Lori Meadows
International students who wish to stay and work in the US after graduation must follow several rules and regulations. While an F-1 visa will usually only allow students to remain in the US for 60 days post-graduation, there are several options for extending one's stay. One popular route is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to stay and gain work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students in STEM fields may be eligible for a two-year stay. Another option is to apply for a H-1B visa, which requires sponsorship from an employer and is specific to workers in specialty occupations. Alternatively, international students can pursue an employment-based immigrant visa, though this often requires labor certification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | The visa stamp in the passport should be valid on the date of return to the US. |
| Passport validity | The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of re-entry. |
| Travel advisories | BIO recommends entering the US via San Francisco International Airport (SFO) whenever possible. |
| Visa processing | The US State Department has resumed student visa processing with enhanced screening measures. |
| Travel bans | The Trump Administration's travel ban prohibits nationals from 12 countries from entering the US. |
| Impact on enrolments | The travel ban may discourage international students from studying in the US. |
| University guidance | Some universities are urging international students to return to the US as soon as possible. |
| Visa interviews | Visa interviews for international students have been temporarily suspended. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students' return to US colleges is uncertain due to health risks and visa issues
- Trump's travel ban and immigration policies have impacted international students' ability to enter the US
- International students face challenges with visa interviews, appointments, and renewals
- US colleges depend on international students' tuition fees, a decline may affect budgets
- Online classes and time zone differences may discourage international students from returning to the US
International students' return to US colleges is uncertain due to health risks and visa issues
The return of international students to US colleges remains uncertain due to health risks and visa issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions, with many international students returning to their home countries and opting for online classes. While some students express a desire to return to US campuses, health concerns and unpredictable visa policies create uncertainty for prospective and current international students.
Health risks associated with the pandemic have influenced the decisions of international students and their parents. Worried about these risks, parents may prevent new students from enrolling in American schools, potentially resulting in significant revenue losses for universities. Additionally, international students who remained in the US during the pandemic faced financial challenges due to difficulties in receiving funds from their families.
Visa issues have further complicated the return of international students to US colleges. The US State Department paused scheduling new interview appointments for student visa applicants, causing unease among students, especially during the peak processing period for student visas. The lack of transparency and due process regarding visa revocations has left students terrified and in need of legal support. The Trump administration's aggressive revocation of visas for Chinese students and termination of records in the SEVIS database have also contributed to the uncertainty.
The impact of these issues extends beyond the students themselves. International students are a significant source of revenue for US colleges, with higher tuition fees than US citizens. A decline in international student enrollment could result in financial losses for universities and a loss of skilled professionals in various sectors. Additionally, the perception of the US as a welcoming destination for international students may be affected, potentially leading to a shift towards other countries perceived as more stable.
While there have been calls for advocacy campaigns and efforts to support the mental health and academic success of international students, the future remains uncertain. The combination of health risks and unpredictable visa policies creates a challenging environment for international students considering a return to US colleges.
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Trump's travel ban and immigration policies have impacted international students' ability to enter the US
International students have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many returning to their home countries and taking online classes. This has resulted in financial losses for universities, with some institutions potentially facing program cuts and staff reductions. The pandemic has also caused uncertainty and concern among international students regarding their ability to return to the US for their studies.
Trump's travel ban and immigration policies have further exacerbated these challenges. In June 2025, President Trump reinstated a travel ban, restricting the entry of citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions were also placed on seven other countries. This follows a previous travel ban during Trump's first term, which targeted travelers from Muslim-majority nations.
The travel ban has directly impacted international students, particularly those from the affected countries. The ban signals that the US may be less welcoming to international visitors, including students, which could deter prospective students from applying to US universities. Additionally, the ban may create difficulties for current students from these countries who wish to return to their studies in the US.
Trump's immigration crackdown has also resulted in a pause on scheduling new interview appointments for student visa applicants, creating a backlog that could slow down the visa application process. The State Department has also announced enhanced screening measures for visa applicants, including examining social media and online presence. These measures add uncertainty and complexity to the process of obtaining a student visa, potentially impacting the ability of international students to enter the US.
Furthermore, Trump's policies have created uncertainty for international college athletes, with concerns about how revenue-sharing models and compensation could impact their visa status. Immigration attorneys have advised international students and athletes to exercise caution when considering travel outside the US due to the unpredictable nature of US immigration policies. Overall, Trump's travel ban and immigration policies have had a significant impact on international students' ability to enter and remain in the US for their studies.
