Visa & Immigration Guidance for International Travel

LMU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) coordinates support and services for students and exchange visitors at LMU/LLS on F-1 and J-1 student visas. OISS offers one on one student/scholar support and advising and collaborates with departments across campus to coordinate services. Please contact visasupport@lmu.edu or visit lmu.edu/oiss for assistance. 

International faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Matthew John (matthew.john@lmu.edu) in the Human Resources Office regarding any specific questions related to immigration status or questions about upcoming international travel in light of current U.S. immigration policies.      

International faculty and staff who are sponsored by the University for their immigration status can continue to seek advice from LMU’s designated immigration counsel for their case-specific questions about maintenance of status and how their individualized situation can affect international travel.  

Coordinating Law Enforcement Requests: All law enforcement inquiries, including those from immigration authorities, are managed through LMU’s Department of Public Safety and LMU’s General Counsel’s Office, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while prioritizing campus security. The university has shared its procedures for responding to legal inquiries, law enforcement actions, and related requests. 

Protecting Privacy under FERPA: LMU adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prevents the release of student records without proper legal authorization, ensuring that personal information remains protected. 

Preserving Access to Federal Aid: LMU’s adherence to federal law ensures that students maintain access to crucial financial aid programs, including federal grants and loans that support their education. 

LMU remains steadfast in its commitments to support its students and to abide by the law. The university will continue to prioritize meaningful actions that protect our community’s well-being, ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the resources and protections they need. 

Understanding the rights of students and staff on visas is essential, particularly in situations involving immigration enforcement. While visa holders may have different legal statuses than U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they are still entitled to certain protections under U.S. law.  The American Civil Liberties Union, Know Your Rights article outlines the key rights and considerations for individuals on visas when encountering immigration authorities. 

International travel presents elevated cybersecurity risks related to carrying computing devices, connecting to electronic resources, and/or having your device seized or inspected by a government official. You have a duty to protect personal and confidential information relating to LMU business, including when traveling internationally, and must take extra precautions to protect personal and university data whether such data is stored on or accessed through a personal device or an LMU-owned device.  

Please refer to LMU’s Digital Security Travel Guidelines prior to any travel for important guidance on what and what not to do when traveling.   

If your device is lost or stolen or if you suspect any security breaches or encounter suspicious activities on your device while traveling, promptly report them to the LMU ITS Service Desk or visit the ITS Service Desk Online Portal. Remote: Phone: 310.338.7777 (on campus, x87777).   

International faculty/staff 

I-797 Approval Notice:  International faculty / staff who are sponsored by LMU for their nonimmigrant status are encouraged to carry with them a copy of their most recent I-797 Approval Notice that verifies their status (H-1B, O-1, etc.). 

I-94 Card: If you have travelled since receiving your I-797 Approval Notice, you are recommended to carry with your most recent I-94 record, which can be accessed via the federal government’s I-94 website. (http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home) 

Passport: It is not recommended that you carry your passport day-to-day, given how difficult it can be to replace. You may wish to keep a copy of your passport and visa stamp on your person, and keep the original in secure personal immigration file.   You can make both a digital and a  hard copy. 

EAD Card: If you have an approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD), it is recommended to carry your EAD card with you at all times.   EAD card can be difficult and expensive to replace, so be sure to have a copy of this card in your personal immigration files. 

Permanent Resident Card:  If you have been approved for your permanent resident status, it is recommended that you always carry your permanent resident card (“green card”) with you.  It is recommended to also retain a copy of the front and back of your card for your own personal record. 

International students and scholars 

We recommend carrying paper photocopies of your original immigration documents and keeping the originals in a safe place. You may wish to save a digital copy in a safe place such as your email or a cloud-based service as well.  

• Currently enrolled F-1 students: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form I-20, passport, F-1 visa, your most recent I-94 proof of entry, and physical identification (LMU OneCard, LLS Student ID card, U.S. driver’s license, or CA identification card) 

• F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94 proof of entry, your OPT EAD card, and physical identification (U.S. driver’s license or CA identification card). 

• J-1 students and scholars: Carry a photocopy of your most recent Form DS-2019, passport, J-1 visa, your most recent I-94 proof of entry, and physical Identification (LMU OneCard, LLS Student ID card, U.S. driver’s license, or CA identification card). 

International students should refer to additional information at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For more international student and scholar immigration information, please refer to Immigration FAQ’s for international students and scholars. Please consult with your immigration attorney and/or OISS prior to travel for official updates.

For U.S. Citizens Your valid U.S. Passport is required for international travel and re-entry into the United States.

a. On June 4, 2025, the White House released a proclamation following up on the executive order entitled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorist and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.

b. As of June 9, nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are restricted and limited from entry into the United States. These restrictions apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants. Specific restrictions on entry have also been placed on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Students, faculty and staff on F, J, and other non-immigrant visas who are in the United States may remain in the country but are advised not to travel outside the US for the duration of their programs/appointments. Students should contact visasupport@lmu.edu for advice on their unique situations.

