Navigating Immigration Changes
General advice for KU's international community
Watch your email carefully for messages from ISS
All international students are asked to review all ISS email communications they receive. Likewise, international employees are asked to review all HR communications with immigration updates. Both offices endeavor to provide updates and critical advice that is reflective of any current changes impacting the international student and scholar community.
ISS will reach out individually
If the ISS team learns of any issues impacting a student's immigration status, they will reach out to individual students directly and immediately. ISS staff members are experts in this area and have the tools needed to support our international students with their immigration needs.
Drop by ISS
If you are an international student who has concerns or questions, please come to ISS for advising. ISS can provide current, informed guidance directly to students that is responsive to their unique situation and needs, and can connect them with appropriate support and resources as needed. International faculty and staff: Please see the international advising team in Human Resources.
Access campus support resources
Besides ISS, KU also offers legal services and counseling (Counseling and Psychological Services) to help students navigate challenges.
Take charge if you are a green card holder
KU doesn’t monitor green card status, as it’s not university sponsored. It is vital for you to proactively stay informed about travel, visa, and policy issues.
Scam awareness
Identifying and defending against scams
Imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal money or personal information, are increasingly targeting international students and scholars through suspicious calls, texts, or emails. Learn more about protecting yourself from scams.
If you are confronted by a dubious ICE agent
Ask to verify their identity. Legitimate DHS/ICE agents work in pairs, usually in plain clothes. They carry an official badge and credentials and should welcome you calling local police to confirm their identity. (While on KU's campus, call 785-864-5900.) People trying to impersonate and ICE agent often travel alone, wear an ICE tactical vest, show a badge without credentials ID, randomly ask for proof of citizenship, and ask to follow you home or demands money. Read more about fake ICE agents.
If you suspect an impersonator
Call KU Police at 785-864-5900, Lawrence Police at 785-843-0250, or 911.
Documents to carry
Documents to carry
Always carry a printout of your I-94. Get it at the I-94 Official Website. It's also recommended that you carry a photo ID, like a driver’s license, or a notarized photocopy of your passport’s photo ID page. For students, Legal Services for Students can notarize it for free. All of LSS services are by appointment only, so contact them first at legals@ku.edu or 785-864-5665.
Maintaining legal status for students
To maintain your legal status while in the U.S.
It is critical to maintain your legal status while in the U.S. so that you can get the most out of your international experience. ISS will help you keep you updated on policy changes that may impact international students, and ISS advisors are here to help you navigate any uncertainties. The ISS maintains several relevant pages for maintaining legal status: F-1 Staying Legal, J-1 Staying Legal, About Your Visa.
Updating your address as an F-1 or J-1 student
Make address updates within 10 days through iHawk: Go to F-1 Student Services or J-1 Student Services, as appropriate and then select “Address Update.”
Consequences of not updating your address
Possible penalties include $5,000 fine, imprisonment for 30 days, and deportation.
Maintaining legal status for employees
Sustain authorized employment
Your status requires KU employment in the specific role filed with USCIS; contact KU before changes in title, duties, or location, as new petitions may be needed. Non-compliance risks severe consequences.
Report address changes
Report address changes to USCIS within 10 days of moving by filing Form AR-11, using your current U.S. home address, either electronically or by paper. An AR-11 needs to be filed for you and each of your dependents.
Documents to carry
Always carry a printed I-94 and a copy of your I-797 Approval Notice, ensuring the I-94 on the I-797A is not separated or torn.
Understand the I-94 end date
The I-94 end date confirms your legal stay in the U.S. and typically aligns with your I-797 Approval Notice, marking the last day you’re authorized to remain unless an extension or amendment is pending. Check it after every U.S. re-entry, as errors by CBP officers or expiring passports can cause discrepancies, which may require immediate correction to avoid status violations. Contact keelinelson@ku.edu if the date doesn’t match your I-797 to address potential issues promptly. To learn more about your status expiration date and it's importance, visit HR's Understanding your Status Expiration page.
