Announcements : Information on F-1 Student Visa application and Travel to the U.S.
Announcement: Information on F-1 Student Visa application and Travel to the U.S.
Welcome to ArtCenter! Please review the following links for your information on F-1 visa application and more.
F-1 Student Visa
Find a U.S. Consulates
Study in the States
RESUMPTION OF VISA APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING!
Please note that U.S. Consulates and Embassies around the globe have resumed visa appointment scheduling since Wednesday, June 18. Please check your local U.S. Consulates to make an F-1 visa interview appointment IF you need new F-1 visa or need renewal expired F-1 visa to come to the U.S. for FA25.
GUIANCE ON EXPANDED SOCIAL MEDIA VETTING FOR F-1 STUDENT VISA APPLICANTS
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced new guidance on Social Media Vetting on nonimmigrant student visas. The DOS announcement stated that:
“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security. Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and through vetting, including online presence of all student visa applicants” – see Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicant
In the meantime, many of you might not realize that your social media presence can be scrutinized during visa applications, U.S. border screenings, or/and law enforcement encounters. We would like to inform you that there are possible risks and impact of posting politically sensitive content that could be misinterpreted by immigration authorities, and potential digital surveillance of protest activity. And remind you of managing your online presence and securing accounts for your safety.
Please review U.S. government guidance and also other reliable resource on what data U.S. border officials can access from your personal electronic devices for you.
-CBP Directive
-Electronic Device Searches
-What to Expect at the U.S. Port of Entry (POE)
Upon arrival at a U.S. international airport, seaport, or land border crossing, all travelers are
subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Anyone seeking to enter the
U.S. must establish your admissibility to the satisfaction of a CBP officer.
During primary inspection, a CBP officer will:
• Review your valid passport, valid F-1 visa, and valid Form I-20 with travel signature
• Verify your identity and nationality
• Ask about your reason for entering the U.S., your academic program, and your travel
history
• Taking your fingerprints and photograph
If additional information is needed, you may be sent to secondary inspection, where CBP officers
conduct further questioning and document review. Secondary inspection can be prompted
randomly or if a CBP officer has concerns about your admissibility. It allows officers to verify
information without delaying other travelers.
During secondary inspection, CBP officers may:
• Ask detailed questions about your travel plans, immigration history, previous
employment in the U.S. and/or prior drug use
• Inquire about proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the U.S.
• Request proof of enrollment and/or information about your academic program to verify
that you have previously maintained F-1 status
• Review any interactions with law enforcement, including arrests or DUIs
• Conduct a thorough search of you and your belongings, including electronic devices
• Request passwords or access to locked electronic devices to review laptop files, phone
data, and social media accounts
• Make copies of information stored on your devices
Refusing to provide CBP officers access to your electronic devices could result in your device
being detained for further examination and may lead to a determination of inadmissibility.
CBP officers have broad authority to:
• Search luggage and personal belongings without a warrant
• Question individuals to determine their eligibility to enter the U.S.
• Inspect electronic devices, including reviewing messages, emails, and social media
activity
• Make admissibility determinations
Documents You Need at the Port of Entry : F-1 students must present the following
immigration documents at the port of entry to establish their admissibility to the U.S.
1. Valid Passport (must valid for minimum of 6 months in to the future at the time of
re-entry to the U.S.)
2. Valid F-1 visa (Canadians are exempt) * If your F-1 visa has expired, the short break
weeks might not be the best time to travel and renew your F-1 visa as visa services and
visa interview appointment availability at the U.S. Consulates might be limited.
3. Valid I-20 with travel signature within one year: We are authorized to email you a
digital copy of the I-20 with electronic travel signatures. However you must print
out the I-20 in paper, sign on the bottom of 1st page and carry the I-20 with you upon your
entry to the US.
Tips for a Smooth Entry Process
• Keep all required documents organized and easily accessible.
• Remain calm and polite when speaking to CBP officers and provide clear, concise, and
truthful answers.
• Avoid jokes or misleading statements.
• Marijuana and other recreational drugs legal in California remain illegal under federal
law. Since all U.S. ports of entry operate under federal jurisdiction, possessing,
transporting, or admitting past use of marijuana can result in denial of entry or other
immigration consequences.
If you experience Issues at the Port of Entry (POE), please refer to the emergency contact
information below:
• International Student Services (ISS): Email international@artcenter.edu
• ArtCenter College of Design Campus Security at 626 396 2211
-Electronic Device Searches