Faculty and staff employees from any of the listed countries are encouraged to reach to Matthew John, Senior HR Partner for Immigration Services, at matthew.john@lmu.edu if they have any questions. This page will be updated as new information becomes available on this matter.

Students and staff have been sent regular communications by OISS or HR on how to maintain status and prepare for increased scrutiny. Please refer to previous emails sent on this matter if you are an international student or faculty/staff here on a visa the American Civil Liberties Union has published helpful information regarding your rights at U.S. ports of entry. Know Your Rights

We understand that evolving immigration, visa, and entry/exit processes, along with federal policies, can be a source of concern. While we strive to provide the best guidance, it's important to note that circumstances can change rapidly, and LMU does not have the ability to intervene with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on anyone’s behalf if they are detained or denied entry.

Although there is no way you or LMU can intervene specifically if a student, faculty, or staff were to be detained, there are a few items we suggest to assist the individual at border entry:

• Make sure the international student/employee goes through immigration first;

• Make sure you have a point of contact they would like you to call if they are denied entry (beyond a call to an attorney, if that is the case).

• Make sure the individual has their phone and laptop’s fingerprint and face recognition log in turned off.

• Make sure the individual has contact numbers saved on their phone and a physical copy on their person of who they should contact should they be detained. (e.g., family member or friend; attorney; advisor or supervisor)

• Report the detention to LMU’s Global Safety & Security Office. Reports can be provided 24/7 in the following ways:

  • Phone/Text/WhatsApp +1-310-902-8389

  • Email: internationaltravel@lmu.edu

  • File a “Travel Incident Report” or access report through LMU’s international travel website (top right of page).

• Provide the following information:

  • Name

  • Classification (student, faculty or staff)

  • Citizenship

  • Port or Border

  • Any additional information you deem pertinent.

If you’d like to proactively address concerns around this or start fielding questions, LMU recommends the following as a guide:

Suggested Advice to Travelers:

• Making Informed Decisions: Traveling should always involve careful consideration of your personal circumstances. We recommend conducting a thorough risk vs. reward analysis based on your unique situation. For instance, international students and scholars, in particular, might want to reflect on questions such as:

  • Do I have any criminal history?

  • Have I published material that could be viewed critically by certain governments?

  • Is this trip worth the potential risk of not being able to return to the U.S.?

• Preparation is Key: Ensure you have all necessary documents for border crossings. This could range from a U.S. Passport to additional documentation like travel signatures from OISS, EAD cards, and copies of visas. International students and scholars should consult the information provided by OISS.

• Understanding Border Procedures: It's crucial to be aware of what might happen at the border and to be prepared for possible delays. CBP has the legal right to inspect electronic devices, baggage, and more, without a warrant or your presence. This can happen regardless of your citizenship and may be random or related to your association with higher education. If requested, you must present your devices in a condition that allows for examination, which includes providing passwords. Failure to comply could result in longer delays, loss of the item, or impact your entry into the country.

• Global Considerations: Remember, your goal is not just to re-enter the U.S. but also to navigate the entry requirements of other countries, which can change abruptly or in response to changing U.S. policies. Make sure you understand the requirements for crossing borders into your destination.

If you have specific concerns or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact any of the following:

• LMU’s Global Safety & Security Office may be contacted (24/7) if you encounter an emergency/urgent situation at the border and/or at re-entry:

  • Cynthia Orms, Director

  • Call, text, or WhatsApp: +1 310-902-8389

  • Email: internationaltravel@lmu.edu  

• Office for International Students & Scholars

  • Phone: +1(310) 338-2937

  • Email: visasupport@lmu.edu

  • Malone Student Center 201

• Human Resources

  • Matthew John (Senior HR Partner for Immigration Services)

  • Phone: (310) 338-2734 ext. 82734

  • Email: matthew.john@lmu.

OISS can be contacted for a consultation concerning international students and scholars’ participation in university sponsored travel by emailing visasupport@lmu.edu.

Please contact Matthew John at Human Resources Office regarding any specific questions about employees on work visa sponsored by LMU or those with permanent residency who are participating in university sponsored travel.

• Students Prepare your documents to include passport (make sure it is more than valid for 6 months), valid visa in the passport to be used entering the U.S., SEVIS fee payment receipt if entering on F-1 or J-1 visa, letter of admission, proof of financial support for your time in the U.S. and other materials noted in your U.S. visa application.

• Scholars Prepare your documents to include passport (make sure it is more than valid for 6 months), valid visa in the passport to be used entering the U.S., SEVIS fee payment receipt if entering on F-1 or J-1 visa, letter of admission or invitation, sponsorship letter, up to date CV, complete list of publications, and other materials noted in your U.S. visa application.

• All students and scholars: Make sure to accurately fill out: CBP Form 6059B Customs Declaration - English (Fillable) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Broad Authority of CBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) is the government agency charged with maintaining U.S. ports of entry and admitting persons arriving from abroad into the United States. A CBP officer's border search authority is derived from federal statutes and regulations, including 19 C.F.R. 162.6, which states that, "All persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in the Customs territory of the United States from places outside thereof are liable to inspection by a CBP officer." Unless exempt by diplomatic status, all persons entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, are subject to examination and search by CBP officers. All foreign nationals are subject to CBP’s review of their admissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and CBP has considerable discretion to deny entry, revoke visa stamps, and potentially initiate “expedited removal” proceedings that have longer-term consequences for foreign nationals’ ability to enter the United States. In most cases, persons who present for admission at a U.S. port of entry may undergo routine questioning before CBP allows them through.

