Immigration Updates and Resources

Those who do not have U.S. citizenship and are on non-immigrant visas (usually F or J), and graduates on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT)

Contact the appropriate international student office:

• Crookston: International Programs
• Duluth: International Student Services
• Morris: International Student Program
• Rochester: International Undergraduate Admissions
• Twin Cities: International Student and Scholar Services
  • ISSS Immigration News and Updates
  • Contact ISSS

Employees, including faculty, who are on H-1B visas or other non-immigrant work visas.

Contact International Student and Scholar Services or the attorney who assisted you in obtaining your visa. Permanent residents should see the Immigrant section below.

Permanent residents or those who have not yet received non-temporary status in the United States, including undocumented or others with temporary status. 

Students:

• Contact Student Legal Service, which provides advice and guidance, and legal representation where appropriate, for Twin Cities campus fee-paying students in a variety of immigration-related cases. In addition, the University has funded a new lawyer to provide expanded student legal support to all system campuses.

Employees:

• The Law School's Binger Center for New Americans’ website can offer advice and guidance.
• Limited legal consulting and a discount on referrals is available via the Employee Assistance Program for employees who qualify based on their job classification, percentage of time worked, and job term or their collective bargaining agreement.

Those that hire and host international faculty, staff, and scholars.

Reach out to ISSS for guidance as needed. Departments outside the Twin Cities campus should start with their campus’s international student office, as appropriate.

Entering the United States through a legal point of entry will involve an interaction with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel. While news stories have sometimes documented challenging interactions at the border, it’s important to remember that most travelers will pass through with little difficulty. Here are some things to keep in mind when approaching a point of entry: 

1. CBP has the legal right to search and inspect any luggage or property you are bringing into the country, and they do not need a warrant or cause to do so.
2. Such a search can happen regardless of your citizenship and you may be randomly selected.
3. Citizens of the United States cannot ultimately be refused entry into the United States, though your entry may be delayed.
4. CBP can deny entry to non-citizens without cause, but you are entitled to professional treatment and consultation with your country’s consulate if necessary.
5. As you interact with CBP officials, be polite, calm, and honest. Answer questions clearly and succinctly. Do not try to deceive CBP officials. 

Before you travel, think about the following considerations: 

Are all of your travel documents in order? Is your passport valid with an expiration date at least six months beyond the end of your travel plans? If you are not a citizen of the United States, do you have originals of all required documents and back-up copies as needed? It is recommended that non-citizens carry color photocopies of their current immigration documents at all times, even when within the United States. They should also memorize important phone numbers in case they do not have access to their phone. International students should visit ISSS (or the international student office on their campus) before departure to ensure all documents are in order. 

Think about your level of travel risk. If you’re a citizen of the United States traveling to a low-risk country for personal reasons, you probably don’t have much to worry about. If you are an international student or scholar with a history of protesting government actions or with a criminal record, you may want to think more about how to prepare yourself (and your luggage) for entry into the United States. Are you coming from or have a history of traveling to countries that may be considered countries of concern to CBP? Passport stamps from certain countries may lead to a higher level of scrutiny. Have policies and procedures at CBP changed since you departed? Has the list of countries of concern changed? Watch travel-related news reporting and U.S. State Department travel advisories for information on shifting challenges. 

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has also posted tips on assessing risks of travel, which were shared during an immigration webinar for international students and scholars.

Prepare your electronic devices, based on your level of risk. If requested, you must present your electronic devices in a condition that allows for examination, which includes providing passwords. Failure to comply could result in longer delays, loss of the item, or impact your entry into the country (if you are not a United States citizen). 

Register your travel. Make sure that you have registered your University-purpose international travel with the University’s International Travel Registry so you have access to University support and resources (see below).

Members of the University community may request an international travel letter to confirm their status as a UMN faculty, staff, or student and verify their University-purpose international travel.

NOTE: The letter is intended only to provide a University attestation to the student or employment status of the individual but may not be accepted or regarded by customs officials. It should not be considered legal advice or support, and it does not include verification of immigration status.

• Travel Resources for International Students and Scholars (ISSS)
• Travel attestation letter for University-purpose travelers
• Know Your Rights Information (Student Legal Services)
• Legal and immigration advice through the University's Employee Assistance Program or the James H. Binger Center for New Americans immigration services
• All University-purpose travelers who register with the International Travel Registry have access to the resources of On Call International, the University's international emergency assistance provider, including:
  • Pre-trip information (free risk assessments for every country in the world)
  • Translation and interpreter referrals
  • One free legal consultation (and referrals)
  • Lost/stolen documents assistance