Office of International Student Services

Approvals 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 International Travel Guidance 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. Please don’t forget to submit your Travel Permission request.

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 appointments resume:

1. If you have not already done so, please complete and submit the 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 appointments and regularly monitor updated wait times.
3. Once you obtain your Pepperdine I-20,  please complete and submit the DS-160 as soon as possible. Submitting your DS-160 has become crucial, so do not just fill it out; submit it before scheduling your visa interview.
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. 
   
   

   Recommendations for how to manage your information on the web:

   Reducing Your Digital Footprint from the Director of National Intelligence
   Limit Your Digital Footprint from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
   Online Privacy & Security from the Federal Trade Commission

5. While you await your visa appointment, we encourage you to connect with your local EducationUSA 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 reach out to our office at oiss@pepperdine.edu. We are here to support you and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

U.S. Student Visa Renewals in 2025

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 status 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. This is not the case. 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.

Planning is Paramount

Given the current environment, meticulous planning is more critical than ever for students needing to renew their U.S. visas. It is highly recommended to:

• Start the process early: Factor in potentially long wait times for visa appointments and processing.
• Consult your DSO: They are your primary resource for guidance and ensuring your documentation is in order.
• Thoroughly review embassy/consulate instructions: Each diplomatic post may have slightly different procedures.
• Be prepared for the interview: Practice answering questions about your studies, career plans, and ties to your home country.

The General Steps For a Visa Renewal are similar to the initial application process:

1. Obtain an Updated Form I-20: 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. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160): This is the standard application form for all nonimmigrant visas. Applicants must accurately complete this form online and print the confirmation page.
3. Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): A non-refundable, non-transferable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee must be paid. 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. Schedule a Visa Interview: Applicants will need to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Wait times for appointments can be long, so it is crucial to plan well in advance of your intended travel dates.
5. Gather Required Documentation: A comprehensive set of documents is required for the visa interview. 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. The DS-160 confirmation page.
   3. The visa application fee payment receipt.
   4. A recent passport-style photograph that meets the Department of State's requirements.
   5. Your updated and signed Form I-20 or DS-2019.
   6. Proof of financial support to cover your educational and living expenses.
   7. Academic transcripts and proof of current enrollment.
   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. Attend the Visa Interview: 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.
   
   

Recent Changes and Important Considerations for 2025

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

• Pause on New Visa Interview Scheduling (May 2025): 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.
• Stricter Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility: 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.
• Expanded Grounds for Revocation of Status: Recent policy updates have expanded the reasons for which a student's legal status can be revoked. This underscores the importance of maintaining your student status 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! 

• Valid passport (good for at least 6 months ahead of your arrival) 
• F-1 visa (or other approved student visa) in your passport 
• Form I-20, signed by your  Designated School Official (DSO) 
• SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment 
• University admission letter for new students or an enrollment verification letter from OneStop for continuing students 
• Proof of financial support 
• Proof of accommodation (even if temporary)
• OISS and Department of Public Service (DPS) phone numbers 

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 Public Safety (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 Cost of Attendance for international students (2025-26).

Please refer to Seaver Student Accounts 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 Student Care Team (SCT) is here to walk alongside you through a variety of challenges. We can help connect you with resources such as the Counseling Center and assist in coordinating other support or accommodations.

Email: studentcareteam@pepperdine.edu

Phone: 310.506.6321

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

Counseling Center: 310.506.4210

The Intercultural Affairs (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.

Email: ica@pepperdine.edu

Phone: 310.506.4244

On May 28th,the US Department of State issued a press statement 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 applicable 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 status in the United States.