Common Problems

LEGAL COMPLICATIONS

What happens if I fall out of legal immigration status?

If you believe you have fallen out of status, contact your DSO (F-1) or ARO (J-1) immediately. Acting quickly is critical, as you may have options to regain your status depending on your situation.

Primary options for status restoration:

  • Reinstatement: File a formal petition with USCIS to request restoration of your F-1 or J-1 student status while remaining in the U.S. Read more about the reinstatement option below.

  • Departure and re-entry: Leave the U.S., obtain updated documentation, and return with proper authorization. Read more about the re-entry option below.

NOTE:  Unlawful presence occurs when someone remains in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of stay. It can trigger serious consequences including bars to future U.S. entry (a 3-year bar a for 180+ days of unlawful presence and a 10-year bar for 1+ years of unlawful presence). Under current rules if you are in the country under a D/S I-94, you cannot accrue unlawful presence simply by falling out of status as described above. You can only accrue unlawful presence when USCIS or an immigration judge formally finds that you violated your status.

IMPORTANT: See, “Understanding Recent Proposed Immigration Rule Changes,” below for information on a proposed new rule that may affect the answer to this FAQ.

IMPORTANT: 

  • Falling out of status can affect your ability to work, apply for OPT, or obtain future visas.

  • Your DSO/ARO can advise on your situation, but USCIS makes the final decision on reinstatement.

  • If you anticipate an issue that could affect your status, contact your DSO/ARO right away, as early action can often prevent larger problems.

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What is the difference between reinstatement and re-entry with a new I-20 or DS-2019?

Reinstatement Option

Reinstatement means filing a petition with USCIS to restore your status while staying in the U.S.

Benefits of Reinstatement Option:

  • Preserves your eligibility timeframes for work authorization (CPT/OPT/Practical Training)

  • No travel required - particularly valuable if your visa has expired or you're from a country with travel restrictions

IMPORTANT:

  • USCIS filing fees apply.

  • You must remain enrolled full-time throughout the process.

  • Employment is prohibited until approval is received.

  • Approval is not guaranteed. 

  • Processing may take several months or longer, and there is no expedited option.

Travel and Re-entry Option

This option involves leaving the U.S., obtaining new documentation (and a new visa if required), and re-entering with proper authorization.

Benefits of Travel and Re-entry Option:

  • May resolve your status faster if you already have a valid visa. 

  • Status is restored immediately upon successful re-entry. 

IMPORTANT:

  • May require applying for a new visa, which can cause delays and uncertainty.

  • A new SEVIS fee must be paid.

  • There is a risk of being refused entry.

  • Interrupts continuous U.S. presence and could affect employment authorization requests.

Reference: Study in the States: Reinstatement COE (Form I-20) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

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Can an arrest or criminal charge affect my status or visa?

Yes. Criminal issues can have serious immigration consequences. The U.S. Department of State may revoke visas for various reasons, including police or criminal interactions. Additionally, your DSO/ARO must terminate your SEVIS record if a criminal conviction prevents you from continuing your education.

  • If you are arrested or charged, you should always consult a qualified immigration attorney immediately and inform your DSO/ARO, since your immigration record in SEVIS may be affected. Even minor offenses (such as alcohol-related violations or shoplifting) can carry serious consequences. 

IMPORTANT:

  • While arrests and/or charges alone have not traditionally led to visa revocation or SEVIS termination, recent enforcement trends show increased likelihood of action being taken based on arrests and/or charges (not just convictions).

  • Criminal issues can also affect future visa applications, travel, or eligibility for benefits like OPT and STEM OPT.

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What should I do if my visa is revoked?

In the past, visa revocation generally meant you could remain in the U.S. as long as you maintained your status, but you could not leave and re-enter without first obtaining a new visa. More recently, some visa revocations have also resulted in SEVIS record terminations.

If the U.S. Department of State revokes your visa while you are in the U.S., you should receive an email notification. You should take immediate action upon receiving this notification: 

  • Inform your DSO/ARO right away so they are aware of your situation.

  • Consult with an experienced immigration attorney immediately.

  • Avoid international travel until your situation is clarified.

  • Work with your attorney to understand your specific options and risks.

IMPORTANT:

  • Visa revocations may be triggered by criminal arrests/charges, security checks, or administrative reviews.

  • Revocation can affect future visa applications, travel, and eligibility for benefits such as OPT or STEM OPT.

  • Enforcement policies continue to change, so professional legal guidance is essential.

  • Before traveling outside the U.S., always confirm your visa status using the CEAC Visa Status Check to ensure your visa is still valid.

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SCAMS

What are types of scams that target international students?

Unfortunately, international students are often targeted because scammers know you may be adjusting to new systems and rules in the U.S. Scams can look very convincing, so it helps to know the most common types:

  • Government impersonation scams: Someone pretends to be from immigration, the IRS, or the police. They may say you’re in trouble and must pay immediately or risk deportation or arrest.

  • Housing scams: A listing for an apartment looks amazing and affordable, but the scammer asks you to pay a deposit before you can see it in person. The apartment may not even exist.

  • Job offer scams: You receive a job offer you never applied for, or you’re asked to pay for training or equipment before starting work.

  • Social media and online scams: Threats to share embarrassing photos, requests for money through apps, or hacked accounts on payment or gaming platforms.

  • Phishing scams: Emails, texts, or websites that look official but are designed to steal your personal or financial information.

  • Tuition scams: Messages claiming your tuition payment didn’t go through, asking you to “re-pay” using unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

  • Romance scams: Someone builds an online relationship and then asks for money or gifts.

Scams can arrive by phone, text, email, social media, or even in person. They are designed to create fear or excitement so that you react quickly. Knowing the patterns makes it easier to spot them before you get caught up. 

