Important Update

A.A visa is an official document stamped inside the passport that grants permission to enter the United States for a specific purpose. The University of Utah is certified to host both F1 and J1 visa types.

A.A visa is a document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate before a student and scholar can travel to the United States. While it allows the student to travel to a United States Port of Entry, it does not guarantee entry to the United States. The individual must still seek admission to the country through a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. If permitted to enter, the individual will have their Form I-94 record updated online which indicates the date of admission and the duration of stay.

Status refers to the classification a visa holder has while in the United States as indicated by the I-94 record. It refers to the legal status an individual must maintain after they are granted admission to the United States. It’s important to note that an individual’s visa stamp may expire and does not have any impact on individual’s status. For more information about maintaining status click here.

A.A visa revocation occurs when the U.S. Department of States invalidates an individual’s visa that they were previously issued. This results it in the visa stamp not being valid to seek entry or re-entry to the United States despite the expiration date listed on the stamp. Revocations can result from various factors, including criminal convictions, security concerns, or violations of visa terms. A visa can be revoked by an embassy official or the Secretary of State at their discretion. The individual may not always be notified.

A.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 the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

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 If you are concerned that your visa may have been revoked and have not been notified, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa or check your visa status using the Department of State’s Visa Status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

A.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) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students and scholar

A.SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a databased managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under DHS. The systems tracks international students and exchange visitors currently in the United States and is updated by DHS officials and Designated School Officials (DSOs) at the University of Utah. 

A.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 (ISSS staff serve as the University of Utah's DSOs) following a change in or violation of a student’s 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 DHS has terminated a student’s SEVIS record, ISSS will notify the student.  Students in those circumstances should consult with legal counsel

A.If you are notified that your visa has been revoked, please contact ISSS with the information you received. ISSS will consult the SEVIS database to determine if your SEVIS record reflects termination.  A SEVIS record termination indicates that F-1 or J-1 status has ended.

If a student’s visa is revoked and/or their SEVIS record is terminated, their next step is to consult with an immigration attorney.

A.Students and scholars should ensure they always follow steps to maintain their F1 or J1 status while in the United States and comply with U.S. federal laws, state laws, and university policies and procedures. For more information about maintaining your status, you can review information on our website here.

A.The University of Utah is governed by federal laws that preserve the privacy of all campus community members and visitors. Consistent with the law, Student Affairs, the Registrar’s Office, and Enrollment Management also will protect students’ privacy, regardless of their immigration status or the status of their family members. Student information remains protected under FERPA. For more information regarding FERPA, visit the Registrar’s website here.

A.We understand that navigating immigration uncertainty can be stressful. Please know that you are not alone. The University of Utah offers a variety of confidential mental health and wellness resources:

• Students & scholars can access support through the University Counseling Center, which provides services in multiple languages.
• For personalized support, you can also connect with our Case Manager, Katie DeSau.
• National Immigration Law Center
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Immigration Legal Resource Center
• Immigration Advocates Directory