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Dear UMD International Community,
We are aware of recent developments regarding changes to the visa processes and understand they may be raising concerns. We are committed to keeping you informed and are sharing with you the information and guidance currently available.
New Visa Interview Pause
According to media reports, U.S. embassies and consulates have been directed to pause scheduling new F-1 or J-1 student and scholar visa appointments until the U.S. Department of State issues additional guidance on screening applicants’ social media accounts. The University of Maryland (UMD) has not yet received official communication regarding this change.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is closely monitoring the situation and will post updates on the ISSS Immigration News and Updates webpage as information becomes available. In the meantime, ISSS will continue to process and issue DS-2019 and I-20 requests as usual.
What you can do:
- Students and scholars with a scheduled F-1/J-1 visa appointment should plan to attend it as scheduled.
- If no appointments are available, students and scholars should prepare to schedule a visa interview as soon as possible when appointments resume.
- Admitted students should continue to submit outstanding immigration documents to ISSS as we are actively issuing I-20s and DS-2019s during this time.
- J-1 scholars and faculty working on F-1 visas and their hiring departments should contact ISSS to discuss immigration options.
Visa Revocations of Chinese Students
We are also monitoring the U.S. Department of State communication from May 28 regarding visa revocations that are impacting certain Chinese and Hong Kong students studying in what they deem critical fields. As of now, the administration has released a press statement regarding the new policy. ISSS posts updates and information on visas, including revocations, on its website, and we ask that you check the website regularly.
If you receive any communication from the U. S. Department of State about a visa revocation, or if you have a concern about your status that you would like to discuss, please reach out to ISSS for support.
We recognize that this changing and uncertain immigration environment is stressful. UMD offers a range of support services, including:
Our university community is here to support your academic and personal success. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact ISSS at isss-inquiry@umd.edu or 301-314-1713.
Sincerely,
Susan-Ellis Dougherty,
Director, International Student Scholar Services
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