Each student who attends our university from another nation adds a fresh voice to the chorus of diversity that our campus seeks to cultivate. You are welcome here!

Information and resources for international immigrant communities at UIS 

Admissions

All students are welcome to apply to UIS regardless of citizenship or residency status. Residency status is not a factor that is considered in admission. Visit the International Applicants page for more information.

International Students

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) assists international students, faculty and staff in understanding and complying with U.S. immigration laws and regulations, as well as related resources. The ISS office is committed to keeping our international students informed of relevant immigration changes and has developed an Immigration News and Travel Advisories website to provide valuable resources and support specifically for our F-1 and J-1 visa international students. Students are always welcome to make an appointment with their Immigration Advisor, call the ISS office, or stop by during Walk-In Hours if they have any questions or concerns.

Undocumented or DACA Students

The UIS Undocumented Student Liaison is Daniel Aguilar, dagui2@uis.edu or (217) 206-6333. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

External Resources

SEVIS Terminations

Over the last few weeks, news outlets have reported actions taken against international students and recent graduates including specific instances of records being terminated in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); often without notice to the individual or the university. The university—together with peer institutions—has been closely monitoring these issues, advocating for those impacted, and working together to communicate information in support our international community.

We want to emphasize that our international students are both wanted and needed here at the University of Illinois Springfield, and we will continue striving to create a campus where faculty, staff and students from all areas of the world feel welcome.

The following FAQs provide international students and other campus stakeholders with information and additional resources.

General FAQs

Q: What can I do to support those who might be affected, even if I don’t know who those individuals might be?

This is a very sensitive issue, and we know our entire university community wants to support those who might be impacted. Here’s how you can help: 

  • Respect individual privacy. Each person’s situation is unique. Questions about who has been impacted, why they have been impacted, what someone’s status is, and the like can be uncomfortable or create undue stress—even if well intentioned. Understand that, if you have not already been contacted, there may not be anyone affected within the scope of your work. 
  • Avoid speculation and refer to trusted resources. Encourage individuals to meet with ISS for more information and to confirm any details if they are uncertain of what their next steps should be.   
  • Think proactively. Review the frequently asked questions provided by ISS. Reflect on what you might be able to do within your own course or capacity as a researcher to support someone who might be impacted based on the current information available. 
  • Lead with kindness and empathy. If an individual approaches you who has been impacted by an immigration status issue, be supportive and encourage individuals to utilize support resources on campus and speak with academic leaders in their department.

Q: What is the difference between an entry visa and immigration status?

An entry visa is the document individuals receive that permits them entry into the United States. Entry visas can expire while the holder is in the United States without any negative effect on the holder’s immigration status. Immigration status is a legal classification that outlines your permitted activities while in the United States, such as a student, employee, or tourist.

Q: What is a SEVIS record termination?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the government’s database for tracking international students and scholars with F-1 and J-1 visa status. Traditionally, SEVIS terminations have been initiated by a university’s Designated School Officials following a change in or violation of a student’s status or initiated with a change of status. However, recently the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has invoked its inherent authority to terminate student SEVIS records itself. Termination of a SEVIS record by DHS ends that student’s lawful status in the U.S.  Upon learning that a student’s SEVIS record has been terminated by DHS, ISS will notify the student. Students in those circumstances should consult with legal counsel. Local and national resources have been provided below. It is important to note that remaining in the United States without lawful immigration status may result in fines, detention, and/or removal (deportation), and could also impact eligibility for future U.S. visas.

Q: What is a visa revocation?

The U.S. Department of State has the authority to revoke a previously issued visa. When a visa stamp in a passport is revoked, it is no longer valid for entry into the United States, even if it shows a future expiration date. If an F-1 and J-1 visa holder is in the U.S. at the time of revocation, they may remain in the country if they continue to maintain valid status, but they will not be able to use the revoked visa for re-entry if they depart. Revocation does not necessarily terminate a person’s status in the U.S., but the reason for the revocation could lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review the student’s record and determine that the individual is out of status.

Q: How would I know if my visa is revoked?

When the U.S. Department of State revokes a visa, it typically sends a notification to the email address listed on the visa application. Note that this may not be your university email address. The university is not routinely informed of visa revocations, so if you receive such a notice, please inform ISS.

There have been reports of inconsistent notification practices. If you are concerned that your visa may have been revoked and have not been notified, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa or check your visa status using the Department of State’s Visa Status Check portal.

Q: If my visa stamp has expired does that mean my visa has been revoked?

No. An expired visa is not the same as a revoked visa. A visa is used only for entry into the United States; it does not determine how long you may stay. The length of your authorized stay is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of entry, as reflected on your Form I-94 and supported by a valid SEVIS Form I-20 (for F-1 students) of Form DS-2019 (for J-1 holders).

If your visa has expired and you leave the U.S., you will need to obtain a new visa before reentering.

Student FAQs

Q: What role does International Student Services have in maintaining immigration status information?

Individuals are responsible for maintaining their own immigration status. ISS is federally mandated to maintain and update records and ensure all student and scholar information is up to date in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) on behalf of the University of Illinois Springfield. ISS also advises students and scholars on how to maintain their immigration status and remain compliant with federal laws and regulations.

