Immigration Updates

International Services actively monitors immigration developments and compiles important updates in one place for our campus community.

Please stay informed through official U.S. government sources, as this page is not a substitute for legal advice. Contact International Services at is@clemson.edu with any questions or concerns.

Current Status - July 15, 2025

International Services is not aware of any changes affecting compliance requirements or sponsorship processes for the following categories:

  • F-1 and J-1 students and scholars
  • H-1B, O-1, and TN employees
  • Permanent residency sponsorship under EB-1 and EB-2 categories

Visa Reciprocity Tables - July 8, 2025 

The U.S. Department of State has updated the Visa Reciprocity Tables. Nonimmigrant visas issued to nationals of the following countries will now be limited to a 3-month, single-entry visa: Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Resumption of F and J Visa Appointments with Social Media Screening - June 18, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has announced that visa appointments have resumed for F and J status. Applicants are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public’ as part of this process.

Presidential Proclamation: Travel Restrictions on 19 Countries

Issued: June 4, 2025 | Effective: 12:01 a.m. (EST), June 9, 2025

The U.S. government issued a Presidential Proclamation restricting the entry of certain foreign nationals from 19 countries.

  • Full Restrictions
    Immigrants and nonimmigrants from the following countries are fully banned from entering the U.S.: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen.

  • Partial Restrictions
    Entry is partially restricted for immigrants and nonimmigrants holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas from: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela.

  • Scope and Limitations
    These restrictions only apply to:
    • Foreign nationals outside the U.S. as of the proclamation’s effective date.
    • Individuals who do not have a valid visa on that date.

  • Exemptions
    The proclamation does not apply to:
    • Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
    • Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country.
    • Holders of valid nonimmigrant visas in the following categories: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6.
    • Athletes, coaches, and immediate relatives attending major international sporting events (e.g., World Cup, Olympics).
    • Immediate family immigrant visas: IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5.
    • Adoption-related immigrant visas: IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4.
    • Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders.
    • U.S. Government employee Special Immigrant Visa holders.
    • Immigrant visa applicants who are ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

Who to Contact for Help

If you have questions or need assistance related to the travel restrictions and you meet one of the criteria below, please contact Lindsey Hill at lwhill@clemson.edu.

You are encouraged to reach out if you are:

  • A current international student from a restricted country and are abroad without a valid visa.
  • An incoming international student from a restricted country and are abroad without a visa.
  • An incoming J-1 Exchange Visitor from a restricted country and are abroad without a valid visa.
  • A returning J-1 Exchange Visitor from a restricted country and are abroad without a valid visa.
  • A current or new faculty member, staff, researcher, or postdoc from a restricted country and are abroad without a visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does this impact Permanent Residents?
    Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are fully exempt from the travel restrictions.

  • I have a valid visa and am from a country listed in the travel ban. Can I enter the U.S.?
    The proclamation does not apply to individuals with a valid visa.

  • Will valid visas for foreign nationals from banned countries be revoked?
    The proclamation does not revoke any visas issued before the effective date.

  • I’m currently in the U.S. and changing my status (e.g., from F-1 to H-1B). Will this affect me?
    The proclamation only applies to individuals outside the U.S. on the effective date.

  • I’m from a banned country and have a pending visa interview abroad. Will my visa be denied?
    The proclamation increases the likelihood of denial. Unless you qualify for an exemption, your visa is unlikely to be approved.

  • I need immigration help but am not in F, J, O-1, TN, H-1B, or permanent residency sponsorship through Clemson. What should I do?
    You should consult a qualified immigration attorney. If you are not sponsored by Clemson University, refer to our legal resources for assistance.

Travel Reminders

Before making travel plans, please review all current travel bans and restrictions. Standard travel requirements—such as valid I-20 or DS-2019 travel signatures—still apply.

Refer to the appropriate travel guidance below:

Department of State Announcement regarding Chinese Student Visa Revocations - May 28, 2025

The U.S. Department of State announced in a press release that a new policy would pursue the revocation of student visas for certain persons from China and Hong Kong. Details regarding the scope, scale, and exact actions to be taken have not been provided. IS is actively monitoring this situation and will provide updates as more information is available.

USCIS Update: Immigration Eligibility and Conduct – April 9, 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued guidance indicating that certain forms of antisemitic conduct—such as social media activity or harassment—may be considered when reviewing immigration benefit applications. This may impact individuals applying for permanent residency, student visas, or those affiliated with institutions connected to such activity.

Important Links:

U.S. Department of State (DOS)
Study in the States 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
USCIS Address Update Information


Additional University Resources:

Clemson University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Clemson University Student Health Services (Redfern)