Guidance for Visa Holders 

The Catholic University of America believes that international connections are vital to our mission, relevance, and future as a leading global institution of higher education. As a community, we are committed to providing talented, high-achieving students with the educational opportunities they have worked hard to obtain, regardless of their national origins or legal status. We are proud of our international students and our international scholars for their many achievements in the classroom, in their research, and beyond – where their distinct backgrounds and perspectives strengthen the educational experience of every student and the University community as a whole.

CUA does not release immigration status or related information from confidential student records without a judicial warrant, subpoena, court order or as otherwise required by law. Any such request would be carefully reviewed in collaboration with our Office of General Counsel.

Visa holders, as well as all members of the University Community, should continue to be mindful of posts on social media as they may be available and monitored by the public. This is particularly relevant to those applying for permanent resident status and foreign students. 

When Travelling: 

Always keep copies of documentation when travelling, even domestically. U.S. law requires anyone who is not a U.S. citizen to carry evidence of status at all times, including a valid passport and most recent Form I-94. Carry physical copies of all your required documents and important contact information in the case that your electronics are seized for additional screening. Even when travelling domestically, carry a printed copy of your travel documents. In some states, including Maryland, you must provide your name to law enforcement if you are stopped and told to identify yourself. See guidelines for additional states here.

Be prepared for additional questioning at the port of entry. Citizens and permanent residents can decline to answer certain questions, but visa holders can be denied entry if you refuse to answer questions, even with valid documentation. A thorough review of your rights at the airport is available here. 

Remove all unpublished research data from laptops, phones, and other portable devices before leaving the U.S.  This data should be stored instead on "common" drives (Google drive, for example) that can be accessed from your phone or laptop. Here is some additional guidance. 

U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry into the country. Lawful permanent residents have due process rights, meaning that they can only be denied entry or have their visa revoked after a hearing in front of an immigration judge. Any other traveller may be denied entry by Customs and Border Protection, even if you have a valid visa, including an H-1B visa. 

Checklist of documents for students on F-1 or J-1 visas:

• Most recent I-94 record of admissions 

• Unexpired passport, valid at least 6 months past your return date
• Unexpired F-1/J-1 visa 
• (F-1) Unexpired 1-20 with valid travel signatures. The signatures on page 2 must be less than 12 months old on the date you return. If on Post Completion OPT or STEM OPT, the travel signature must be less than 6 months old on the date you return.
• (J-1) Unexpired Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature on lower right portion under travel validation. The travel signature is only valid for 12 months or until the end date on the DS-2019, whichever is earlier. 
• Recommended documents include: 
  • SEVIS fee receipt 
  • Academic certification from the Registrar’s office
  • Evidence of enrollment 
  • Telephone numbers for OIS (202-319-5618; Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) and DPS (202-319-5111; 24 hours)
  • Evidence of how you are funding your studies and stay in the U.S.

If Approached:

If a law enforcement agent requests access to any non-public area, immediately contact the Department of Public Safety. They will not be permitted in any CUA building without permission from the university. 

You have the right to remain silent; that means you have a right to choose to not answer questions about your citizenship or immigration status. You have the right to deny an immigration official entrance into your home unless they have a valid judicial warrant. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not authorize officers to enter a home without consent. You do not have to provide consent if you do not want them to enter. 

For international students and scholars holding in-status visas: You are required by law to carry “registration” documents at all times. If an immigration agent requests your immigration papers you should present them if you have them with you.

Resources 

The Office of International Services (OIS)

The Office of International Services (OIS) seeks to support the optimal educational experience for international students, faculty, researchers and other visiting scholars coming to our school. OIS is responsible for institutional compliance with immigration-related regulations governing study and employment.

Phone: (202) 319-5618
Email: CUA-OIS@cua.edu

Pryzbyla Center 201

Columbus (Law School) Community Legal Services (CCLS)

The CCLS Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic (IRAC) teams Catholic University law students with supervising clinic attorneys to assist clients—adults, as well as unaccompanied minors— with immigration matters and other civil matters that may affect or relate to clients’ immigration or refugee status. Catholic University law students participating in IRAC are dedicated to advancing justice and work tirelessly on behalf of immigrant and refugee clients to protect their rights and expand access to justice and opportunity in the U.S. 

Phone: 202-319-6788.

3602 John McCormack Rd NE, Washington, DC 20017

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

The Immigration Legal Services Pro Bono Program assists low-income foreign-born individuals in finding pro bono representation for their immigration case. We serve clients in a variety of immigration matters, including asylum, NACARA, SIJS, T/U-visas, VAWA, removal proceedings, adjustment of status, temporary protected status and renewal of work authorization documents.

Phone: 202-772-4300

Email: GetHelp@cc-dc.org

924 G St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Resources to find an immigration attorney