International students are sometimes targeted by scammers. Be aware of these common scam techniques to help protect yourself.

Be aware that scammers:

• Try to confuse you by complicating the immigration process;
• Use social media, email, or phone calls to conduct their attacks; and
• Impersonate government officials to manipulate the victim into giving out personal information.

Be cautious of:

• Emails that look legitimate, but are sent by people you don’t know;
• Emails with typos and incorrect spellings;
• E-mails that do not end in .gov and end in (.net, .org, .com, or .info for example)
• Suspicious emails you don’t normally receive;
• Offers of assistance to expedite your case for money;
• Promises of a quick benefit; and
• Downloading or opening attachments from senders you don’t recognize.; and
• Requests from USCIS to transfer money to an individual or pay fees other than through your myUSCIS account

Threatening calls

If someone claiming to be a government or law enforcement official calls you, don't give them any personal or financial information and hang up right away. Scammers might try to scare you into staying on the line by threatening legal action such as arrest or deportation. Don't fall for it—it's just a tactic to keep you talking. 

• Real government or immigration officials will never call you to ask for personal information; they will never threaten you over the phone.
• If you are unsure, contact ISSS for help.

Employment scams

If you are applying for jobs and posted your resume and contact information online, be mindful of the risks. Scammers often exploit such information.

To determine if an offer is a scam, look out for typos or errors or an offer that is ‘too good to be true.’ Review the Student Employment webpage on Job Scams.

If you are looking for on-campus employment, positions are listed in Handshake and can be accessed on the Student Employment Office’s website. 

Requests for payment by gift cards

No reputable business or government agency will request a gift card as payment. .

Requests for payment by phone or email

The government will never ask you to transfer money to an individual. They do not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or Venmo as payment for immigration fees. In addition, they will never ask you to pay fees to a person on the phone or by email. You can pay some immigration fees online, but only if you pay through your and Pay.gov.

Phishing

Some scammers may send an email or text that looks like it’s from a company you know (e.g., bank, credit card, utility company, online payment website, app). This is called . While real companies might communicate with you by email, legitimate companies won’t email or text to request personal information or send a link asking you to update payment information.

Spoofing

Some scammers manipulate caller ID technology so that it appears they are calling from a legitimate office or agency (e.g., FBI, IRS, USCIS, DHS, ICE, police). This is called . If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request.

Did you receive a suspicious email regarding your immigration status?

Forward it to the USCIS webmaster email box at the USCIS Webmaster email box. Their webmaster can confirm whether an email is a scam or not and provide useful information on how to report it. The webmaster cannot answer immigration questions.

Reporting scams

ISSS encourages you to report the scam to the local police in addition to any of the following offices: 

• (if applicable)
• (if applicable) 

If you released any information to a scam caller

Contact the following on-campus offices to seek additional support or assistance: 

• Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
• Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
• (��������Ƶ PD)

If you paid a scammer

Immediately contact the company you used to send the money, report the fraud, and ask to have the transaction reversed, if possible. For specific advice on how to reverse different types of payments, read .

For more information, review the ISSS webpage on Scams and .

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Presidential Executive Order Re: Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism 

President Trump issued an on Jan. 29, 2025, which in part requested within 60 days of the order the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide reports to the President:

1. identifying relevant authorities and actions to curb or combat antisemitism in the United States and
2. making recommendations to the president on how to “familiarize” institutions of higher education with existing immigration law. The goal of familiarizing institutions of higher education is “so that such institutions may monitor and report” certain student activities, but nothing in the order requires it.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this executive order. Please note that FAQs are based on currently available information and relate to the proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 29.

No. The new executive order does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The U.S. government will not ask an international student or scholar to leave the country if they maintain and do not violate their current immigration status. 

is the section of the U.S. immigration law which describes the criteria that make foreign nationals (i.e., not U.S. citizens or “green card” holders) ineligible to enter the U.S. or be issued visas. This executive order does not change this section (or any other section of the immigration law) including the ineligibility grounds.  specifically details the grounds related to national security and related grounds such as but not limited to association with terrorist activities and potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences. 

No. This order merely identifies existing immigration law, which provides that potential bases for deportation of a non-citizen include “endors[ing] or espous[ing] terrorist activity or persuad[ing] others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization.”

The executive order does not expand what information ISSS on behalf of ��������Ƶ Boulder is  to the federal government via the SEVIS federal database.

Laws, including FERPA, continue to apply and are not superseded by the executive orders. More importantly, the order does not mandate monitoring or reporting by institutions of higher education. 

For general questions about maintaining nonimmigrant status, please read the following ISSS websites:
•    Students in F-1 Status Overview
•    Students in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in H-1B Status Overview

For specific questions, ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can reach ISSS via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

ISSS is working to find experts on campus who can present on this topic. Please check our website regularly for upcoming events and programs.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at ��������Ƶ Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

• Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.
• Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
• Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the ��������Ƶ Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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Presidential Executive Order Regarding Gender Ideology

President Trump issued an on Jan. 20, 2025, requiring, among other things,  that federal agencies make changes so that U.S. government-issued identification documents, including passports, , and , reflect the holder’s “sex” not “gender, ” and referring to “sex” as “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female” and not as one’s gender identity.  The order provides that “[i]t is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the presidential action.

