This message was originally sent to all international students and scholars by email on January 17, 2026.

Dear International Students and Scholars!

Happy New Year!  I want to welcome all our international huskies back to campus this spring and share some important reminders.  CISS staff have been welcoming new international huskies from all over the world to UConn since last Monday and are participating in welcome activities for new students all weekend long. ISSS supports students at all of our UConn campuses and we are here for you during your time at UConn. We have full-time ISSS staff to help you in Storrs, Stamford and Hartford campuses and part-time staff to help you at the School of Law.  Students at the Waterbury and Avery Point campuses have dedicated ISSS advisors and should check their emails for updates from ISSS and to meet with staff when we come to your campus.  Students in Storrs can visit us at the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) located at 2019 Hillside Rd.  Please see some important reminders for new and continuing international students at UConn.

Reminders for All Students
Full-Time Enrollment – As a reminder all international students must be enrolled full-time and in predominantly in-person classes.  Only 3 credits of online coursework can count towards your full-time enrollment requirement.  Please review the full-time enrollment requirements here and contact your academic advisor if you have questions about your enrollment.  Follow these instructions to review your class schedule.

Connect with Your ISSS Advisor – As a reminder view the CISS Advising Services to meet your ISSS Advisor and to schedule an appointment. Continuing students: please see the announcement about ISSS Advising changes that was emailed in December.

Reminders for New Students
If this is your first semester at UConn or you received an updated form I-20 or DS-2019 with a January 2026 start date you must complete the “Immigration Check-in” with ISSS by submitting your arrival documents and completing all steps in the Arrival Checklist after you arrive in the U.S. THANK YOU to all the new students who already completed their immigration check in, you do not need to do this again.

If you are working on campus in an on-campus job or as a graduate assistant, don’t forget to submit the Foreign National Information Form to the payroll office and to work with ISSS to apply for a social security number (SSN).

Please log in to MyHealth.uconn.edu and check your compliance with university immunization requirements.  If you are not 100% compliant please follow up with Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) ensure you are compliant. Storrs campus students can contact SHAW in person by visiting the SHAW at the Infirmary in the Hilda May Williams Bldg or by calling 860-486-4700 to schedule an appointment.

Regional campus students can contact the Nurse Navigators at their campus and they can help you find a local provider and submit documentation to SHAW online.  Students at the School of Law should follow guidance and procedures as instructed by the registrar at the School of Law.

Reminders for Continuing Students
All continuing students MUST complete the Continuing Student Checklist before the semester begins.  Please complete all 5 steps today!

Consider applying to the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB).  Submit your ISAB application by January 24, 2026.

Are you graduating in Spring 2026?  If you will be graduating in spring 2026 and you do not require a full course load to complete your degree, you can request to take a reduced course load for last semester from ISSS.   If spring 2026 will be your last semester and you only need to enroll in one course, it must be an in-person course and must be offered at UConn.   If you will graduate in Spring 2026 and you are interested to stay in the U.S. and work in your major field or complete an internship or training after graduation you should attend an OPT workshop and plan to apply for OPT with ISSS in February or March.  Review the Optional Practical Training (OPT) information and application procedures on our website.

Upcoming Events That We Recommend

“Winter Clothing Pickup” Monday-Friday @ CISS, Storrs Campus  2019 Hillside Rd. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Make sure you are prepared for the cold weather!  CISS received a small donation of new and used winter clothing specifically for international students who may need additional winter clothing. Come to CISS in person and ask the front desk to see the winter clothing.

Prepare for the Internship & Co-op Career Fair  Tuesday, January 29 2:00-3:00 PM online.

Internship & Co-Op Career Fair Tuesday, February 3 11:00-3:00 PM Student Union, 3rd Floor

The UConn Internship & Co-op fair allows you to connect with employers from dozens of industries who are specifically interested in hiring UConn students for internship and co-op opportunities. This event takes place in February each year.