IMPORTANT: Scammers are creative, and new scams appear every year. If you’re ever unsure, double-check with your international office or another trusted resource before responding.

Reference:

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How do I recognize a scam? 

Scams can be tricky because they often look or sound very official. Scammers try to create fear or excitement so that you react quickly instead of taking time to think. Most scams share common warning signs. If you know what to look for, you can protect yourself.

Here are some red flags:

  • Pressure and urgency: You’re told to act immediately, or something bad will happen. This is meant to stop you from asking questions.

  • Demands for money or gift cards: Scammers often ask for payments by wire transfer, gift cards, or apps like Venmo. Real organizations will never do this.

  • Isolation tactics: They may say you cannot hang up, or you shouldn’t tell anyone else. This is a way to control you.

  • Threats: Scammers often mention deportation, arrest, or damaging your reputation if you don’t cooperate.

  • Too good to be true offers: A high-paying job you never applied for, or a luxury apartment at a very low price, are common traps.

  • Strange communication: Messages may come from unusual email addresses, unlisted phone numbers, or through social media instead of official channels.

IMPORTANT: If you ever feel unsure, step back, take a deep breath, and check with a trusted source, such as your international office, academic advisor, faculty member, campus police, your bank, or official government website. Remember that a legitimate government official or business will always allow you time to process their request and seek advice from your international office or other official.

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When should I share my social security number?

If you have work authorization and a job offer, you will apply for and receive a Social Security Number (SSN). You should keep your SSN private. In the U.S., your SSN is used to track your financial, tax, and employment records, so it is very valuable to identity thieves. Scammers often try to trick students into giving it away.

You may be asked to provide your SSN in legitimate situations such as:

  • Filling out official employment or tax forms.

  • Opening a bank account or credit card.

  • Applying for certain government services (like a driver’s license, in some states).

  • Completing health insurance or loan paperwork.

  • Some housing or utility applications, when a credit check is required. If you do not have an SSN, you can usually provide a larger security deposit, proof of income, or a guarantor instead.

You do not need to provide your SSN to your international office, and most everyday services (such as phone or internet) can be set up without one.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Unsolicited phone calls or emails asking for your SSN. U.S. government agencies will not contact you this way.

  • Websites without a secure connection (no lock symbol in the browser). Never type in your SSN if the site isn’t secure.

  • Employers asking for your SSN before a job is confirmed. Wait until you are officially hired.

  • Any request that feels unusual or unnecessary. For example, a classmate or unknown person asking for it.

IMPORTANT:

  • Keep your Social Security card in a safe place (not in your wallet or backpack).

  • If you’re unsure why someone is asking for your SSN, ask how it will be used and whether another form of ID is acceptable.

  • If you are in doubt, check with your international office before sharing.

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What do I do if I think I have been scammed?

If you think you may have been targeted by a scam, the most important step is to act quickly and get support. Don’t feel embarrassed. Scammers are very good at what they do, and many students and scholars are tricked each year. Once money or information is given away, it is often very hard to get it back, so the faster you act, the better.

Here’s what to do right away:

  • Stop contact. Hang up the phone, stop replying to texts/emails, or block the person on social media.

  • Do not send money or gift cards. If you already did, save the receipts or transaction details, which can help in reporting.

  • Write down what happened. Keep a record of phone numbers, email addresses, websites, or names the scammer used.

  • Report it. Contact your international office, campus police, or local law enforcement. Also let your campus cybersecurity office (or IT help desk) know if the scam came through email, text, or a suspicious website. They can block or investigate it.

  • Protect your accounts. If you gave out login information, change your passwords right away. If you shared financial details, notify your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze or monitor your account.

Scams don’t only cause financial loss and they can also leave you feeling stressed or worried. Remember, you don’t need to face this alone. Your international office, cybersecurity office, and campus police are all there to help.

IMPORTANT: Even if you aren’t completely sure it was a scam, report it. It’s always safer to double-check, and your report may prevent others from becoming victims.

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How do I report scams?

If you suspect a scam, don’t keep it to yourself. Reporting helps protect you and prevents others from being targeted. Several offices and agencies can help:

  • Your international office: They can confirm if something sounds suspicious, reassure you, and guide you on next steps. They may also share alerts with other students and scholars if a new scam happens.

  • Campus police: Many University police departments have officers available 24/7. They can make an official report and connect you with local resources.

  • Local police: If you do not have immediate access to campus police, you can also report scams to your city or county police department. A police report can help you dispute fraudulent charges later.

  • Campus cybersecurity/IT office: If the scam came through email, text, or a fake website, let your school’s cybersecurity team know. They can block the sender, warn others, and investigate further.

  • Your bank or credit card company: If you gave out financial information, contact your bank immediately to freeze or monitor your account.

  • Credit reporting agencies: If you shared personal details (like your SSN), notify one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert. You are also entitled to one free credit report per year to check for suspicious activity.

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC collects scam reports from across the U.S. Reporting to them helps track trends and may assist in investigations. You can file a report on their website.

  • File an IC3 report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

  • State attorney general’s office: Many states have consumer protection hotlines or online forms to report fraud.

  • Trusted personal contacts: Talk to a friend, mentor, or advisor. Scammers often tell you to stay silent. Sharing your experience can help you get perspective and support.

Remember, you are not alone. Many students and scholars experience scams, and there are people and resources ready to protect and support you.

IMPORTANT: Even if you aren’t sure whether something was a scam, it’s always better to report it. There are no penalties for reporting something that turns out to be legitimate.

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POLICY CHANGES

How do recent immigration policy changes affect me?

To learn about recent immigration policy changes and how they might impact you, visit the updates section of our website.

Please know: U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow.

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U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.