by ISSS are encouraged to immediately contact ISSS and their national embassy. For additional assistance, visa holders whose visas have been revoked and/or immigration status terminated may also contact the Immigration Clinic at the CU Boulder Law School. To enable the Immigration Clinic to focus on serving impacted individuals, please do not contact the clinic with general inquiries.
Continue to read the Immigration News Alerts on the ISSS website, access in-person and remote advising, email ISSS, and read ISSS News. The sole focus of ISSS remains on supporting the international community on campus, and those international students and scholars who need support may send emails to isss@colorado.edu or phone 303-492-8057 to get connected with an ISSS advisor.

CU Boulder values international students and scholars and their contributions to the university’s academic and research missions, and ISSS is committed to supporting international students, scholars, and their dependents.

More information, including what to do if a student, scholar or employee is contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, is available on the Undocumented Status Resources page and the university’s internal Federal Transition site with IdentiKey login credentials. Students and scholars may also find additional guidance and related “know your rights” resources on the ISSS website.

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March 18, 2025: Serious considerations If traveling outside of the United States

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:51 +0000

March 18, 2025: Serious considerations If traveling outside of the United States Mitchell Brook… Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:27

International students and scholars planning to travel outside the United States should carefully consider the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. ISSS, with support from university and campus leadership, urges international visa holders to consider potential future policy changes—such as travel bans currently being reported in the media—that could impact their return.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details. As of this writing, ISSS does not have any official information released by the federal government about any impending travel bans or other changes in U.S. immigration policies. FAQs are based on currently available information and do not relate to any specific situation.

Ultimately one is responsible for their own decision whether to travel outside of the United States. This FAQ is to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the federal government issued a travel ban for citizens of certain countries?

No, the federal government has not issued a travel ban or taken any other official action that impacts a visa holder’s ability to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.

In the news, they are reporting about an upcoming potential travel ban for citizens of up to 43 countries. Why is this being reported now?

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States. That order required that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the United States. Day 60 will be Friday, March 21. Please read the FAQ published on the ISSS website on Jan. 23 for more details about the previous executive order.

If there is no travel ban currently in place, why should a visa holder worry about traveling outside of the United States now?

Given that the report mentioned above is due to the president on March 21, the federal government may issue a travel ban shortly after that date and it could apply to visa holders outside of the United States, preventing them from reentering. If that happens, the CU system administration, CU Boulder, and ISSS do not have the authority to influence government officials to admit international students and scholars impacted by any possible travel ban(s).

How can visa holders know in advance what citizens of which countries may be part of a future travel ban(s)?

There is no method to accurately predict which countries’ citizens may be impacted. The press is reporting a potential list of countries, but that is not official and therefore subject to change.

If a travel ban is issued, will visa holders who are citizens of the impacted countries need to depart the country?

The university cannot speculate on what the contents of any future changes in immigration policy may be or require. However, ISSS will send email messages directly to all international students and scholars impacted by any changes. ISSS will also post an update on their Immigration Alerts website.

Would U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) be impacted by any future travel ban(s) or other immigration policy changes?

It is impossible to foresee with certainty whether future travel ban(s) or other policy changes could impact “green card” holders. Checking the ISSS Immigration Alerts website is the best way to obtain information about U.S. immigration policy changes and whom they impact.

If someone has a valid visa stamp in their passport and possesses all necessary immigration documents (such as Form I-20, an approval notice, or Form DS-2019), are they guaranteed entry into the United States?

No, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) official at the airport or land border makes the determination whether to admit someone as a nonimmigrant each time the person presents their immigration documents and seeks admission to the country. Please read this ISSS website for tips on what visa holders should keep in mind when seeking to reenter the United States after foreign travel.

If there is a change in U.S. immigration policies that impact a campus visa holder’s ability to travel or be in the United States, how will they know?

ISSS will promptly email international students and scholars who are citizens of countries that are specifically impacted by changes in U.S. immigration policies, including travel ban(s). ISSS will also publish a FAQ on their Immigration Alerts website.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel welcomed, secure, and well-supported throughout your time at CU Boulder and in the US. If you need to talk or have any questions, ISSS is here for you.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.
Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

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February 5, 2025: Antisemitism & impact on universities FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:33:57 +0000

February 5, 2025: Antisemitism & impact on universities FAQ Mitchell Brook… Wed, 02/12/2025 - 15:33

Presidential Executive Order Regarding Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 29, 2025, which in part requested within 60 days of the order the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide reports to the President:

identifying relevant authorities and actions to curb or combat antisemitism in the United States and
making recommendations to the president on how to “familiarize” institutions of higher education with existing immigration law. The goal of familiarizing institutions of higher education is “so that such institutions may monitor and report” certain student activities, but nothing in the order requires it.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this executive order. Please note that FAQs are based on currently available information and relate to the proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 29.

Does the new order require an international student or scholar to leave the United States?

No. The new executive order does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The U.S. government will not ask an international student or scholar to leave the country if they maintain and do not violate their current immigration status.

What is 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)?

8 U.S.C. 1182 is the section of the U.S. immigration law which describes the criteria that make foreign nationals (i.e., not U.S. citizens or “green card” holders) ineligible to enter the U.S. or be issued visas. This executive order does not change this section (or any other section of the immigration law) including the ineligibility grounds. Subsection (a)(3) of 8 U.S.C. 1182 specifically details the grounds related to national security and related grounds such as but not limited to association with terrorist activities and potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

Does this executive order change the legal bases for why an international student or scholar could be denied entry to the United States or a U.S. visa or be put in proceedings to be deported from the United States?