Q: I have heard reports of immigration status’ being terminated. What does that mean?

Termination refers to the process of cancelling an individual’s immigration status in SEVIS. This can be done by federal agencies or the school for many different reasons including an individual changing to a different status, failing to maintain status requirements, and many more.

Q: What happens when immigration status is terminated?

ISS regularly monitors SEVIS immigration status terminations. When a status is terminated, by either a federal agency or the school, ISS directly communicates with the individual to provide details and options specific to the student or scholar’s unique situation.

Q: What resources are available to me if my immigration status is terminated?

Options vary depending on the circumstances of the termination. ISS will communicate directly with the individual to provide specific details and options.  Please see the list of local and national resources below.

Q:   If an international student’s visa is terminated by the federal government, will they be able to continue their program?

The revocation of an international student’s visa status does not automatically impact their enrolment at the university.  Impacted students are being advised to work closely with their department and college. We are asking colleges/departments/professors to explore potential options that may allow students to continue their programs remotely. However, each situation is unique, and our colleges will be working with impacted students to help identify the academic options that may be available for a particular student in a particular situation.

Once your SEVIS is terminated, you are considered out of status and that triggers serious consequences including:

  • You lose all F-1 and J-1 benefits immediately, including work authorization (CPT, OPT, on-campus jobs)
  • You may become subject to removal proceedings
  • You cannot legally work, even if you were previously authorized
  • You cannot reenter the U.S. on your current visa if you leave
  • Your academic progress and immigration history may be negatively affected

Q: Where can I find information on international travel?

Updated travel information is available on the International Student Services website.

Q: What are a students’ rights and responsibilities if they encounter ICE?

  • Right to remain silent.
  • Right to speak to a lawyer.
  • If they have a lawyer, the student has a right to talk to them.
  • The student can consider providing copies of their immigration documents to a trusted family member or friend.

Local Resources

National Organizations that Advocate for Immigrants & Immigration

Faculty & Staff FAQs

Adapted from the University of Illinois’ Open Illinois FAQ website.

Q: Can UIS prevent federal immigration enforcement officers from coming on campus or entering campus buildings and other university property?

A large portion of the UIS campus is open to the general public. Federal immigration enforcement officers may enter these areas open to the general public without a warrant.

However, public access is limited in certain areas of the campus and property. Some campus buildings have limited access, such as those restricted by university-issued ID card (i-card), locked doors or monitored entryways, including university residence halls. Limited access spaces also include some buildings and spaces that may be unlocked during normal operations, including administrative or faculty offices, classrooms, and research laboratories.

Q: In what situations can federal immigration enforcement officers enter limited access, nonpublic areas?

Federal immigration enforcement officers are required to have a criminal arrest or search warrant to lawfully enter limited access, nonpublic areas without consent. Most often, immigration officers who might come to campus would be acting on civil, not criminal, authority, and generally carry administrative warrants. Administrative warrants are not signed by a judge and do not authorize officers to enter limited access areas without consent.

Q: What should employees do if a federal immigration enforcement officer asks for access to a residence hall or other limited access area?

University employees should inform the immigration officer that you must consult UIS Police for assistance. University employees should ask the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation. Ask the officer to wait and immediately call UIS Police at (217) 206-6690 to notify them of the immigration officer’s presence.

Q: Will UIS Police work with federal immigration officers to apprehend and remove individuals from campus?

No. UIS Police will not ask anyone about their immigration status, and they do not arrest anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status. UIS Police also does not act on detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Illinois state law prohibits law enforcement from acting on federal detainers or stopping, arresting, or searching an individual based solely on immigration status (5 ILCS 805/-Illinois TRUST Act). As of June 21, 2019, the Keep Illinois Families Together Act (5 ILCS 835) officially prohibits state and local law enforcement in the state of Illinois from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE.

The only time officers are required to take immigration enforcement action is when a judge has signed a warrant, but UIS Police would not typically be involved in immigration enforcement under normal circumstances. In other situations not related to immigration (i.e., criminal situations), officers may inquire about an individual’s country of origin to notify their consulate of an arrest, but that inquiry does not include questions about immigration status.

Q: What should employees do if a federal officer asks for or presents a subpoena for personally identifiable private information or records about a student or employee?

If the federal officer is on site, please consult with UIS Police to verify credentials. The UIS Police will then work with the individual to address the request. Faculty or staff who receive a request from a federal officer for any information about a student should contact the UIS Police for assistance. Personally identifiable educational and university health records are protected by a variety of privacy laws including the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPAA). University employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of these records.

If any employees receive a request by mail or email from a federal enforcement officer soliciting information, they should send the subpoena or other document to the Office of University Counsel at uislegalcounsel@uillinois.edu for review and assistance. Typically, subpoenas do not require an immediate response. Personally identifiable educational and university health records are protected by a variety of privacy laws including the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPAA). University employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of these records.

Federal enforcement officers will not request information by phone, and protected information should not be provided in this manner.

Additional UIS Resources

Anyone with emergency issues should still call 911, but those with non-emergency safety concerns may also contact these offices: