We recognize that this is a challenging and uncertain time. While recent U.S. visa revocations and SEVIS terminations have impacted some international students and scholars at UNLV and across the country, please know that UNLV is here to support you. We have a process in place to notify, assist, and guide any student affected by a visa revocation or SEVIS termination. While we are hopeful that no further revocations or terminations will occur, we are prepared to respond quickly and with care.

It’s important to stay calm, remain focused on your studies, and reach out with any questions or concerns. Our priority is helping you remain in compliance with federal regulations to ensure your safety and well-being as a valued member of our UNLV community. We will continue to share updates as information becomes available, as we understand that staying informed can be reassuring during uncertain times.

We recommend taking the following precautions:

• Reconsider international travel. If you must leave the U.S., be prepared for additional delays, increased government review, and the possibility of delay or denial at both the U.S. Consulate or Embassy (if applying for a new visa) or at the Port of Entry when applying to enter the U.S. 
• Carry your original immigration documents with you at all times, including here in Las Vegas and during any U.S. travel. 
  • For international students (F-1 or J-1):
    • Valid passport
    • Most recent F-1/J-1 student visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
    • Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
    • Most recent DS-7002 (J-1 student interns only)
    • Most recent I-94
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if on OPT/STEM OPT
• Keep photos of these documents accessible on your cell phone, with printed copies stored at your residence as an added precaution.
• Memorize important phone numbers and email addresses, as you may not have access to your cell phone or other digital devices in an emergency situation.
• We are unable to provide legal advice, but you may want to contact an immigration attorney for support. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has a searchable database of immigration attorneys. You may also reach out to the Boyd Immigration Law Clinic to see if they can help you identify an attorney to assist you. 
• Your privacy rights: SEVIS information is exempt from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and must be provided to the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to comply with the requirements of SEVIS. This information may also be shared with the Department of State. However, other parts of your education record are protected under FERPA. UNLV will only release information that is officially requested and that we are required by law to share.
  • UNLV is permitted to share “directory information” under FERPA without notice or further permission from you, but if you prefer that we do not do so, you can place a “no-release” indicator on your record to prevent this. Learn more about what UNLV considers directory information and how to request a no-release indicator.

We encourage you to stay calm, take care of your well-being, and remain engaged in your academics. Below are a few helpful wellness resources:

• Counseling & Psychological Services are available to support your mental health and well-being.
• UNLV Global is located in BEH 543 and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 702-774-6477, and a staff member will meet you on the ground floor near the elevator to escort you to the office.
• For after-hours emergencies, such as evenings and weekends, call 702-774-6477 and select 0 to reach the UNLV Global Support Team. 
• For general support, contact Lindsey Gruber, Senior Executive Director of UNLV Global, at lindsey.gruber@unlv.edu.
• For immigration or compliance questions, contact the International Student & Scholar Compliance team at issc@unlv.edu.

UNLV stands with you, and we are here to provide support, information, and resources. Please reach out if we can be of assistance.

Best regards, 

Laura Chaney
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO)
Director, UNLV International Student & Scholar Compliance

Lindsey Gruber
Senior Executive Director, UNLV Global