Stamford Campus: Involvement Fair Thursday, January 22 – 12:00-1:30 pm

Stamford Campus: Campus Festival Wednesday, January 28 – 4:30-7:30 pm

Storrs Campus: Involvement Fair Wednesday, February 4 – 1:00-6:00 PM at Gampel Pavilion. Find new ways to connect, make friends and get involved at UConn – see over 400 different student clubs and organizations.

All Campuses: Talking About Taxes: International Student and Scholar Tax Filing Requirements, Friday, January 30, 4:00-5:30 pm

All Campuses: Finding Summer Research Opportunities, Friday, January 30, 4:00-5:00

We are excited to welcome you back to campus!  Enjoy these last few days before spring term starts.  Stay warm!

Best regards,

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global

This message was originally sent to all international students and scholars on December 23, 2025. 

Dear International Huskies,

Happy Holidays from the CISS!  The Center for International Students and Scholars Office will be closed  starting at 12:00 on December 24, 2025  and will reopen on January 5, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.  While we will periodically be checking messages, please be patient as your response may be delayed until January 5.

Review Winter Break Work Hour Rules:

https://soapbox.uconn.edu/public/storyView.php?id=271791&cid=53&iid=29693

 

Review ISSS Advising changes coming in Spring 2026:

https://soapbox.uconn.edu/public/storyView.php?id=271804&cid=53&iid=29693

The holiday season is approaching, which is a busy time for international travel. Before deciding whether to travel internationally, please read the following detailed information carefully. More than ever, it is important to follow all international travel procedures and meet with your ISSS Advisor prior to international travel if your proposed trip falls outside of approved travel policy. We encourage you to monitor the CISS website for up-to-date information.

 

Report Your Travel

You must report your travel to ISSS every time you depart the U.S.  Complete a Travel Information Record in the ISSS Portal before you leave the U.S.  All students must return to UConn by the start of Spring term.  We recommend returning to campus no later than January 18, 2026, so that you have time to move back into your housing and get settled prior to the first day of classes.     

 

Valid Travel Signature

All students and scholars need a valid travel signature before you depart the U.S.  The “Travel Endorsement” section on page 2 of your Form I-20 for F-1 students or the “Travel Validation” space on page 1 of your Form DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders should contain a signature from our office, not more than one year old as of the date of your intended return. If you need a travel signature this fall, see the options below.

All Students/ All Campuses – 1) Complete a Travel Information Record in the ISSS Portal. 2) Download and print the updated I-20/DS-2019 with travel signature and sign page one or pick up your documents at your campus ISSS before departing the U.S.

 

Valid Visa Stamp

You must have a valid visa stamp in your passport to enter the U.S.* (with possible exception for short trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands**). If your visa stamp has expired or will expire before your planned return to the U.S., you must make a non-immigrant visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate in your country of residence. If you need a new visa stamp, we recommend that you reconsider your travel during winter break as there may not be enough time to secure your visa and return in time for the start of spring term.  Consider traveling over summer break to make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Be aware that U.S. Consulates are busy this time of year and will be closed for U.S. and local holidays. As always, the issuance of visa stamps is at the discretion of the Consular Officers.

*Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement.  ** Please contact your ISSS advisor if you have questions about automatic visa revalidation.

 

Prepare for Reentry to U.S.

Every time you travel abroad and reenter the U.S. the CBP officers at the port of entry will evaluate your request to reenter the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder. Be sure to travel with all the documentation we recommend in our Travel Advisory (passport, visa, paper copy of form I-20 with travel signature for F-1 visa holders, paper copy of form DS-2019 with travel signature for J-1 visa holders, proof of funding, official UConn transcript, class schedule for spring term, proof of teaching or research assistantship, proof of participation in UConn athletics, proof of employment or invitation to UConn for J-1 scholars).  Don’t give the port of entry officers any opportunity to question your legitimacy as a UConn student.  This means arriving on-time for the start of the semester and traveling with all your required documentation.  This means traveling only during vacation periods, not when school is in session. When possible, try to schedule your flight to arrive Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, this way the ISSS will be open should the CBP officer call. If you arrive after hours and the CBP wants to call the ISSS they should call the UConn Police at 860-486-4800

