Immigration Updates and Reminders

Duke is attending closely to the policy changes introduced with the change in federal leadership. We understand the uncertainty over these changes is causing concern in our community.

Each international student and scholar immigration situation is different. We encourage you to speak to your DVS advisor if you have questions. If you are not certain who your DVS Advisor is, find out here.

We will work with students and scholars who may be affected by any Executive Orders or changes in regulations, which may affect the ability of individuals to obtain a visa to enter the United States, to enter the United States under a visa that has been issued, or to remain in the United States under an existing visa.

It is not yet clear if, when, or how the changes announced so far will take effect. We will continue to monitor developments and will share updates with our community via email and on the Duke Visa Services website.

As a reminder, U.S. law has always required everyone who is not a U.S. citizen to carry evidence of their immigration status at all times. This evidence will vary depending on an individual’s visa status, but could include a green card (Form I-551), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-797 approval notice, electronic I-94 printout, or other documents.

Foreign nationals should have copies of these documents available to show to government officials when asked. In the past, officials have accepted digital copies of documents stored on a phone or other device, as long as the original documents could be provided within a reasonable time (from a nearby residence or office).

When travelling outside of Durham, and especially when flying, foreign nationals should always have their original visa documents with them.

Also, U.S. law has always required all foreign nationals to report any change in their U.S. physical home addresses (though not for a change in an office address or post office box) to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of any move. How you report depends on your visa status in the U.S.

• Enrolled students on F or J visas should update their US home address in DukeHub, as well as through the TDS Portal via the Duke Visa Services website. That information will be uploaded to SEVIS.
• Students who have graduated and are currently on OPT or STEM OPT can update their U.S. home address directly with Homeland Security through their SEVP Portal accounts.
• Scholars and employees in J-1 status, or graduated students who are on J-1 Academic Training should report address changes in their U.S. home address to DVS here.
• Students, scholars and employees in any other immigration status must update their US home address with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).  Information on how to do so is available on the USCIS website here.

It is important to remember that all individuals in the United States have rights, regardless of their immigration status. Again, we encourage you to speak to your DVS advisor if you have questions, and you can find yours here.