Please note that these instructions only apply to individuals in F or J status.

If you are reviewing this information during an official Emory University closure, please note that ISSS will review travel signature/validation requests upon the re-opening of the office. If you are in need of a travel signature/validation, please submit the Travel Information Update e-form (found under the "General Services" tab in ISSS Link) as well as review the information below for further guidance.

Can I enter the US using a tourist visa? 

Please do not attempt to enter the US as a tourist. US immigration law prohibits taking classes while on B or Visa Waiver (i.e. ESTA).  Doing so will have immediate and long-term negative consequences.  Also, changing immigration status within the US normally takes 8-12 months, and during the application pending period, enrolling in courses is not permitted. 

I have already left the US but do not have my Form I-20/DS-2019 with me, will I be able to re-enter the US?

If time permits, you may request a new I-20/DS-2019 to be sent to you electronically by completing the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link. When you receive the electronically sent I-20/DS-2019, download, print, sign, and date it in pen and present it to the CBP officer upon entry into the US.

If you do not have an I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature, it is possible that your airline will not allow you to board a US-bound airplane. ISSS recommends that you change your flight schedule so that you will have a valid travel signature when you board your US-bound flight.

What will happen if I try to enter the US without an I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature?

If your airline allows you to board the plane without your immigration document and/or a valid travel signature, there could be three (3) possible outcomes at the US airport upon arrival:

• The immigration officer might just rely on your electronic SEVIS record in their system and admit you into the US for “D/S” which means a full duration of status/studies.
• The immigration officer might admit you for 30 days under the I-515A temporary admission provision. 
  • If this happens, please come and meet with your ISSS advisor immediately (within two business days) as this is time-sensitive. 
• The immigration officer might not let you enter the US. 

Can ISSS send me a digital copy of my I-20/DS-2019?

Yes. If time permits, you may request a new I-20/DS-2019 to be sent to you electronically by completing the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link. When you receive the electronically sent I-20/DS-2019, download, print, sign, and date it in pen and present it to the CBP officer upon entry into the US.

What should I do if I experience difficulties when going through US Customs?

Should you encounter any difficulties at the airport, please calmly ask the immigration officer to call Emory ISSS at 404-727-3300 (during business hours) or 404-727-6111 (outside of business hours). The latter number is available 24/7 as it connects to Emory Police, and they know how to reach an ISSS on-call staff.

What to do if you experience an immigration-related emergency, such as:

• Loss of your passport or other important documents while overseas
  • Contact your home country Embassy in that country for an emergency passport replacement. They can also assist you in filing a police report.
  • Contact ISSS to discuss your re-entry plans.
• Visit by government officer at home or on campus
  • Do not accept or sign anything.
  • Politely ask a government officer if you can call Emory Police Department (404.727.6111), Emory ISSS (see below for during and outside of office hour contact information), or your home country Embassy in the US.
  • Depending on the reason for the government visit, retain an immigration attorney to represent you and help you navigate the US legal system.
• Detainment at US port of entry like airports
  • Do not sign anything.
  • Politely ask a government officer if you can call Emory Police Department (404.727.6111), Emory ISSS (see below for during and outside of office hour contact information), or your home country Embassy in the US.
  • Retain an immigration attorney to represent you and help you navigate the US legal system.
• Threat of deportation
  • Do not accept or sign anything.
  • Politely ask a government officer if you can call Emory Police Department (404.727.6111), Emory ISSS (see below for during and outside of office hour contact information), or your home country Embassy in the US.
  • Retain an immigration attorney to represent you and help you navigate the US legal system.

During normal office hours (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), call ISSS at 404.727.3300.

Outside of regular office hours, call the Emory Police Department at 404.727.6111 and their dispatcher will connect you with an ISSS staff member.

Please note the following: 

• If international students and scholars are non-immigrants under Emory's immigration sponsorship, ISSS can assist with verifying their valid immigration status at Emory, even outside of normal business hours.
  • Call (or ask the immigration officer to call) the Emory Police Department at 404.727.6111, and the dispatcher will connect the caller with an ISSS staff member, available 24/7.  
  • While on the phone with EPD, the dispatcher might transfer the caller to someone else within EPD to triage depending on the severity of the situation. 
  • We also have some helpful information on our website, including Know Your Rights handouts.  
• We have been advised that Emory, including ISSS, cannot provide legal representation to individuals.
  • If international students and scholars have any concerns that are personal in nature, we recommend that individuals consult an immigration attorney before leaving the US.
  • Consulting an immigration attorney is critical, especially if they have faced any legal issues such as arrests (even without conviction), immigration violations, prior visa overstays, controlled substance violations, or DUIs. 
  • The US government may not honor individual attorney representation on the spot unless it is prearranged. Some individuals have executed a G-28 retainer with an immigration attorney for their personal legal representation in case of potential issues at the border, airport, or within the US. 

If you are on campus, contact Emory Police Department at 404.727.6111. If you are off campus, call 911.

You may experience an emergency such as:

• Car accident
• Criminal activity
• Missing persons
• Suicidal thoughts
• Homicidal thoughts
• Natural disasters (tornado, flood, etc.)
• Sexual assault and misconduct 
• Violence
• Other incidents

Emory offers a comprehensive range of supportive services and resources that are available to every member of the university community including students, faculty, staff, family, and friends.

ISSS is here to help you, but you may also want to take advantage of these resources on campus for other issues such as: culture shock, stress, conflicts with classmates or professors, financial problems, scams: