F1/OPT Visa Holders are reportedly undergoing secondary inspection at all ports of entry. The secondary inspection process looks like an interim policy called for by the Department of Homeland Security. This Policy has been enforced to impose a thorough check on the student’s status, for those individuals whose SEVIS records have been terminated.

According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators,

Based on news accounts, and preliminary contact with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it appears that DHS is instituting an interim policy of referring arriving F, M, and J nonimmigrants to secondary inspection, to ensure that individuals whose SEVIS records have been terminated are not readmitted without a thorough review of the students’ situation.

Suggestions for F-1/OPT Visa Holders by NAFSA

• An individual referred to secondary inspection should be prepared for the admission process to take significantly longer, and should take this into account when arranging connecting flights and airport pickups.

• Being prepared with the right documentation can help the process go more smoothly. For example, before leaving and reentering the United States, returning individuals should make sure that their visa is valid, their SEVIS record is in Active status, and their SEVIS form has been properly endorsed with a travel signature. They may also wish to travel with other documentation showing that they are in good academic and SEVIS status. Also see Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors on the CBP website, which, even though it has not yet been updated to reflect these new procedures, does provide some helpful information.

• Anyone reentering who may have had a SEVIS record terminated in the past should be prepared with current documentation and reasoning that establishes their ability to resume their program in the United States.