What are the most important tips that international community members should know? We recommend that our international clients take several key actions:

• Ensure their documents are up-to-date: Everyone must maintain a valid passport. Students must additionally make sure their I-20 or DS-2019 accurately reflects their program of study, research, or teaching. Scholars and employees will need their DS-2019 or H-1B documents to accurately reflect their current work at UVM.
• Add the campus police number to their phone and download the CatSafe app.
• Carry original immigration documents on your person. Take caution when carrying these important documents - do not leave them in an unattended bag, etc. 

What supports, other than OIE, are available for international students and employees? Within UVM, only the OIE can advise the OIE-sponsored about UVM-sponsored immigration record matters. Additionally, students can access support from a wide range of UVM departments such as Counseling and Psychiatry Services, the UVM Identity Centers, the Dean of Student’s Office, the Graduate College, and their home unit/department. Faculty and staff have additional support through Human Resources. Finally, we encourage our international students and scholars to connect with their support network of friends and peers – whether other students, faculty, staff, or others outside the university.

Does UVM provide legal representation to the international community? UVM cannot provide or pay for legal representation to individuals, but we can support our community in helping to identify an immigration attorney if one is needed for any reason.

Can OIE do individual advising appointments with the international community? Yes. Our team is always available to meet with students to discuss their concerns and circumstances. Appointments can be scheduled online. If you work with a UVM student or employee who would benefit from additional support, let us know (internationalstudents@uvm.edu or internationalscholars@uvm.edu) and our team can do an individualized outreach.

Can UVM international community members travel and reenter the US? Currently, there is no legal impediment to travel in and out of the US. However, we recommend that prospective travelers review our travel and reentry pages for international students or international scholars and employees and then consult with our department’s advising team before making any arrangements.

Are there any special rules for travel within the US that the UVM international community should be aware of? When traveling within the US, OIE clients should follow all of the recommendations in the first question on this page (carry documents, have the UVM police phone number in their phone, ensure documents are up-to-date). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a territorial area within 100 miles of US borders which means that stops can happen in most of the state of Vermont as well as elsewhere around the country.

What should I know about technology and travel? Travel with technology can introduce additional rules that people might not think about (such as rules around information and technology that can and cannot be taken outside of the US). If you will be taking a computer or other equipment, materials, software or data abroad, you must refer to and comply with all Export Control regulations. Please consult UVM’s Export Control Regulation page for more information. Technology can also be screened by CBP when you enter the US – social media, emails, etc. For employees of the university traveling for UVM-related reasons, this website offers some additional insights on information security. 

What should I expect at the US border if I am seeking to reenter the country? What if I get stuck? At CBP, travelers should be ready to explain what they are doing in the US in a polite, succinct and honest way that matches what is on your immigration documents. Alignment in verbal answers and material evidence (your documents) is critical. This is called primary inspection.

Sometimes, individuals may be flagged for secondary inspection. This takes the traveler out of the regular immigration line and a CBP officer will ask additional questions. This is not unusual and it does not mean there is a problem. Often, this is a way officials can look more closely at documents and ask follow-up questions without delaying other travelers. They might also search through the traveler’s physical belongings or electronic devices in secondary inspection.

Sometimes, in secondary inspection, a CBP officer might have a question about the traveler’s UVM immigration documents. If this is the case, the traveler or CBP officer can call either the OIE (802-656-4296) during business hours from 8-4:30 Monday through Friday, or UVM Police Services (802-656-3473) after hours. When calling, the caller should explain they are an international UVM client supported by OIE and need to speak with an immigration team member. UVM Police can reach the OIE team after hours.

We are looking to welcome an international scholar or employee to our team. Is there anything we should know? We urge departments hosting international scholars and employees to make requests as early as possible and encourage departments welcoming graduate students to request immigration documents from the OIE as early as possible.

How can I be issued a visa for study in the US? We urge admitted students to request their UVM immigration document and apply for a visa as soon as possible.

How early can I enter the US? The earliest students can enter the US as F-1 or J-1 students is 30 days prior to the start of their new program, as noted on their immigration document. This date cannot be adjusted.

If my visa is delayed for any reason, can I start my UVM program late? Please contact OIE to discuss your circumstances. Generally, new students must arrive at UVM by the start of international student orientation.