Frequently Asked Questions

The order took effect on Jan. 20, 2025.

It applies to all individuals applying for U.S. immigration documents, including foreign nationals requesting visas or permanent residency “green cards.” It also applies to U.S. citizens including those applying for passports.

Possibly. If a U.S. visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” under “Sex” (e.g., “X”), it is unclear if the U.S. government will remain valid for entry into the U.S. Contact ISSS if your visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” and you intend to travel internationally so that ISSS can advise on any updated government guidance. The U.S. Department of State may require you to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

The U.S. government's policy on issuing visas for such passports remains unclear. Contact ISSS before international travel for updates on U.S. government guidance.

The text of the executive order is posted on the White House website in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at ��������Ƶ Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

• Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
• Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the ��������Ƶ Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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President Trump signed amendments to  into law on Jan. 29, requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or have admitted to having committed acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. These offenses are in addition to any “assault of a law enforcement officer offense or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new law and any impact on international students and scholars at ��������Ƶ Boulder. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

The effective date of the law is Jan. 29.

The new law only applies to individuals who do not have lawful U.S. immigration status or did not have the appropriate immigration documents when they applied to be admitted to the U.S. It does not apply to individuals who have lawful immigration status (such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B status) and used appropriate immigration documents when they entered the United States.

For any criminal charges or arrests, ISSS always advises that the international student or scholar hire an immigration attorney to provide legal advice. Student Legal Services on campus provides to students only limited legal advice regarding immigration matters and legal consultations and representation for some criminal defense issues. ISSS is not able to provide advice regarding personal matters including those related to criminal charges or arrests.

of the act is posted on the .

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at ��������Ƶ Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

• Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
• Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the ��������Ƶ Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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Presidential Executive Order Establishing Enhanced Vetting and Screening of Individuals Seeking U.S. Immigration Benefits

President Trump issued an  on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new requirement. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the proclamation.    

Frequently Asked Questions

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 20.

The new restriction applies to any individual (foreign national) who applies for a U.S. immigration benefit such as but not limited to visas, admission (entry) to the United States, permanent residency “green card” applications, petitions for non-immigrant temporary status, etc. It does not apply to U.S. citizens. 

No. The executive order does not implement a travel ban. However, it requires that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the United States.

To carry out the executive order, federal agencies will likely scrutinize all applications more which will slow down the process. There may be delays as well when seeking to be admitted to the United States at the airports or land borders.

No. The new restriction does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The restrictions do not affect the immigration status for those who are already present in the United States. The U.S. government will not ask them to leave the country if they maintain their current immigration status. 

The text of the  is posted on the  in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at ��������Ƶ Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

• Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
• Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the ��������Ƶ Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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With the transition in U.S. presidential administration and Congress on January 20, 2025, we understand that this time of change may bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

When immigration-related changes are announced, ISSS reviews the federal policy, regulation, or executive order and will communicate the expected impact on our Immigration Alerts webpage. You are encouraged to monitor the Immigration Alerts webpage for updates.

• ISSS will do its best to release information in a timely manner. The process of reviewing and publishing information, however is not an immediate process. In addition to our internal review, we also seek guidance from the university’s administration, , team, and international education leaders.

We want to reassure you that you are a valued and integral part of our ��������Ƶ Boulder community. If you are feeling worried or overwhelmed—whether about this transition or any other challenges—you are not alone. 

ISSS is here to provide guidance and support. Connect with us in an advising appointment, or a program, or by .

We also encourage you to prioritize your well-being and take advantage of the many resources available on campus to support you.

Together, we can navigate this time of transition.

• ��������Ƶ Boulder Federal Transition webpage
• Research and Federal Funding website
• ��������Ƶ Boulder Statements
• Submit a question to Buff Info

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On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State released an . 

• The Skills List is one of the factors used to determine whether a J-1 exchange visitor and their dependents, if applicable, are subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement.

What is the Skills List?

The Skills List identifies countries that the U.S. government deems to have a critical need for individuals with specialized knowledge or skills in certain fields. If you are a citizen or legal permanent resident of a country on this list and you will be engaged in a field of specialized knowledge or skill associated with that country during your J-1 program, you may be subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement.

The 212(e) Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement

The 212(e) requirement mandates that certain J-1 exchange visitors must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their exchange program in the U.S. This requirement is intended to ensure that countries with critical shortages of certain skills can benefit from the experience and expertise of these exchange visitors.

Key Changes in the Updated Skills List

The updated Skills List removes the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visa holders from several countries, including:

• Brazil

• China

• India

• Indonesia

• Saudi Arabia

• South Korea

• Sri Lanka

• United Arab Emirates 

Please review the ⁠ to see which countries remain on the list.  

