Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, his administration has implemented a series of immigration policy changes that impact international students.
While F-1 student visas remain available, new federal policies have expanded security screening, increased scrutiny during the visa application process and continued enforcing country-specific travel restrictions.
Students are encouraged to begin the visa process early and monitor updates from Indiana University's Office of International Services, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, as immigration policies may change. Here’s what to know:
Applying for an F-1 visa
Students admitted to IU must first receive a Form I-20 from the university before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Appointment availability varies by country, and applicants should apply as early as possible to allow time for visa processing before the start of the semester.
Some applications may require administrative processing or additional security reviews, which can extend processing times. Because of these potential delays, students should avoid making nonrefundable travel arrangements until their visas have been issued.
A visa interview does not guarantee a visa approval. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, consular officers must determine whether applicants qualify for the visa they are requesting. Applicants who are denied are generally informed of the legal basis for the decision and, depending on the reason for the denial, may be eligible to reapply after addressing the issue.
Expanded screening and social media vetting
The U.S. Department of State has expanded screening procedures for many visa applicants. As part of the application process, applicants may be asked to provide social media identifiers used in the previous five years, and consular officers may review publicly available online activity as part of identity verification and national security screening. Officers evaluate account content for hostile attitudes toward the United States, ties to extremist or terrorist organizations and evidence of unlawful behavior.
Applicants may also be asked to provide additional documentation or participate in further background checks before a visa is issued. Federal officials said the expanded vetting is intended to verify applicants' identities, detect fraud and address national security concerns.
Travel restrictions
The Trump administration continues to enforce country-specific travel restrictions affecting both immigrant and certain nonimmigrant visa categories. The restrictions vary by country and may limit or suspend the issuance of visas for nationals of affected countries.
Countries currently subject to restrictions include Afghanistan, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, among others. Additional countries are subject to partial restrictions or enhanced screening requirements. Students from affected countries should review current Department of State guidance and consult OIS before making international travel plans, as restrictions and exemptions may change.
Entering the United States
Receiving an F-1 visa does not guarantee admission into the United States. Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine whether travelers may enter the country.
Students should travel with a valid passport, F-1 visa, Form I-20 and supporting financial documentation. Some travelers may be referred to secondary inspection, where officers conduct additional review of immigration documents before making an admission decision.
Maintaining F-1 status
Once enrolled, international students must maintain full-time enrollment and keep their immigration records up to date.
Students should notify OIS of changes such as a new address, changes to their academic program or an extension of their expected graduation date.
Students should also consult OIS before withdrawing from classes, dropping below a full course load, accepting off-campus employment or taking a leave of absence, as these actions may affect their immigration status.
Staying informed
Immigration policies continue to evolve, and federal guidance may change throughout the academic year. Indiana University recommends that international students rely on the OIS, the U.S. Department of State and USCIS for the most up-to-date information before traveling internationally or making decisions that could affect their immigration status.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's 2026 International Student Guide.
