International Student, Faculty & Staff

Yes, new student visa applications are being accepted and processed.

In some countries, scheduling has already started. If not, consular offices will resume scheduling student visa interviews soon. Applicants should expect delays in processing and/or access to fewer visa appointment time slots and should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability. 

New Department of State guidance states that all student visa applicants’ online presence should be vetted, and applicants should be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”  Department of State intends to vet, for example, expressions of advocacy that harm Americans or show “hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States”;  expressions of advocacy for foreign terrorists, including Hamas; expressions of advocacy for antisemitic harassment or violence; and political activism.

International students, faculty, and staff planning to travel outside the United States should carefully consider the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. The Universities of Wisconsin urges international visa holders to consider the current U.S. travel ban and potential future policy changes such as possible changes to travel ban countries and conditions for entry into the U.S. that could impact their return. You are responsible for your own decisions.

On June 5, 2025, the U.S. government published a proclamation to restrict entry of foreign nationals to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats. 

If you choose to travel internationally, it is important to plan and frequently check U.S. government sources, as rules and conditions for travel to the U.S. may change rapidly. 

• Visa appointment wait times
• What to expect when entering the U.S.

While the current U.S. travel ban may not affect you, travel restrictions could change.

Under the travel ban proclamation of June 5, 2025, no immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked.

The Universities of Wisconsin cannot speculate on what future changes in immigration policy may be or require. If you are sponsored by a UW university, you are encouraged to contact the UW office that serves your immigration status for assistance and/or review any information your UW campus provides online. 

UW universities follow internal protocol to advise students on academic options. Options vary widely by degree program and depend on the number of requirements a student has yet to fulfill.

While courses offered 100% online are available, for students in jurisdictions outside the U.S. please exercise caution as providing online education may be subject to local regulation. If there is an interruption to instruction close to the end of the semester, please review your policies on completing courses in an emergency. If there is an interruption closer to the beginning of the semester, please review policies on withdrawals and refunds, if appropriate. However, a student’s degree program may or may not offer the specific 100% online courses needed by a particular student. UW university academic advisors can provide resources or advising on a case-by-case basis.

International student services offices follow internal protocol in advising students on the legal requirements for travel followed by re-entry into the U.S. 

Students should discuss risks and mitigation strategies for re-entry into the U.S. with an immigration lawyer prior to deciding to depart the U.S.  Students should also discuss with their academic advisor prior to deciding the impact (if any) that an inability to re-enter the U.S. may have on their ability to complete a degree.