 

Restrictions on Working Abroad

As a reminder, F-1 and J-1 students are not permitted to engage in remote employment while outside of Connecticut, this includes GA or TA work performed from abroad.  Students engaged in student labor on-campus employment may not continue working from abroad when traveling home.  Graduate Assistants appointed as RAs or TAs should plan to use time off and may not perform any GA duties unless their department has secured approval of an exception in advance from graduatedean@uconn.edu and potentially from UConn’s Export Control officer as well.

 

Download the myUConn App and Connect with ISSS

Follow these instructions to download the myUConn app and “Opt In” to communications from International Student and Scholar Services. If there are any urgent notifications we need to communicate, ISSS will push a notification through myUConn with instructions on how to get more information or what steps you need to take.

 

Thank you for reading this important information. If you have travel or visa-related concerns or questions after reviewing the above information, please email international@uconn.edu and an advisor will be in touch with you.  We wish you a safe and warm winter season.

 

Best regards,

Arthur
___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global

This message was originally sent on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 by email directly to students with citizenship from countries listed in the updated presidential proclamation also referred to as the “travel ban”. This proclamation affects students and visiting scholars from the following countries: 

Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burma (Myanmar), Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran,  Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Dear Students,

I’m reaching out from the ISSS because as you may already know the White House released an updated presidential proclamation last night that restricts visa issuance and travel to the U.S. for citizens of specific countries, including {COUNTRY NAME}.

The updated presidential proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and can impact immigrants and nonimmigrants outside of the U.S. who do not have a valid visa as of January 1, 2026. The proclamation imposes different restrictions by country, though for all countries, students and exchange visitors on F and J visas could be impacted. Effective January 1, 2026, travelers from the identified countries will not be able to obtain an F or J visa to enter the U.S. While the “Scope” (Section 6) of the proclamation implies that the travel ban will not apply to an F or J visa holder who holds a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, it is unclear how entry to the U.S. will be handled in practice.

If you are planning to depart or are currently outside the U.S., and already hold a valid F or J visa, it may be possible to return to the U.S. after the January 1, 2026 effective date, but we do not know what your travel experience will be like.  You should be prepared to advocate for yourself and explain to airline officials that the proclamation does not apply to you, because you have a valid visa that was issued before the proclamation effective date. You may be subject to secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection when going through U.S. passport control. If this happens to you, stay calm and answer all of the questions about your status as a UConn student.  It may be less risky for you to return to the U.S. before January 1, if you can do this.  Students who were planning to travel may want to reconsider these plans to avoid risk.

In the meantime, please share your most recent F-1 or J-1 visa information with ISSS so have a better sense of your situation and how we can support you.  Report your visa approval information online here.  You may reach out to your ISSS Advisor if you have any questions or concerns regarding your situation.  Lastly, please know that even though it is winter break, the ISSS will be open, and staff are here to support you should you have any questions or concerns. 

Best Regards,
Arthur
____________
Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
Center for International Students & Scholars
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu
http://international.global.uconn.edu 
Facebook: @UConnGlobal  | Instagram: @uconn.global

Starting in January 2026 ISSS International Student Advisors will have new advising populations.  We are making this change to improve advising services to our international students.  The goals are to improve response times to student emails, improve wait times for student requests, and to reduce the wait time for students to get an appointment with an ISSS advisor.  While not all majors will be affected, there are many changes.

To see who the advisor is for your major and if there are any changes please visit: https://international.global.uconn.edu/isss-advisors/

The updated advising populations are listed below.

Catherine Barachkova

• International Scholar Advisor for all J-1 visiting scholars, postdocs and visiting professors.  Advisor for all sponsored international students.

Nadine Boudissa (Storrs Campus)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the College of Engineering.

