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Informational

Attention: DVS Office hours have changed. Starting 3/3/2025 we will be open 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday - Friday.

News

Travel and Immigration Considerations Under a New Federal Administration 

 Duke is attending closely to advisories and guidelines implemented with changes in federal leadership. We will work closely with students and scholars who may be impacted by changes in regulations, which includes current visa holders.  

 

These changes 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.  These changes can sometimes occur without prior notice.  

 

We will share updates with students, scholars and university stakeholders via email and on the Duke Visa Services website. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to keep the following in mind:  
  
  

  • International travel plans. If you are in the United States under a currently valid visa, we encourage you to consider the potential consequences of travel outside the United States, taking into account the potential that changes could impact your ability to re-enter the country. 
       
  • Delays in processing times. A change of administration impacts staffing levels at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, which could extend visa processing times, as well as processing applications for change of status within the U.S. Plan ahead for any applications or renewals you are seeking.  
       
  • A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection has the power to deny entry – even to valid visa holders – for a variety of reasons, including, for example, changes in policy. Familiarize yourself with the search process when entering the country and be aware that electronic devices may also be subject to search.  
      
  • Monitor the Duke Visa Services website and any communications from this office. Uncertainty is common after any election, and we will provide updates to the community as we have more information to share. If you have any questions, please contact your DVS Advisor directly.  
      
  • Each international student and scholar immigration situation is different. We encourage you to speak to your DVS advisor if you have questions. Avoid making decisions based on social media and rumor. If you are not certain who your DVS Advisor is, find out here.  

 

(This message was first posted December 2, 2024, and updated January 20, 2025)