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International students face challenges with visa interviews, appointments, and renewals
International students play a crucial role in the US education system, with over a million foreign students contributing nearly $43.8 billion to the economy and supporting 378,000 jobs in 2023-2024. However, these students often face challenges with visa interviews, appointments, and renewals, which can impact their ability to enter or remain in the country.
One significant challenge is the lengthy and unpredictable wait times for visa appointments and interviews. According to reports, wait times at US embassies worldwide can range from days to months, and any backlog or more intensive vetting processes can further extend these delays. This uncertainty affects not only the students but also the universities, which rely on the revenue generated by these students.
The visa interview process itself can be rigorous and subject to rapid change. In 2025, the Trump administration implemented a temporary pause on scheduling new student visa interviews, citing the need to expand social media screening and vetting for international applicants. This move caused concern among universities and students, with thousands of students at Harvard alone left in limbo. While the pause was intended to be short-term, it ended up continuing for several weeks, impacting the enrolments for the upcoming academic year.
International students also face challenges with visa renewals and re-entry into the US. For example, students returning to the US after a short trip to Canada or Mexico may be able to re-enter with an expired visa through Automatic Visa Revalidation. However, they are advised to carry specific documentation, such as proof of financial support and resources, which can be a burden for some students. Additionally, the US immigration policy is described as unpredictable, and students are urged to exercise caution when considering international travel.
Overall, while international students are an essential part of the US academic landscape, they must navigate a complex and evolving visa system. The challenges associated with visa interviews, appointments, and renewals can create uncertainty and, in some cases, deter students from choosing the US as their study destination.
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US colleges depend on international students' tuition fees, a decline may affect budgets
US colleges and universities have become increasingly dependent on the tuition fees of international students to balance their budgets. International students often pay full tuition without institutional aid, and their high fees help US institutions to keep operating. However, a decline in international student enrollment could significantly affect college budgets.
During the economic downturn a decade ago, US colleges and universities experienced cuts to their state funding. To compensate for this, they actively recruited more international students, who pay higher tuition fees. Master's programs, in particular, have become the financial engine for many universities, with international students paying full tuition. International students contribute $40 billion to the US economy annually, and most of them pay the full fees.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies have led to a decline in new international student enrollments. Many American universities may lose up to 25% of their international enrollment, resulting in a substantial loss of tuition income. This could lead to program cuts and staff reductions. The loss of international students also affects the availability of talent and expertise on campuses.
The decline in international student enrollment has been accompanied by a dramatic reduction in federal research funding, particularly for STEM graduate programs. This has further impacted international student enrollment, as federal funding serves as the primary support for a significant proportion of STEM graduate students.
The combination of visa restrictions, policy shifts, enrollment declines, and funding cuts has led to a complex reconfiguration of student flows and deeper structural shifts in international student mobility to the US. US colleges and universities may need to make structural budget adjustments to adapt to these changes, as they are unlikely to be temporary.
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Online classes and time zone differences may discourage international students from returning to the US
International students are a significant source of revenue for American universities, and their absence during the pandemic has been keenly felt. Many students chose to return to their home countries and continue their studies online, which has raised concerns about their continued enrolment. Time zone differences have meant that students have had to adjust their study times to fit their time zone, with some having to stay up very late or get up very early to attend synchronous courses.
For example, Yuwen Wan, a second-year journalism student at Ohio State, is based in Chongqing, China, which is 12 hours ahead of Columbus. Two of her courses are synchronous, and she has to attend them at midnight and 5:30 am her time. She has said that she prefers in-person classes and plans to attend them in the spring. However, she is nervous about it as she has never been abroad before.
Another student, Kaito Shibata, a social science major at CSU Chico State, returned to his home in Yokohama, Japan, and is taking online classes from there. He has said that he might skip the fall semester and return to Chico in January, expressing uncertainty about when he will be able to go back.
Some international students may avoid returning to US campuses altogether in the coming years. One student from India, Singhania, has said that while he will take the risk and return if classes are in person, he thinks many others won't. He added that he loves the US and misses college life.
The decline in new international students is a significant concern for universities, as it will directly affect their budgets. There is also worry about a potential decline in enrolment due to health risks in the US, with parents possibly forbidding new students from starting at American schools.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid passport, a valid visa stamp, and proof of your SEVIS fee payment. If you are an F-1 student, you will also need a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”, signed by your DSO within the last year.
You should not leave the country for more than 5 months.
The Berkeley International Office (BIO) recommends entering the US via the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) port of entry whenever possible.
