批准 for F-1 visa holders for international travel, employment authorization, contact information or academic program updates, etc.

As we approach the summer months, we recommend that students review this 国际旅游指南 when considering travel plans to visit family or return home. With the possibility of new federal travel restrictions, we want to encourage students to remain apprised of the most current and official information and be aware of potential impacts on your travel plans. 请不要忘记提交你的 旅行许可请求.

As of June 18, 2025, the United States Department of State (DoS) directed its U.S. diplomatic missions abroad to resume student visa applications, but is requiring applicants to make their social media profiles public for vetting purposes.

Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon.

Here are some things you can do to be prepared for next steps, so you are ready as soon as new 任命 resume:

1. If you have not already done so, 请填妥及递交ISD as soon as possible. Once that is approved, we will issue the I20, which is needed to secure the visa appointment.
2. Please note that visa scheduling resumption might vary by individual U.S. Embassies and Consulates. As appointment availability will happen gradually, you should check the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate website and/or social media accounts for 任命 and regularly monitor updated 等待时间.
3. Once you obtain your Pepperdine I-20, 请填写并提交DS-160表格 as soon as possible. Submitting your DS-160 has become crucial, so do not just fill it out; 在安排签证面谈之前提交。
4. Consider adjusting the privacy settings on all your social media profiles to “public” and evaluate your risk regarding your social media presence and digital footprint to determine what, if any, action you should take before applying for a visa. If you are seriously concerned about your social media or internet presence, you should speak to an experienced immigration attorney to help you consider your plans.
   
   

   如何管理你在网上的资料：

   减少你的数字足迹 from the Director of National Intelligence
   限制你的数字足迹 from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
   在线隐私与安全 from the Federal Trade Commission

5. While you await your visa appointment, we encourage you to connect with your local 美国教育中心 office for guidance on visa interview preparation and pre-departure information.
6. If you are a new transfer student or already in the U.S., consider staying in the United States or contacting us before you leave.

If you have any concerns or questions about how to complete the ISD itself, please don't hesitate to 接触 to our office at oiss@pepperdine.edu. We are here to support you and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

2025年的美国学生签证续签

For international students in the United States, maintaining a valid visa is as crucial as keeping up with their studies. While your F-1 student 华体会体育 is primarily determined by your Form I-20, the visa stamp in your passport is your ticket to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. As of mid-2025, the process for renewing a student visa remains a meticulous one, with recent policy shifts adding new layers of complexity.

It's a common misconception that a student visa can be renewed from within the United States. 事实并非如此。 Students seeking to renew their F-1 visa must do so at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the country, typically in their home country.

计划是最重要的

给n the current environment, meticulous planning is more critical than ever for students needing to renew their U.S. visas. 强烈建议：

• 尽早开始这个过程考虑到签证预约和处理可能需要很长时间的等待。
• 咨询你的DSO: They are your primary resource for guidance and ensuring your documentation is in order.
• Thoroughly review 大使馆/领事馆 instructions每个外交机构的程序可能略有不同。
• 为面试做好准备: Practice answering questions about your studies, career plans, and ties to your home country.

签证续期的一般步骤 与最初的申请程序相似：

1. 获取更新后的I-20表格: Before initiating the renewal process, students must request an updated Form I-20) from their Designated School Official (DSO). This form should reflect their current academic program and have a recent travel signature.
2. 填写在线非移民签证申请表（DS-160表）这是所有非移民签证的标准申请表。 Applicants must accurately complete this form online and print the confirmation page.
3. 支付签证申请费（MRV费）必须支付不可退款，不可转让的机器可读签证（MRV）费用。 The fee amount can vary, so it's essential to check the specific instructions on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
4. 安排签证面谈申请人需要在美国大使馆或领事馆安排面试。 Wait times for 任命 can be long, so it is crucial to plan well in advance of your intended travel dates.
5. 收集所需文件签证面谈需要一套完整的文件。 These typically include:
   
   
   1. A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
   2. DS-160确认页。
   3. 签证申请费支付收据。
   4. 一张符合国务院要求的近照。
   5. 您更新并签署的I-20表或DS-2019表。
   6. 经济支持证明，以支付你的教育和生活费用。
   7. 学业成绩单和当前入学证明。
   8. For students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training, proof of employment is also necessary.
   9. Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (though this is typically a one-time fee paid at the beginning of your program).
6. 参加签证面试: During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to verify your eligibility for the student visa and your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies. For those on OPT, a job offer letter and proof of employment are critical to show that they are actively using their practical training authorization.
   