No. This order merely identifies existing immigration law, which provides that potential bases for deportation of a non-citizen include “endors[ing] or espous[ing] terrorist activity or persuad[ing] others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization.”

Does the executive order change what ISSS on behalf of CU Boulder reports to the U.S. government regarding the visa status of an international students or scholar on campus?

The executive order does not expand what information ISSS on behalf of CU Boulder is required to report about students or scholars in F-1 or J-1 statuses to the federal government via the SEVIS federal database.

How does FERPA and/or Colorado law impact how institutions of higher education monitor/report on activities by non-U.S. citizen students and staff?

Laws, including FERPA, continue to apply and are not superseded by the executive orders. More importantly, the order does not mandate monitoring or reporting by institutions of higher education.

If an international student or scholar has questions about maintaining their nonimmigrant (visa) status, to whom should they reach out?

For general questions about maintaining nonimmigrant status, please read the following ISSS webpages:
•   Students in F-1 Status Overview
•   Students in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in H-1B Status Overview

For specific questions, ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can reach ISSS via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

I have more questions about free speech in the United States and U.S. immigration laws. Where can I find more information?

ISSS is working to find experts on campus who can present on this topic. Please check our website regularly for upcoming events and programs.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at CU Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.
Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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February 5, 2025: U.S. immigration documents must indicate biological sex of male or female FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:22:42 +0000

February 5, 2025: U.S. immigration documents must indicate biological sex of male or female FAQ Mitchell Brook… Tue, 02/11/2025 - 14:22

Presidential Executive Order Regarding Gender Ideology

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20, 2025, requiring, among other things, that federal agencies make changes so that U.S. government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, reflect the holder’s “sex” not “gender, ” and referring to “sex” as “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female” and not as one’s gender identity. The order provides that “[i]t is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

Department of State- Sex Marker in Passports

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the presidential action.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The order took effect on Jan. 20, 2025.

Who is affected by this executive order?

It applies to all individuals applying for U.S. immigration documents, including foreign nationals requesting visas or permanent residency “green cards.” It also applies to U.S. citizens including those applying for passports.

Does this affect international students and scholars with existing U.S. visa stamps in their passports?

Possibly. If a U.S. visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” under “Sex” (e.g., “X”), it is unclear if the U.S. government will remain valid for entry into the U.S. Contact ISSS if your visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” and you intend to travel internationally so that ISSS can advise on any updated government guidance. The U.S. Department of State may require you to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

How does the executive order affect U.S. visa applications for passport holders with nonbinary or other sex/gender markers?

The U.S. government's policy on issuing visas for such passports remains unclear. Contact ISSS before international travel for updates on U.S. government guidance.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about this executive order?

The text of the executive order is posted on the White House website in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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January 31, 2025: Laken Riley Act becomes law FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:28:43 +0000

January 31, 2025: Laken Riley Act becomes law FAQ Mitchell Brook… Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:28

President Trump signed amendments to the Laken Riley Act into law on Jan. 29, requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or have admitted to having committed acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. These offenses are in addition to any “assault of a law enforcement officer offense or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new law and any impact on international students and scholars at CU Boulder. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the law become effective?

The effective date of the law is Jan. 29.

To whom does the law apply?

The new law only applies to individuals who do not have lawful U.S. immigration status or did not have the appropriate immigration documents when they applied to be admitted to the U.S. It does not apply to individuals who have lawful immigration status (such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B status) and used appropriate immigration documents when they entered the United States.

How will the law impact international students and scholars if they are charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admit to having committed acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting?

For any criminal charges or arrests, ISSS always advises that the international student or scholar hire an immigration attorney to provide legal advice. Student Legal Services on campus provides to students only limited legal advice regarding immigration matters and legal consultations and representation for some criminal defense issues. ISSS is not able to provide advice regarding personal matters including those related to criminal charges or arrests.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about the Laken Riley Act?

A summary and the text of the act is posted on the Congress.gov website.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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January 23, 2025: Increased review and screening for U.S. immigration benefits FAQ

Carolyn Salter — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:26:05 +0000

January 23, 2025: Increased review and screening for U.S. immigration benefits FAQ Carolyn Salter Thu, 01/23/2025 - 11:26

Presidential Executive Order Establishing Enhanced Vetting and Screening of Individuals Seeking U.S. Immigration Benefits

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new requirement. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 20.

To whom does the executive order apply?

The new restriction applies to any individual (foreign national) who applies for a U.S. immigration benefit such as but not limited to visas, admission (entry) to the United States, permanent residency “green card” applications, petitions for non-immigrant temporary status, etc. It does not apply to U.S. citizens.

Does the executive order put in place a travel ban?

No. The executive order does not implement a travel ban. However, it requires that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the United States.

How will the executive order impact pending immigration applications including visa applications at U.S. consulates and embassies and permanent residency applications pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?

To carry out the executive order, federal agencies will likely scrutinize all applications more which will slow down the process. There may be delays as well when seeking to be admitted to the United States at the airports or land borders.

Does the new entry restriction require an international student and scholar to leave the United States?

No. The new restriction does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The restrictions do not affect the immigration status for those who are already present in the United States. The U.S. government will not ask them to leave the country if they maintain their current immigration status.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about the new entry restrictions?

The text of the executive order is posted on the White House website in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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