International Programs

Important End of Quarter Information for International Students Fall 2025

December 3, 2025

Greetings, international students! 

As the end of the quarter and winter break approaches, we write to offer some important reminders for you to consider as you make your plans.

Please review the information below for details. Please check your I‐20 or DS‐2019 now to confirm that it is signed for travel. If not, please contact International Programs to request. Please submit requests for travel signatures in advance of your planned travel.

Over the last few months, there have been new developments and policies that may make it harder to renew an expired visa. We advise that you may want to reconsider travel if your visa is expired due to longer processing times for visa renewals. Remember, for F-1 students, the visa stamp in your passport can expire during your time here in the United States. The visa stamp in your passport is only used for entry. Here are the new policies to keep in mind for renewing a visa: 

  • Visa Interview Waiver Update: All nonimmigrant visa applicants,  will now generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer. Be sure to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.
  • Adjudicating Visa Applications in Country of Residence: Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas must now schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Third country renewals are no longer permitted. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
  • Increased Social Media Screening: Social media will be screened by the consular officer as part of the renewal process. Declining to remove limits to social media visibility could be viewed as a form of evasiveness or otherwise a challenge to a visa applicant’s credibility.

Travel FAQ

Are there any considerations I need to make for travel?

Rules surrounding travel and entry into the United States continue to evolve and are subject to change on short notice depending on someone’s country of origin, immigration status, and reason for entry.  The Office of International Programs continues to advise our international students to exercise caution in cases of non-essential travel. With that said, the decision to travel is an individual one that may need to balance personal or family needs against any potential risks.

What are my immigration rights at the airport when entering the United States?

We are aware that some of you might be worried about what your experience might be at the port of entry when interacting with a customs officer. We would like to remind you to be honest and courteous to the officer at the port of entry, and to have your documents ready when you’re asked for them. If you have any doubts, visit this page by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Anyone entering the US is subject to search by CBP, including their electronic devices and social media. Please be mindful of what information is on your device and what may be displayed on your social media/public profiles.

What support can International Programs offer in case of entry denials?

Options for representation when entering the US are extremely limited. International Programs will speak with CBP agents should they reach out to us with any questions but may not be able to intervene further.

Where can I find the travel signature?

  • For F-1 Students: On the I-20 on the second page under "Travel Endorsement"

When do I need a travel signature? 

  • If you leave and plan to reenter the country - this includes travel to Canada
  • If your travel signature will be more than one year old on the day you plan to re-enter the country (or 6 months if you are on Post-Completion OPT)
  • If your I‐20 says “Transfer Pending” or “Change of Educational Level” on the top right side of the front page.

What documents do I need to re-enter the United States? 

  • I‐20 or DS‐2019 with a valid travel signature.
  • Valid passport (valid for longer than six months into the future)
  • Valid F visa (if your visa is expired, you may want to reconsider travel due to longer processing times for visa renewals)
  • Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Skagit Valley College, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter and/or scholarship letter.

End of Program Reminders

If you are graduating this quarter or your program end date on your immigration document ends this quarter, read the important information below!

For F-1 students finishing in December: 

  • If the program end date on your I-20 has changed and you need to extend it, please contact International Programs to request an extension. In order to maintain your status, this must be completed before the end date on your I-20.
  • If the major stated on your I-20 is not your current one, please contact International Programs to request an updated I-20.
  • If you are interested in Post-Completion OPT but have not applied yet, please review the steps and timelines for applying.
  • When you graduate, your eligibility for on campus employment expires the last day of your final quarter (per SVC calendar), even if your I-20 expiration date is in the future. Do not continue working beyond the last day of the quarter without additional work authorization (e.g. approved OPT application).

Questions? Email International Programs!

If you have any questions about travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to International Programs and ask!  We wish you good luck with the rest of the semester!

—The International Programs Team