Annie Casarella (Storrs Campus)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, School of Nursing.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the School of Pharmacy.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the School of Education.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the ACES, General Studies, and Individualized majors.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the Speech Language and Hearing Science majors.
• International Student Advisor for students in the UCAELI Intensive English Program.

Lulu Dong (Stamford, Storrs, Waterbury campuses)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students at the UConn Stamford campus.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students at the UConn Waterbury campus.
• International Student Advisor for for all F-1 and J-1 students on the Storrs campus majoring in Statistics, Biostatistics and Statistical Data Science.
• International Student Advisor for for all F-1 and J-1 students on the Storrs campus majoring in Business.

Neena Kapoor (Avery Point, Hartford, Storrs campuses)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students at the UConn Avery Point campus.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students at the UConn Hartford campus.
• International Student Advisor for for all F-1 and J-1 graduate students on the Storrs campus majoring in Chemistry and the Social Sciences.

Leslie Lawrence (School of Law and Storrs campuses)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students at the UConn School of Law.
• International Student Advisor for for all F-1 and J-1 students on the Storrs campus majoring in Data Science, the Humanities, Life Sciences and Mathematics.
• International Student Advisor for all incoming exchange students.

Huong Pham (Storrs campus)

• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 students in the School of Fine Arts.
• International Student Advisor for all F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students majoring in Physics, Psychology, and the Social Sciences.

This post was originally sent to students by email on October 20, 2025.

Dear International Huskies,

Greetings from the CISS!  I’m reaching out with some mid-semester reminders and to let you know about some upcoming events. As a reminder, international students need to update the following information each semester:

• Address and Phone Number
• I-94 Admission Number
• Updated visa approval information

Review the Continuing Student Checklist and submit this required information today!

Are you struggling with your classes?  November 10, 2025 is the last day to withdraw from a course.  First year students may be eligible for a reduced course load from ISSS, but you must contact your ISSS advisor BEFORE November 10 to discuss your eligibility.

Are you traveling outside of the U.S. for Thanksgiving break or Winter recess? Report your upcoming travel to ISSS now and request your travel signature.  Print your most updated form I-20 with travel signature to carry with you when traveling.

How is your health and mental health?
As the weather gets colder, October is commonly when many students may start to get sick.  You may also be starting to feel homesick or lonely.  Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these Student Health and Wellness resources, so you can stay healthy.  If you are sick, it is important to reach out to SHAW and to let your professors know especially if you missed a class because of illness.  You will still be responsible for the work that you missed.

• SHAW Medical Services for illness or injury
• Let’s Talk multiple locations and times, but every Friday @ CISS from 1:15-2:15 pm
• Pet Therapy every Tuesday evening and the first Thursday of the month

Events Happening This Week

Monday 10/20/2025

Diwali @ UConn Waterbury
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1161732-diwali

Tuesday, 10/21/2025
SHAW Health Fair @ UConn Waterbury
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1296341-shaw-health-fair

Softball Speed Pitch Game
11:30-2:00 @ UConn Law School
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1469822-softball-speed-pitch-game

Multilingual Coffee Hour
3:00-4:00 pm at the CISS on the Storrs Campus.  Learn more here:
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1416334-multilingual-coffee-hour

Navigating the U.S. Job and Internship Search Panel for International Students
5:00-6:00 PM – Virtual, sign up and join online here:
https://career.uconn.edu/events/2025/10/21/navigating-the-u-s-job-and-internship-search-panel-for-international-students/

Every Friday – Let’s Talk @ CISS
1:15-2:15 pm at the CISS
https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/lets-talk/

Hartford Campus Soccer Club
Every Friday at 5:00 pm
https://events.uconn.edu/event/1237822-soccer

Best,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs

This message was originally sent to international graduate assistants by email on October 14, 2025.

Dear International Huskies, 

This message is being sent to all international graduate assistants. If you are not graduating this term, the information may not apply to you, but is good for you to be aware of for the future. Federal government regulations allow graduate students on F-1 and J-1 visas to hold on-campus employment while they are pursuing their degree. If you will be a Fall 2025 graduate, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after December 14, 2025 and can no longer work on campus beyond that date.  

