Student Visa Status Changes-Support and Resources

San Diego State University, the California State University system, and the SDSU International Student Center (ISC) are actively tracking rapidly changing federal policies and working to understand how they might affect our university and international students. The ISC knows these changes can be confusing and worrisome, and we want you to know that we are here to support you. 

The ISC will share updates and provide you with additional resources that may be helpful to you.

International Student Center Advising and Support Sessions

The ISC continues to offer our regularly scheduled open advising hours and appointments to any student that would like to connect with an advisor. In addition to these, we have the below sessions focused on the topic of immigration policy concerns:

• Webinar: Immigration Climate Webinar with David Gluckman-Attorney, Immigration Attorney Group
  • Monday, April 21 at 1:00pm -Join by clicking this ZOOM link

• Let's Talk Wellness Sessions
  • Friday, April 18: 11:00am - 12:00pm, at the ISC
  • Friday, April 25: 11:00am - 12:00pm, at the ISC

• Group Open Advising Immigration Climate Sessions: 
  
  • Friday, April 18: 1:30pm - 2:00pm, at the ISC
    
    
• Satellite Group Open Advising Immigration Climate Sessions in Colleges:
  • Engineering: Wednesday, April 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, in E-203E
  • Business: Tuesday, April 22nd at 1:30pm-2:30pm, in LH 419 Conference

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources that may be of use to you:

SDSU Resources

• SDSU Federal Updates page: Regularly visit the site, which is frequently updated and has a Know Your Rights section with additional information and guidance. 
• The ISC Travel and Re-entry webpage: Contains guidance for travel and related to visas. 
• Student Affairs and Campus Diversity’s student resource team: The team can assist with information and support, including off campus legal assistance. 
• SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services: The team offers individual counseling to all students, and other resources.

Off Campus Resources

• The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The site provides information on what to do if you are approached by a immigration enforcement or other law enforcement officer, and provides other information and guidance specific to immigrants and visa-holders.
• Red Card: Print out and carry the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s card, which contains additional information about your rights.

Visa Status Changes: What You Need to Know and Do Next

If you are notified by any federal agency about the status of your visa, follow these steps:

• Access your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record regularly to verify any changes. 
• If you learn that your visa status has changed, immediately contact Ricky Paniagua, Director of the ISC, at [email protected], who will provide guidance.
• Any on-campus and off-campus work should stop immediately. 
• Seek legal counsel experienced in immigration matters to understand the implications of the status change and explore potential remedies.​ Options include lawyers in the Legal Resources Document list. You are responsible for any fees you may incur. 
• Stay informed, and regularly check communications from SDSU, the ISC and official government sources for updates on visa policies and procedures.​