Response to Student Visa Freeze

Greetings!

I am writing in regard to the recent news about the U.S. State Department freeze on new student visa appointments at U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide.

I know these developments raise questions of concern for our international students already on campus and for Andrews University faculty and staff who support and advise international students.

However, I realize the news is especially concerning to our newly-accepted international students who have not yet received a student visa. If you are in this category, please know that the International Student Services (ISS) office at Andrews University is monitoring the situation daily, and ISS staff are prepared and ready to support you no matter what happens next.

I also wanted to offer these thoughts:

• The current freeze is temporary and could change at any time.
• ISS is ready to change and adapt in response.
• ISS will continue issuing new I-20s during the freeze, so once the freeze is lifted, I-20s will have already been emailed if all requirements were met.
• ISS will communicate updates and new options as changes to the student visa process are clarified by the U.S. government in the coming days and weeks.

Though I cannot guarantee answers to every student visa question at the moment, I can guarantee that ISS is closely watching for new U.S. government guidelines and is ready to support you in whatever way possible.

Our prayers and best wishes are with you during this time of uncertainty!

Christian Stuart
Associate Dean for International Education