Updated April 7, 2025, 5:25 p.m.

International Student and Scholar Services is closely monitoring recent events impacting international students and scholars in the United States. We understand these events may create uncertainty and that you may have questions. Review the message below for important information and updates.  

Maintaining status

It is important to maintain your status while in the United States. Students can do this by keeping your documents up to date, maintaining full-time enrollment and obtaining work authorization. Review additional information about maintaining your status:

• Information for F-1/J-1 students
• Information for J-1 scholars
• Information for H-1B scholars

Immigration officials

If you receive an email regarding your immigration status or a visa revocation, contact your ISSS adviser as soon as possible. If your SEVIS record is identified as terminated in our routine checks, we will notify you directly to provide guidance on next steps. In the event you are detained by immigration officials or have other concerns about your individual immigration status or visa, it is recommended you consult an immigration attorney or your home country’s embassy/consulate. If possible, you should also notify your ISSS adviser to make them aware of the situation. While we cannot advise or assist on your individual immigration legal issues, we can consult on academic issues and provide referrals for other support services.

Additional information regarding the university’s compliance with law enforcement investigations can be found in the UM System Collected Rules and Regulations.

Travel

If you must travel internationally, remember to:

• Verify that you have valid documents for travel and keep them with you while exiting and re-entering the United States. At the port of entry, you will meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for primary and sometimes secondary inspection. CBP officers may ask for additional information, as well as to review items such as your phone or social media accounts.
  • Travel information for F-1/J-1 students
  • Travel information for J-1 scholars
  • Travel information for H-1B scholars
• Check that your I-20 or DS-2019 has a travel signature that is less than six months old. If you need a travel signature, bring a hard copy of your document to walk-in advising or submit a request via myStatus.
• Monitor your university email account. If there are any updates related to your immigration status, ISSS will email that account. Immigration updates will also be posted on Insights. Before you leave, manage the multifactor authentication settings for your Mizzou login to ensure you can access university systems while abroad.
• Monitor official news sources for any travel-related news.
• Contact your academic department if your return is delayed.
• Contact your ISSS adviser if you have any questions while traveling or if your return is delayed. For after-hours travel emergencies, contact MUPD at 573-882-7201.

If you are traveling internationally, it is recommended you consult an immigration attorney prior to departure if you have questions about your plans or any of the following apply:

• You have previously been out of status or had a status violation.
• You have had any previous encounters with law enforcement, including previous arrests or convictions.
• You have concerns about your public advocacy, political activism or social media activity.

Campus resources

If you need additional support services, MU has many resources to help you.

• You are always welcome to meet with the staff at International Student and Scholar Services for assistance, support and referrals.   
• The Care Team offers one-on-one support and follow-up services when Mizzou students are experiencing significant difficulties related to mental health, physical health, personal and family emergencies, limited financial issues or other areas of concern.   
• MU Student Health and Well-Being offers professional physical and mental health services. Mental health services include individual or group counseling, and students can call 573-882-6601 at any time for crisis support.  
• MU faculty and staff may access the Employee Assistance Program for specialized mental health and wellbeing support.  

Our international students and scholars are valued members of our university community. Our team is committed to providing you with support while at Mizzou. Please reach out if you have questions.