   

最近的变化和2025年的重要考虑

The landscape for student visa renewals has seen some significant recent changes that all applicants must be aware of:

• 暂停新的签证面谈安排（2025年5月）: In May 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced a temporary pause on the scheduling of new visa interviews for students and exchange visitors. This was attributed to the implementation of expanded social media screening procedures. Students planning to renew their visas should closely monitor the websites of their local U.S. embassy or consulate for the latest updates on appointment availability.
• 更严格的免面谈签证资格: The eligibility for a visa interview waiver, which allows some applicants to renew their visa without an in-person interview, has been narrowed. The previous 48-month window for visa expiration has been reverted to a 12-month period. This means that your previous visa must have expired within the last year to be potentially eligible for an interview waiver.
• 扩大撤销身份的理由: Recent policy updates have expanded the reasons for which a student's legal 华体会体育 can be revoked. This underscores the importance of maintaining your student 华体会体育 meticulously by complying with all regulations, including full-time enrollment and reporting any changes to your DSO or RO.

We recommend that international students have these essential documents with you in your carry-on — do not pack them in checked luggage!

• 有效护照（入境前至少6个月有效）
• 护照上的F-1签证（或其他经批准的学生签证）
• Form I-20, signed by your Designated School Official (DSO)
• SEVIS I-901费用支付
• University admission letter for new students or an enrollment verification letter from OneStop for continuing students
• 经济支持证明
• 住宿证明（即使是临时的）
• OISS和公共服务部（DPS）的电话号码

If students have any difficulties at the airport, during office hours (Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm) contact us.

Outside of office hours, you can contact Pepperdine's Department of 公共安全 (DPS) emergency line (310.506.4442). DPS will get in touch with one of our DSOs to assist. Please only call DPS after hours in an emergency situation, such as a border officer seeking verification of your enrollment.

Please refer to the official 出勤费用 for international students (2025-26).

Please refer to 西弗学生账户 for payment options & due dates.

Flywire provides round-the-clock customer support for international wire transfer payment and is available via live-chat, or by email at support@flywire.com.

The 学生关怀小组（SCT） is here to walk alongside you through a variety of challenges. We can help connect you with resources such as the 咨询中心 and assist in coordinating other support or accommodations.

电子邮件: studentcareteam@pepperdine.edu

电话: 310.506.6321

The 咨询中心 provides 24/7 confidential support, including telehealth services. You may also access free mental health support through TimelyCare.

心理咨询中心: 310.506.4210

The 跨文化事务（ICA） office is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. They offer advising, programs, and support that encourage identity exploration and cultural understanding, all grounded in a Christian framework.

电子邮件: ica@pepperdine.edu

电话: 310.506.4244

On May 28th,the US Department of State issued a 媒体声明 announcing plans to revoke visas for some Chinese students. It is our understanding that only students with any past or present visa compliance issues, studying in "critical fields," or who have demonstrated anti US sentiments on social media, or who have close “connections to the Chinese Communist Party” may be affected. It is also our understanding that the US Government considers “critical fields” of study to include those relating to technological advancement 华体会体育 to both civilian and military sectors.

There may also be revisions to visa criteria that increase scrutiny for future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.

Notifications of revoked visas are sent directly to students at the email address they used to apply for their visa. The OISS is closely monitoring SEVIS for changes, as it is unlikely that we will be independently notified. Should you receive a notification, we strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of an immigration attorney and notify the OISS for support and counsel.

A revoked visa is no longer valid for entry or reentry to the United States and revocation of a person's visa while they're in the United States can potentially affect their legal 华体会体育 in the United States.