If you hold a Fall 2025 GA appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is January 7, 2026. If your degree is conferred in December and you hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and your assistantship appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Employee Union (GEU), the time between the degree conferral date and the appointment end date should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before your degree conferral date. You will still receive your full fall GA stipend. 

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to December 14, 2025 if you are graduating in December and hold a GAship this term. This means your grace period to depart the U.S., or your first eligible date to begin post-completion practical training will begin December 15, 2025. Please plan for this accordingly. ISSS will adjust your I-20 or DS-2019 end date automatically based on notification that you have applied for graduation, or at the time you apply for post-completion OPT (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students), whichever comes first. ISSS will notify you when your adjusted I-20 or DS-2019 is ready to download from your ISSS portal account.    

Please reach out to ISSS at international@uconn.edu if you have any questions about this guidance as it relates to your visa status, I-20, grace period, or practical training timeline.  

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services 

Leslie M. Shor
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School 

 

 

This message was originally sent to international students and scholars on August 30, 2025.

Dear International Students and Scholars,

On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that could significantly change how you and your family members on F or J visas maintain your legal status in the United States. The rule is called “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.” It is currently in the proposal stage and open to public comment until September 29, 2025. These comments will be published. The rule will not be finalized until all comments have been reviewed and DHS submits a final rule to the federal administration (with or without changes based on the comments), after which a final rule may be published in the federal register with a future effective date.

 

The proposed rule would change how F and J visa holders are admitted to the United States and how long they may stay.

 

Currently when you travel to the U.S., the immigration officer does not define how long you are allowed to stay on your F or J visa. Instead, you are admitted for a period of Duration of Status (D/S), which means you may stay as long as needed to complete your program, provided you follow the rules for your visa and update your I-20 or DS-2019 forms to reflect program changes and other required information. This is the current rule.

 

The new rule would change this practice, by only allowing F and J visa holders to stay in the U.S. for a defined period of stay, plus a grace period.  The rule proposes that F and J visa holders may be admitted for a period of stay equal to the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years plus a grace period, per authorized period of stay. Under the proposed rule, if you cannot finish your program within your authorized period of stay, you must renew your status through travel or by applying for an extension of stay from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This rule also proposes several related changes to F and J regulations including:

• Changes to the grace period for F-1 visa holders
• Changes to rules about completing multiple degrees or changing schools/programs
• Changes to how F or J visa holders begin accruing unlawful presence if they stay beyond expiration of status

 

ISSS will contact you in the coming weeks with more information about the proposed rule and how international students and exchange visitors can prepare for future changes. While we know that this proposal may cause worry, please know that ISSS is working to fully understand the details of this rule and how we can best support you. In the meantime, please visit the university’s Support for UConn’s International Community webpage for up-to-date resources and information.

 

Best regards,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

EMAIL: arthur.galinat@uconn.edu | http://international.global.uconn.edu

This message was originally sent to international students and scholars by email on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Dear International Students and Scholars!

We are thrilled to welcome all our international huskies back to campus this fall! CISS staff has been hard at work welcome students and families to campus for the past week, check out our photos here. This year we have new and continuing international students from 102 different countries who will call UConn their home this fall.  ISSS supports students at all of our UConn campuses and we are here for you during your time at UConn. We have full-time ISSS staff to help you in Storrs, Stamford and Hartford campuses and part-time staff to help you at the School of Law.  Students at the Waterbury and Avery Point campuses have dedicated ISSS advisors and should check their emails for updates from ISSS and to meet with staff when we come to your campus.  Students in Storrs can visit us at the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) located at 2019 Hillside Rd.  Please see some important reminders for new and continuing international students at UConn.

Reminders for All Students

As a reminder all international students must be enrolled full-time and in predominantly in-person classes. Please review the full-time enrollment requirements here and contact your academic advisor if you have questions about your enrollment.   

