Know how changes in the immigration environment may affect you if you’re traveling.
In response to international student questions regarding international travel, the University at Buffalo encourages students to carefully plan travel with ample time to accommodate potential delays during an anticipated heavy travel season.
We recommend that F-1 and J-1 students consider the following:
- Visa Processing Times: If you require a new U.S. entry visa, be prepared for potential delays due to staffing transitions at U.S. embassies and consulates.
- Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have all required documentation for travel, including a valid visa and a signed I-20 or DS-2019.
- Travel Timing: Spring semester classes begin on January 22, 2025. Consider returning to Buffalo a few days before the semester’s start.
Please visit the ISS travel webpage for additional guidance on documentation and applying for a new visa. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please reach out via email at ISS@buffalo.edu or join us for Advising.
- In a May 1, 2023 statement, the Biden administration announced they will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the end of the day on May 11.
- The U.S.-Canada-Mexico COVID restrictions will cease to have effect as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 12, 2023, under a pair of Federal Register Notice to be published on May 10, 2023. Canada notice | Mexico notice.
For more details please refer to NAFSA's website.