Secondary Inspection: In some instances, however, CBP will refer arriving travelers to “Secondary Screening,” a nonpublic setting where they may be searched or questioned more extensively, perhaps even by representatives from other federal agencies. Referral to Secondary Screening does not mean that you are in trouble or will necessarily be denied entry. Keep in mind to stay calm when interacting with federal officials and ensure that any information or documentation you provide is truthful and accurate. If you are a citizen and have been referred to Secondary Screening, you have the right to ask for a lawyer to be present during your questioning. If you are not a U.S. citizen, federal officials will not permit you to make a phone call to seek assistance from counsel or others once you have been referred to Secondary Screening.

Search of Electronic Devices According to CBP’s official website, CBP may conduct a border search of your electronic device(s). This may include copying and retaining data contained in the device(s). The CBP officer conducting the examination will speak with you and explain the process. Travelers are obligated to present electronic devices and the information resident on the device in a condition that allows for the examination of the device and its contents. Failure to assist CBP in accessing the electronic device and its contents for examination may result in the detention of the device to complete the inspection. A foreign national and lawful permanent resident can be denied entry based on their refusal to provide a password. U.S. citizen cannot be denied entry for refusing to supply password or unlock a digital device, but should be aware that the refusal may lead to delay, additional questioning, or, seizure of the device. To better prepare yourself for such inspections, refer to Digital Security. CBP will return your electronic device(s) prior to your departure from the port of entry unless CBP identifies a need to temporarily detain the device(s) to complete the search or the device is subject to seizure. If CBP detains or seizes your device(s), you will receive a completed written custody receipt detailing the item(s) being detained or seized, who at CBP will be your point of contact, and how to contact them. To facilitate the return of your property, CBP will request contact information. Should you have additional questions or concerns regarding the devices, please contact the telephone number provided on the written custody receipt. If your device or devices are temporarily detained, CBP will contact you when the examination of your electronic device(s) is complete to notify you that you may pick up the item(s) from the location where the item(s) were detained. If it is impractical for you to pick up your device, CBP can make arrangements to return your devices to you. For additional information, please refer to CBP’s website.

Search of Your Person or Your Belongings CBP do not need probable cause or reasonable suspicion to subject you to routine searches, such as a pat-down of your person or a search of your luggage. Whether a search is routine depends on the specific facts of the case, but a strip search or body cavity search has been held to be non-routine, and CBP is required to have “reasonable suspicion” or “probable cause” to engage in that kind of search.

What are Grounds of Inadmissibility? Please read (Immigration: Grounds of Inadmissibility) for a more thorough explanation. 

Within 100 Miles from the Border CBP Border Patrol officers have the legal authority to operate within 100 miles of any United States border. If you are not a U.S. citizen and have valid immigration documents, you should carry those documents with you and produce them if asked to do so by federal authorities.

Knowing the exact reason for the denied entry can inform you of what steps must be taken in order to resolve the situation at a later time. Keep contact information of your personal immigration attorney in hand so that you can ask follow-up questions about the incident and how best to resolve the situation. In most instances, you will not be able to contact your immigration attorney while you are being interviewed at the border. Keep in possession a source of funds and contact information of airline to secure your travel back to your home country if the extreme circumstance arises. You may be required to reapply for a visa in your home country and address the issues raised in the formal documentation regarding the reasons for the denied entry. If you are a U.S. visa holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, etc.) and encounter issues at any U.S. port of entry, and are able to make a phone call, please call a trusted person you have designated in advance. They are to notify one of the immigration attorneys referred by LMU, then notify LMU’s Global Safety and Security Office at 478-232-4831, who will notify either the Office for International Students and Scholars or HR depending on your status. For all other LMU community members, including lawful permanent residents as well as individuals with DACA, TPS or other statuses, or if you are calling after business hours, you may call, text, or WhatsApp LMU’s Global Safety & Security Office at 478-232-4831 . In addition, it may be advisable to create a personal list of emergency contacts and share it with a trusted person before traveling, who upon hearing from you in the event you encounter a challenge at a port of entry, could assist in reaching out to other relevant contacts. International Students can read additional information here.

If you have specific concerns or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact any of the following:

• LMU’s Global Safety & Security Office may be contacted (24/7) if you encounter an emergency/urgent situation at the border:

  • Cynthia Orms, Director

  • Call, text, or WhatsApp: +1 310-902-8389

  • Email: internationaltravel@lmu.edu

• Office for International Students & Scholars

  • Phone: +1(310) 338-2937

  • Email: visasupport@lmu.edu 

  • Malone Student Center 201

• Human Resources

  • Matthew John (Senior HR Partner for Immigration Services)

  • Phone: (310) 338-2734 ext. 82734

  • Email: matthew.john@lmu.edu