When school is in session, students are expected to be studying full-time and in-person at the UConn.  One of the fundamental requirements of the F-1 visa is that students are present on campus when school is in session. Students requesting to travel when school is in session will be limited to traveling during vacation periods.  Travel over two weeks when school is in session may result in losing your F-1 or J-1 status.

ISSS advisors in Storrs campus meet with students by appointment to schedule an appointment with your advisor visit: https://international.global.uconn.edu/advising-services/

Reminders for New Students

If this is your first semester at UConn or you received an updated form I-20 or DS-2019 with an August 2025 start date you must complete the “Immigration Check-in” with ISSS by submitting your arrival documents and completing all steps in the Arrival Checklist.  THANK YOU to all the new students who already completed their immigration check in, you do not need to do this again.

If you are working on campus in an on-campus job or as a graduate assistant, don’t forget to submit the Foreign National Information Form to the payroll office and to work with ISSS to apply for a social security number (SSN).

Please log in to MyHealth.uconn.edu and check your compliance with university immunization requirements.  If you are not 100% compliant please follow up with Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) ensure you are compliant before enrollment begins for spring term.  Storrs campus students can contact SHAW in person or by calling 860-486-4700 to schedule an appointment.  Regional campus students will need to work with a local provider and submit documentation to SHAW online.  Students at the School of Law should follow guidance and procedures as instructed by the registrar at the School of Law.

Reminders for Continuing Students

Are you graduating in Fall 2025?  If you will be graduating in fall 2025 and you do not require a full course load to complete your degree, you can request to take a reduced course load for last semester from ISSS.   If fall 2025 will be your last semester and you only need to enroll in one course, it must be an in-person course and must be offered at UConn.   If you will graduate in Fall 2025 and you are interested to stay in the U.S. and work in your major field you should attend an OPT workshop and plan to apply for OPT with ISSS in October or November.  Review the Optional Practical Training (OPT) information and application procedures on our website.

**Save The Date! Upcoming Events That We Recommend**

Storrs Campus
Husky WOW Opening Weekend, Thursday, August 21 – Sunday, August 24

• UConn Late Night, Friday, August 22 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sunset Yoga Friday, August 29 – 6:30 PM at Horsebarn Hill
• This UConn tradition should not be missed. Join over 1000 other UConn students for yoga at the end of your first week.
• Involvement Fair Wednesday, September 3  – 2:00-6:00 PM at Fairfield Way
• Find new ways to connect, make friends and get involved at UConn – see over 400 different student clubs and organizations.

Hartford Campus

• Block Party Bracelet Distribution Monday, August 25-Wednesday August 27 – UConn Hartford
• UConn Hartford Welcome Back Block Party and Resource Fair–  Wednesday, August 27 – 1:00-4:00 PM UConn Hartford

Stamford Campus

• Fall 2025 Convocation, Monday, August 25 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Opening Week A la Carte Tuesday, August 26 -Thursday, August 28 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
• Kickoff Carnival Sunday, August 24 – 4:00-7:00 Rich Concourse
• Fall Involvement Fair Thursday, September 4 – 12:00-1:30 Rich Concourse
• View all Stamford Student Activities here: https://studentactivities.stamford.uconn.edu/calendar/

Waterbury Campus

• Week of Welcome: Welcome Back Breakfast Monday, August 25 9:00-12:00
• Week of Welcome: Welcome Back BBQ and Resource Fair Wednesday, August 27  – 12:00-3:00 PM Courtyard
  View all Waterbury Events here: https://events.uconn.edu/uconn-waterbury/all

Avery Point Campus

• Student Involvement @ Avery Point
  View all Avery Point events here: https://events.uconn.edu/uconn-avery-point/all

Wishing you the best for a terrific fall term.

Best regards,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

This message was originally sent to international students and scholars by email on June 25, 2025.

