Updates Archive

The updates below are for archival purposes only and are either no longer relevant or outdated. For timely updates, please refer to the Updates on Evolving Political Landscape page. 

» F-1 Visa Application Interviews

As of Tuesday, May 27, the U.S. Department of State has ordered U.S. embassies to temporarily pause scheduling visa interviews as consulates await further guidance on expanded social media screening and vetting of visa applicants. It’s unclear how long this pause will last. The University is closely monitoring this evolving situation, while working to develop mitigation plans, should the visa interview pause cause significant delay in your travel to the U.S.

Despite the current pause in scheduling visa interviews, for  international students progressing through the visa application process, we recommend the following:

  • If you are scheduled for a visa interview, proceed as planned with the interview unless the consulate advises you otherwise.
  • Continue submitting all required documentation for your visa application as promptly as possible. This will help ensure that your application is ready for processing once scheduling interviews resumes.
  • Monitor your email regularly for updates from the U.S. Department of State and Fordham regarding the visa application process. Staying informed and responding promptly to requests will help you navigate the process efficiently.

If you have questions regarding the visa application process, please call the Office for International Services (OIS) at +1 (718) 817-3145 or connect via email at [email protected] for assistance.

  • Proceed with the interview as planned unless the consulate advises you otherwise. Keep the Office for International Services updated as you progress through the process.

  • Ensure all required documentation for your visa application is submitted as promptly as possible. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to monitor when interview scheduling resumes.

» Revocation of Student Visas

International students and scholars should be aware that the U.S. Department of State has again begun revoking the visas as of Thursday, May 8, in Fordham’s case. The process is different from its previous actions: in this case SEVIS records will remain active, meaning you may stay in the U.S. to continue your studies or scholarly work, but if you leave the U.S., you will not be readmitted.

On Wednesday, May 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration intends to revoke visas of Chinese students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or who are studying in "critical fields," which the New York Times reports most likely “refers to research in the physical sciences.” The University is monitoring this developing situation closely, and will continue to engage directly with those students potentially impacted.

Visa revocation notices are being sent to the email address you used to apply for the visa; therefore it is important for you to check your email frequently, and certainly prior to leaving the U.S. for any reason.* You can check your visa status anytime at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx (for Visa Application Type, select “NONIMMIGRANT VISA (NIV).”

*If an attorney or law firm filed the visa application on your behalf from the firm’s email address, we strongly encourage you to remain in contact with them to ensure you are informed of any changes in your visa status.

Should you receive a notification from the U.S. Department of State regarding your visa status, contact the Office for International Services (OIS) immediately at 718-817-3145 or [email protected].

If you are an international student and decide to remain in the U.S. for the summer rather than traveling home, and need housing assistance, contact the Office of Residential Life for your campus:

Lincoln Center
McMahon Hall, Room 108
212-636-7100
[email protected]

Rose Hill
Loschert Hall Garden Level
718-817-3080
[email protected]

In the event that your visa is revoked, Fordham is committed to providing swift support, connecting you with appropriate resources. The University will assess your circumstances and offer assistance tailored to your situation. This support may include guidance from the OIS on navigating the complex implications of visa revocation, as well as connecting you with pro-bono legal consultation to help you understand your rights and explore the available options. Fordham aims to ensure that you are not alone in addressing this challenging situation and will advocate for your well-being within the bounds of the law.

Our primary concern is your well-being and continued success. Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services are available to you over the summer should you seek support in navigating this time of uncertainty. If questions arise regarding your visa and/or travels to/from the U.S. in support of your studies, please reach out to the Office for International Services for support.

  • Prudential visa revocation is a process through which the U.S. Department of State can cancel a visa without any formal immigration violations or criminal convictions. This is based on the Secretary of State’s discretionary authority if they determine a person’s presence could have potentially adverse foreign policy consequences.

  • While some revocations may be due to criminal records or immigration violations, we have seen reports of visas being revoked for seemingly minor infractions, such as traffic violations, sometimes occurring years ago. In some cases, the reasons for revocation remain unclear to both the students and the University.

  • If your SEVIS record is terminated, you are considered out of status. You should immediately contact OIS to understand the implications and discuss potential options, which may include departing the U.S. and seeking a new visa or exploring other legal pathways with the assistance of an immigration attorney.

  • Immediately contact the Office of International Services, who can confirm your status and provide you guidance and support to navigate next steps.

  • Yes, if the primary visa holder’s F-1 or J-1 visa is revoked, the dependent spouse’s and children’s (F-2 or J-2) visas may also be revoked.

  • Fordham University has not requested or initiated the revocation of any student visas. The authority to issue and revoke visas rests solely with the U.S. Department of State.

    Universities like Fordham are required to maintain and update student information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal database. These updates reflect a student’s enrollment status and compliance with visa regulations. However, universities do not have the authority to request or cause a visa to be revoked. Visa revocations can only be made by the U.S. government.

  • It’s important to understand that the U.S. government has broad authority to revoke visas. While the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental freedom in the United States, immigration officials may scrutinize any activity that they perceive as a potential threat to national security or public safety. International students, faculty, and staff should consult with an immigration attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.