Timely Update for December 2025

December is upon us, and winter break will soon be here. ISSS anticipates that many of you will travel within and outside of the United States during this time, and we would like to provide immigration policy and travel reminders.  

Immigration Policy Reminders and Updates:  

We are aware of news reports that additional countries will be added to the travel ban list; however, there is no new information available at this time about which countries these are or when this could take effect. See the June 5, 2025 Timely Update for further information on current travel bans. At this time, ISSS reminds you to be aware that changes in visa processing, re-entry requirements, and country-specific restrictions can be implemented quickly and without warning for travelers.

For those undergraduate students living on-campus in Middlebury, Vermont: Residential Life is aware of the potential impact this may cause to winter break plans; please reach out to them at reslife@middlebury.edu if you may need to stay on campus. 

While ISSS closely monitors news and immigration, it is not possible for ISSS to predict when or what type of executive actions will be enacted, including any federal policy or immigration regulation changes that may affect our international student and scholar populations.  

As mentioned in our April 17, 2025 Timely Updates for other things to keep in mind: 

• Non-essential travel should be considered carefully by international students and scholars on temporary visas (i.e., F-1/J-1) and by U.S. legal permanent residents (i.e., green card holders). Please consult with ISSS if you have questions. We may advise you to talk with an immigration attorney.
• If, despite the risks, you decide to travel outside the United States, ISSS recommends that you obtain travel insurance and purchase flexible or refundable tickets. That way, you can make a final decision whether to travel up until your intended departure date.
• It is important to be aware that changes in visa processing, re-entry requirements, and country-specific restrictions can be implemented quickly and without much warning for travelers. The U.S. government has also implemented extreme vetting, which can occur at a visa interview or at a U.S. border crossing when leaving, entering, or returning to the United States. 

Travel Document Reminders:  

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., and even within the U.S, please be sure to review the list of documents that you should carry with you. Should you have any questions about how immigration policies may impact your travel, please reach out to ISSS and meet with an ISSS advisor to review your situation prior to travel.  

When re-entering the United States, ISSS always recommends carrying the following documents with you (and not in your checked luggage):  

1. Passport, with expiration date at least 6 months into the future from intended date of entry.
2. Valid/unexpired visa for your intended entry purpose (if needed—and most of you need a visa).
3. I-20 or DS-2019 (if in F-1 or J-1 status), with a valid travel signature. (Note: Validity period is within one year for actively enrolled students and scholars, and six months for alumni on OPT or STEM OPT.)
4. I-94 record (not travel history), most recent version.
5. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, if applicable.
6. Middlebury contact phone numbers:

• ISSS (802-443-5858 in Vermont or 831-647-3586 in California), non-emergency number of Middlebury’s Public Safety office (802-443-5133) in case you need to request our assistance.  

Optional items: 

• Current transcript (if applicable; unofficial copy is sufficient).
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (for those in F-1 or J-1 status).
• Financial documents (bank statement, salary/contract letter, etc.)  

Whenever you apply to enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines your eligibility for entry.  Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose while in the United States. CBP has authority to ask many questions, including requesting access to your phone or other electronic devices. Read about your rights at: Immigrants’ Rights | American Civil Liberties Union 

Due to the complexity and changing nature of immigration policies, ISSS works closely with Middlebury’s General Counsel, Middlebury administration, professional organizations, and international leaders within higher education to provide information in a timely manner. ISSS will do its best to release further information when it’s available and update the Timely Updates.  This is why it is imperative to prioritize ISSS emails through your Middlebury email account.  

ISSS office availability

Please note that Middlebury will be closed for winter break starting Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. ISSS staff will not be working during this time. However, we will have on-call staff periodically check voicemail and emails for any emergency related immigration and travel questions. Further details will be announced closer to the break.    

As always, ISSS is here to help support you through any questions you may have and/or provide resources for next steps depending on your situation. Please email (isss@middlebury.edu), call (802-443-5858) or make an appointment to meet with an ISSS advisor.