J-1 exchange visitors who would have previously been subject to the 212(e) requirement based on the Skills List, are no longer subject to this condition if their country is no longer listed.

• Retroactive release from 212(e) obligations is not available to exchange visitors when only a skill area is removed from the list, but the country itself remains on the list.

• Exchange visitors can still be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on government funding or graduate medical education/training, even if their country is no longer listed.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you are a J-1 exchange visitor and your country has been removed from the Skills List, you will no longer be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on the Skills List. This provides more flexibility for exchange visitors to pursue various U.S. immigration statuses without needing to first fulfill the two-year home country physical presence obligation. 

• You can still be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on government funding or graduate medical education/training.

To learn more about the conditions that make an individual subject to the 212(e) requirement, its impact, and how to fulfill the requirement, review the ISSS 212(e) webpage and contact the ISSS advisor assigned to your department if you have questions. 

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If you plan to travel internationally for winter break, make sure you plan ahead to avoid any complications with re-entry to the United States. One of the most important steps is ensuring that your I-20 (for students in F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for students in J-1 status) has a valid travel signature from our office.

• You do NOT need a travel signature to leave the U.S., but you must have one to re-enter.

Consequences of Traveling Without a Valid Travel Signature

If you travel without a valid travel signature, you risk being:

1. Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
2. Issued an , granting temporary status in the U.S. for only 30 days.
   • If you are issued an I-515A, you must meet with an ISSS advisor immediately to extend your admission beyond the 30-day period.

Return Date for Students

The spring 2025 semester begins on January 13, 2025, and we’re excited to welcome you back! To set yourself up for success, arrive in the U.S. before the semester starts so you’re ready for the first day of in-person classes. ISSS is here to support you, answer your questions, and provide a current travel signature.

• Permission for late arrival is granted by your faculty, and entry into the U.S. is decided by the port of entry officer.

Reminder: Travel Signatures are Valid for One Year!

• Travel signatures are valid for up to one year from the most recent signature date or until the end of your I-20/DS-2019 program, whichever comes first.
• Exception: If you are on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training a travel signature is valid only for 6 months from the date of the signature.

If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the U.S.

• F-1 /F-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided at the bottom of page 2 of your I-20 under “Travel Endorsement.”
• J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019.

Travel Signature Request Timeline

Plan ahead! ISSS will be closed for winter break, and it is best practice to request a travel signature before leaving the U.S.

• All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically.
• ISSS processing time is 2-5 business days.
• ISSS cannot expedite requests. We must process requests in the order they are received.

If you request a travel signature after Spring semester enrollment opens, ISSS will need to confirm you are eligible to enroll in the next term before issuing the travel signature. Be sure to resolve any holds on your account that may limit your future enrollment.

• The Drop Advising Required ISSS hold will not prevent you from registering for coursework in a future term.

How Do I Request a Travel Signature from ISSS?

• F-1 Visa Holders: Complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal.)
  • ISSS will email you an I-20 with a new travel signature.
    • Print the I-20, sign it in ink in the "Student Attestation" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
• J-1 Visa Holders: Complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
  • ISSS will email you a DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
    • Print the DS-2019, sign it in ink in the "Exchange Visitor Certification" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.

What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Travel?

Before you travel, review the Student Travel Handout or Scholar Travel Handout for a complete list of documents you’ll need. These handouts also provide additional travel considerations and instructions on downloading your I-94 upon return.

After re-entering the U.S., ISSS highly recommends checking your I-94 to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status for the correct duration of time.

Additional Resources

• Visa Renewal Information for Students and Scholars
• International Student Travel FAQ for Students on OPT

Resource Tip

• This information is referenced on the ISSS Student Travel webpage and Scholar International Travel & Temporary Absence/ Out of Country webpage.

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As we approach the transition in U.S. presidential administration and Congress on January 20, 2025, we understand that this time of change may bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. While changes to U.S. immigration laws and policies may occur in the future, ISSS does not have information about what those changes might be.

We want to reassure you that you are a valued and integral part of our ��������Ƶ Boulder community. If you are feeling worried or overwhelmed—whether about this transition or any other challenges—you are not alone. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and take advantage of the many resources available on campus to support you.

Please know that ISSS is always here to provide guidance and support. Together, we can navigate this time of transition.

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The ISSS website will be upgraded to a newer version at the end of October/beginning of November. This will result in issues accessing ISSS webpages and files hosted on our website.

• ISSS will have to manually re-link all files currently hosted on our website. It will take a considerable amount of time for us to identify files, re-link them, and determine all the places we referenced the files (e.g., handouts, webpages, forms, email templates etc.).

If you are unable to access an ISSS webpage or file, email ISSS@colorado.edu with “Website Issue” in the subject line.

• Include information about 1) the name of the webpage or file you were trying to access and 2) how you were trying to access it (e.g., through a link in an email; from a webpage, from a specific handout). Provide relevant details as applicable.
  • ISSS will work to resolve the issue with the webpage/file and provide you access to it.

ISSS appreciates your patience and help as we work on the updates associated with this upgrade.

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