Lori Meadows
International students returning to schools across the world in the fall face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. These include navigating shifting border restrictions, visa issues, and travel limitations. For example, students from Trinidad and Tobago cannot enter the US due to closed borders, and a Chinese student's F1 visa will expire if he lives outside the US for more than five months. Additionally, there may be financial concerns, such as tuition fees, housing, and everyday living costs. However, there is also the opportunity to join an international student association to connect with peers and seek support for physical and mental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Challenges | Shifting border restrictions, visa delays, financial burden, time zone differences |
| Opportunities | Hybrid learning models, online coursework, in-person convenings, on-campus housing |
| Tips | Join international student associations, reacquaint with customs and language, manage time effectively, maintain legal status |
| Impact | Loss of spending power in college towns, decreased enrollment in master's and doctoral programs |
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What You'll Learn
Visa issues and delays
International students planning to study in the US are facing significant challenges due to visa issues and delays. As of June 2025, the US State Department has paused the scheduling of new student visa interviews for F, M, and J visas. This decision is made to expand background checks and implement comprehensive social media screening for all international student applicants. The pause in visa interview processing has caused uncertainty and anxiety among students, especially those with August start dates, as they cannot proceed without a visa.
The US Embassy in India has stated that Indian applicants for F, M, or J student visas must set their social media accounts to public before the visa interview. However, the lack of available interview slots has caused widespread concern among Indian students. A similar situation occurred in 2024 when US consulates in the Global South reported lengthy interview wait times, impacting students' ability to arrive on time for the fall semester.
The visa delays and disruptions have led to worries about the academic future of international students planning to study in the US. Experts advise students to start early and stay informed by monitoring official embassy communications. Students are also encouraged to be proactive and flexible, regularly communicating with university international student offices and legal advisors. Additionally, students facing delays are recommended to consult the embassy and inform their educational institution and financial institutions.
While some universities offer late arrival support letters and allow students to defer enrollment, the visa issues and delays present significant challenges for international students intending to commence their studies in the fall. The situation is further complicated by a proposed change to the US student visa policy, which could impose fixed visa expiration dates, requiring students to apply for extensions periodically and potentially increasing costs and uncertainty.
Furthermore, the US administration has implemented a travel ban affecting citizens, including students, from 19 countries. This ban includes a “total ban” on citizens from 12 countries and a “partial ban” on citizens from seven countries, impacting F, M, and J student visas. These developments have caused a flurry of headlines and concerns for current and prospective international students in the US.
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Travel restrictions and bans
International students intending to travel to the US should be aware of potential travel restrictions and bans. While the US administration has not announced any travel bans, news reports suggest that the administration is likely to categorize nations into three groups – Red, Orange, and Yellow – with restrictions ranging from barred entry to a more rigorous visa application process.
The Trump administration has issued a proclamation that will significantly impact international travel and the issuance of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Beginning at 12:01 am EST on June 9, 2025, visa issuance will be suspended for individuals from specific countries. This includes a full suspension for citizens of 12 countries across all visa types and a suspension of visa issuance for F, J, M, and B visa categories from 7 countries. These 19 countries include Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea, Venezuela, and Chad (though Chad has since been removed from the list).
US colleges and universities are advising international students to adjust their winter break travel plans to ensure they return to campus before any new travel restrictions are implemented. At least 10 universities, mostly on the East Coast, including the University of Southern California, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT, have urged their international students to return before the inauguration on January 20.
International students should also be aware of the general travel requirements for entering the US. Students need to have a valid passport for at least six months after their date of re-entry and their student visa and Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" signed by their Designated School Official (DSO) within the last year. They should also carry these documents in their hand luggage and not in checked baggage. Upon arrival at a US port of entry, students will meet with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for inspection of their documents. If there are any issues with their documents or status, a CBP officer may issue a Form I-515A, "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor," which allows the student to stay in the US for up to 30 days while they resolve the issue.
It is recommended that international students stay informed about any international travel advisories or health regulations that might affect their trip and develop a contingency plan in case they encounter challenges when entering the US.
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Online learning and time zones
International students have faced significant challenges with online learning and time zones. The transition to online learning in 2020 meant that many students who had returned to their home countries had to decide whether to head back to their universities or continue their studies online with huge time differences.
Students in China, for instance, had to deal with twelve-hour time differences, staying awake from 8 pm until midnight every school day. This meant that students had to adapt to irregular sleeping patterns, with some having to stay up until 4 am to complete their work. This disruption to their sleep schedules also resulted in social isolation, with students having to forgo relaxation and social activities to focus on their studies.