Dear International Huskies,

Greetings from the International Student and Scholar Services at UConn!  I’m writing with some updates on the pause in visa interview appointments we are experiencing at U.S. consular posts around the world and with a request for all students to share the status of their visa applications with the ISSS.

On June 18, 2025 the Department of State released an Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants where they indicate that their “overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. ”  This is welcome news as I know that many of you have been waiting several weeks with no visa interview appointments available, so this is a welcome announcement.  They also announced that when interview appointments resume, “applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to ‘public’.” For those who have applied for a visa to the U.S. in the past this is a change to be aware of and you should be sure to follow all instructions from the consular post prior to your interview date.

There have been several recent news reports related to these changes, that you can review online in the Washington Post and Politico among other outlets.  One of the biggest changes to visa processing is that all F or J visa applicants who after interviewing and are eligible for the visa, will now have their visa “refused” due to 221G for additional administrative processing while the applicant sets their social media accounts to “public” and the consular officials perform a thorough review of the applicants entire online presence, not just social media activity.  In the past not all visa applicants were refused for 221G administrative processing, but this will be more common going forward.

Please see below for some next steps for students and J-1 scholars as well as some resources you should review prior to any visa interview.

Has your visa been issued?
Many students shared that their visa applications were approved, and their visas were issued.  This is terrific news, and we want to know about it.  If your visa has been approved and issued, please report this to ISSS by visiting https://international.global.uconn.edu/get-started/ and select “Step Six: Report Visa Approval”.  J-1 visiting research scholars and professors can share this with international@uconn.edu.

Are you experiencing visa delays or was your visa refused?
If you are experiencing administrative processing lasting more than 2 weeks or if your visa was refused due to 214b or another reason please report this to ISSS by visiting https://international.global.uconn.edu/get-started/ and select “Step Five: Report Visa Delays/Denials”.  This information can help us advise you how to move forward and we can use this anonymous data to advocate nationally for international students in the visa application process.

If your visa is refused, you are eligible to submit another visa application.  Sometimes a visa is denied if the applicant was not adequately prepared for the first interview or was overly nervous.  It is possible to overcome the denial if you make another application. J-1 visiting research scholars and professors can share this with international@uconn.edu.

 

Visa Application Resources

• ISSS: Visa Application Steps
• US Travel Docs  – Country Specific Visa Application Procedures
• UConn Immigration Resources
• NAFSA Resource: Government Scrutiny of Digital Footprint and Social Media

 

Best regards,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat (pronounce my name)

(he/him/his)
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)

President Trump issued a proclamation on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 restricting travel to the United States by foreign nationals from certain countries. This travel ban will go into effect on Monday, June 9, 2025 and will restrict travelers from identified countries who are outside the United States and who do not have a valid visa, as of June 9, 2025.     

Read the full proclamation here.   Here is an overview of the impacted countries and categories of visas whose travelers are restricted from entry to the U.S.; 

Country	Who is Impacted
Afghanistan:	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Burma	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Burundi	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Chad	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Republic of Congo	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Cuba	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Equatorial Guinea	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Eritrea	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Haiti	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Iran	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Laos	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Libya	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Sierra Leone	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Somalia	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Sudan	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Togo	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Turkmenistan	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Venezuela	Partial Suspension: Immigrant Visas; B, F, M and J visa categories.
Yemen	Full Suspension: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

From the plain reading of the proclamation, it does not appear to apply to those who are outside the U.S. as of the effective date and who possess an unexpired and valid visa as of June 9, 2025. Please remember that this should not be construed as legal advice. However, we advise caution when deciding whether to travel internationally at this time for all those from the identified countries until we gain more knowledge of how this proclamation will be implemented in practice.  The proclamation also states that no immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date shall be revoked pursuant to the proclamation.  

The proclamation does not apply to lawful permanent residences of the United States, any dual nationals of a country listed in the proclamation when traveling on the passport of the other country not listed in the proclamation, and a few other unique exceptions. Please email international@uconn.edu if you have specific questions about how this proclamation may impact your UConn visa.