Dear students,
The International Student Affairs Office is closely monitoring recent events impacting international students in the United States. We understand these events may create uncertainty and that you may have questions. Review the message below for important information and updates.
Maintaining status
It is important to maintain your status while in the United States. You can do this by keeping your documents up to date, maintaining full-time employment and obtaining work authorization. Review additional information about maintaining your status. It is recommended that you keep your passport and your I-20 or DS2019 immigration documents with you at all times.
Immigration officials
If you receive an email regarding your immigration status or a visa revocation, contact the ISAO at isao@umkc.edu as soon as possible. This email will be monitored regularly throughout the day and forwarded to office leadership. In the event you are detained by immigration officials or have other concerns about your individual immigration status or visa, it is recommended you consult an immigration attorney or your home country’s embassy/consulate. If possible, you should also notify your international student adviser to make them aware of the situation. While we cannot advise or assist on your individual immigration legal issues, we can consult on your academic issues and provide referrals for other support services
Additional information regarding the university’s compliance with law enforcement investigations can be found in the UM System Collected Rules and Regulations.
Travel
We don’t recommend international travel while you are studying in the U.S., but if you must travel internationally, remember to:
Verify that you have valid documents for travel and keep them with you while exiting and re-entering the United States. At the port of entry, you will meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for primary and sometimes secondary inspection. CBP officers may ask for additional information, as well as to review items such as your phone or social media accounts.
Check that your I-20 or DS-2019 has a travel signature that is less than six months old. If you need a travel signature, bring a hard copy of your document to walk-in advising or submit a request via the ISAO Portal.
Monitor your UMKC email account. If there are any updates related to your F-1 or J-1 status, ISAO will email that account.
Monitor official news sources for any travel-related news.
Contact your academic department if your return is delayed past the resumption of classes.
Contact your ISAO adviser if you have any questions while traveling or if your return is delayed. For after-hours travel emergencies, contact UMKC Police at 816-235-1515.
If you are traveling internationally, it is recommended you consult an immigration attorney prior to departure if you have questions about your plans or any of the following apply:
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You have previously been out of status or had a status violation.
- You have had previous encounters with law enforcement, including previous arrests or convictions.
- You have concerns about your public advocacy, political activism or social media activity.
Campus resources
If you need additional support services, UMKC has many resources to help you.
You are always welcome to meet with the International Student Affairs Office for assistance, support and referrals.
Roo Wellness offers professional physical and mental health services. Mental health services include individual or group counseling, and students can call 573-882-6601 at any time for crisis support.
Our international students are valued members of our university community. Our team is committed to providing you with support as you continue your studies. Please reach out if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Daly
Director of International Affairs