Additionally, students in China faced technical difficulties due to government controls blocking commonly used educational platforms like Zoom, YouTube, and Google functions. To circumvent this issue, they used VPNs (virtual private networks) to redirect their locations, but these were not always reliable, leading to frequent technical issues.
Some universities have attempted to address these challenges by implementing accommodations for students in different time zones. Cornell University, for instance, has an academic policy that allows students to participate asynchronously if the scheduled meeting time falls outside of the 8 am to 10:30 pm window in their local time zone. They also make asynchronous alternatives available to students who cannot attend synchronously.
Other possible solutions include recording live lectures for later viewing, which accommodates students in different time zones and those with unreliable internet connections. Frequent low-stakes asynchronous assessments and discussion boards are also useful tools to engage students asynchronously and allow instructors to gauge their understanding of the material.
While online learning across time zones presents significant challenges for international students, universities are working towards finding solutions to create a more equitable learning environment.
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Housing and finances
Housing Options
International students have the option of living on or off campus. Universities typically encourage or require fall-arriving international students to live on campus, offering various housing options and scholarships. For instance, Youngstown State University provides a $1,000 housing scholarship per semester for incoming international students, aiding with room and board costs. Binghamton University also offers on-campus housing for new international students, with a specific move-in date for those with an English Language Assessment.
Financial Considerations
International students generally pay higher tuition fees, and with limited access to financial aid, finances are a critical concern. The high cost of tuition for international students can benefit public universities financially, as it helps offset the costs for in-state residents. However, the Trump administration's immigration policies have negatively impacted international student enrollment, creating uncertainty and a decline in interest in U.S. universities. This decline can have significant financial implications for universities that rely on international students' tuition and contributions.
Visa and Travel Constraints
Visa issues and travel restrictions have also complicated international students' plans to return to campus. During the pandemic, embassy closures and travel bans affected students' ability to renew visas and travel freely. Additionally, the Trump administration's scrutiny of visas for foreign students, particularly at Harvard University, has contributed to a drop in international student enrollment. These factors influence the housing and financial decisions of international students, who must navigate complex regulations and potential obstacles to their return to campus in the fall.
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Immigration policies and regulations
International students play a crucial role in the academic and economic life of universities in the US and Canada. However, their return to campus in the fall semester is often fraught with challenges, including shifting border restrictions, visa issues, and the high financial costs of studying abroad.
In recent years, immigration policies and regulations have significantly impacted the ability of international students to enter the US and Canada. For instance, in 2024, several US universities advised international students to return to campus before the Trump administration took office, anticipating that it would impose travel bans or make it more difficult for them to enter the country later. This concern was echoed by Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education, who expected some form of a travel ban to be enacted early in the administration.
International students are subject to rigorous immigration procedures, including biometric screenings, security checks, and tracking by the ICE-operated SEVIS system. While these measures aim to balance security and opportunity, they can result in delays and complications for students. Additionally, international students may encounter visa issues, such as the need to renew visas, exemptions from in-person interviews, and long bureaucratic processes, which can be further complicated by their home countries' travel restrictions.
To maintain their legal status, international students must stay updated on any changes in immigration regulations. They can seek guidance from their schools' international student offices and utilise resources like virtual academic counselling. However, the onus is also on universities and governments to implement forward-thinking immigration policies and advocate for their international students. For example, Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government offered a contingency plan during the dispute over its participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, allowing students to study online or finish their degrees at the University of Toronto.
Financial considerations are another critical aspect of immigration policies. International students often face higher tuition fees and living expenses. They may be targeted by fraudsters and housing scams, and they need to carefully manage their finances, explore scholarship opportunities, and consider part-time employment. Universities and governments can support these students by providing clear information, offering scholarships and financial aid, and ensuring equitable access to study abroad opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
International students face challenges such as shifting border restrictions, visa delays and issues, travel limitations, and financial limitations.
International students can ensure their study permits, visas, and other necessary documents are up to date. They can also familiarize themselves with campus culture and join international student associations to connect with peers. Additionally, they can ensure they have a clear understanding of their expenses, including housing, groceries, transportation, and textbooks, and explore available scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid.
It is important for international students to prioritize self-care by maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep. They can also take advantage of health services offered by many campuses, including access to doctors, counselors, and wellness programs.