Understanding who needs to complete a G-325R form
The Department of Homeland Security’s Interim Final Rule, “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration,” effective April 11, 2025, mandates new registration compliance. While KU students and employees are likely unaffected, check if your non-U.S. citizen children need to comply. The G-325R form may be required for dependent family members as part of immigration status changes, extensions, or compliance with registration mandates.
Non-immigrants (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B, A-2, L-2, O-1) who have an I-94 do not have to register. The G-325R form is required for:
- Non-immigrants and permanent residents turning 14 years old while in the U.S., who must re-register within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
- Canadians who entered by land and did not receive an I-94.
- Anyone who entered the U.S. without inspection and hasn’t been registered through other means (e.g., asylum, permanent residence, or TPS applications).
Working as an international student
Permissible hours for working on-campus (when the university is in session)
F-1 and J-1 visa holders are limited to 20 hours of on-campus work per week when school is in session (different allowances are made when classes are not in session). For J-1 visa holders: Prior written work authorization is required. Learn more: On campus employment for F-1 students. On campus employment for J-1 students.
Off-campus work authorization
F-1 and J-1 visa holders must obtain off-campus work authorization before working anywhere outside of campus. This includes receiving any compensation for services such as honorariums, musical performances, lessons, tutoring, babysitting, etc.
Student travel
Travel outside the U.S.
If you plan to return to KU to resume your studies after traveling outside the United States, you must carry the appropriate documents required for re-entry. The specific documents you'll need depend on your current immigration status. To learn more, visit the ISS pages on Travel Outside the US & Re-entry (Also, for J-1 scholars: Documents Needed to Travel and Signatures and DS-2019 Reprint (J Scholar)).
Travel inside the U.S.
The ISS also offers advice for Travel within the US.
Stay aware of travel and safety: Students should stay informed about travel advisories and potential bans (e.g., possibly affecting countries like Iran or Venezuela). Carry required documents (e.g., I-94) when traveling and add KU’s 24/7 on-call number for support (see below) to your contact.
Add emergency contacts to your phone and memory
Add the International Student Services (ISS) emergency number, 785-380-8937, to your phone contacts—this line is answered 24/7 and can assist, for example, if you’re at a U.S. point of entry needing help to gain admission. Also, memorize a personal emergency contact’s phone number; inform this person they’re your designated contact and may need to make calls on your behalf if detained, as access to your phone or calls may be limited.
Increased social media scrutiny
DHS now collects more social media data during visa applications, port entry, or status changes (e.g., I-539, I-485 forms). Students should be cautious about their online presence.
Faculty travel
Special considerations for international faculty considering travel
Faculty are encouraged to carefully weigh their travel options to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and minimize risks to their employment and legal status. The lowest risk option is to avoid international travel, but if travel is necessary, having a valid visa stamp in your passport that remains valid for re-entry significantly reduces risk.
Higher risk factors include lacking a valid visa stamp, applying for a new visa abroad, working in a scientific/technical field with potential military implications, having a criminal history, or being a citizen of a country potentially affected by a travel ban.
Employees should discuss travel plans with their supervisor or department chair, especially if higher risk factors apply, as KU policy prohibits remote work from outside the U.S., and visa delays could impact employment.
What all professors and staff should be aware of
Understand your classrooms as private
If ICE would arrive at a faculty member’s classroom to contact a student, they may ask ICE agents to wait outside until class ends. Their classroom should be considered a private space. Direct them to the General Counsel’s Office to verify court orders and their IDs.
Guard sensitive information
To protect privacy and avoid unintended consequences, exercise caution when sharing or requesting students’ immigration status details.
Support students emotionally
As always, foster a supportive environment and direct students to KU’s Counseling and Psychological Services as appropriate.
Refer students to experts
Direct students to specialized offices like International Student Services and the Office of General Counsel [Should this be Legal Services for Students ?] for immigration advice rather than tackling complex issues yourself, ensuring they get accurate, professional support. All services are by appointment, so contact them first at legals@ku.edu or 785-864-5665.