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Dear Rice community,
Recent federal developments concerning student visa processing have created increasing uncertainty for many of our international students. For example, the U.S. government has announced a temporary pause on scheduling new student-visa interviews while it prepares new vetting procedures. It is also considering revoking the visas of Chinese students in particular.
These political events are deeply concerning, but they do not change Rice’s unwavering commitment to warmly welcome, support and host students, faculty and scholars from every corner of the world.
Although the full implications of these changes are still unfolding, Rice is actively responding to support our international students — both current and incoming — and minimize any disruptions to their academic progress.
Here’s what we are doing:
- Advising and Outreach: Our Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) has reached out to international students with current guidance and will continue to provide personalized support. In addition, OISS and the Office of General Counsel are providing Rice-paid initial consultations with immigration attorneys to students and scholars whose visas are revoked, plus augmented, Rice-paid legal services to affected Rice faculty and staff. OISS is also contacting students to determine whether they are currently outside the U.S. and to assist them in making informed travel decisions.
- International Travel Guidance: We strongly encourage international students to remain in the U.S. if they currently hold valid F-1 or J-1 visas. Those considering international travel should consult with OISS in advance, notify them of any plans and review the international travel guidance Rice has provided. If you do travel, please be aware that returning may be difficult or delayed.
- Travel Registry: All students, faculty and staff traveling internationally — whether they are U.S. citizens or not — should register with Rice’s Travel Registry. This is required for work travel and highly advisable for personal travel, especially in these volatile times. Also, registering allows Rice to more quickly and expertly help you if you encounter problems returning to the U.S.
- International Travel Incident Response Team: Rice has established an International Travel Incident Response Team. This team provides immediate, 24/7 help to Rice faculty, students, staff and scholars who encounter health, safety and immigration difficulties while traveling abroad or returning to the United States. To reach the International Travel Incident Response Team, call 713-348-6000, day or night, 365 days a year. If you travel internationally, please program this number into your phone. This number connects you to the Rice University Police Department. Simply ask for the International Travel Incident Response Team, and RUPD will immediately connect you to a Rice member of the team. This team can provide you guidance, connect you to legal advice or speak directly to immigration officials on your behalf.
- Contingency Options Abroad for Returning International Students: For returning undergraduate students who may encounter visa issues, we are working to create potential academic accommodations in Paris for next year. Students should reach out to global@rice.edu as soon as possible if they are interested in this option to ensure time for French visa processing. Impacted graduate students should work directly with their degree programs to find academic solutions that best allow them to continue their studies. We will identify and offer additional arrangements as needed.
- Support for Incoming Students: Newly admitted international undergraduate and graduate students who experience delays or disruptions in obtaining a visa should contact OISS and (for graduate students) their academic program as soon as possible. We are working with programs to determine appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis. This message will be shared with those students through other channels.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy: We are actively monitoring evolving federal policies, including reports of potential efforts to revoke the visas of our Chinese students. We are also working intensively with national higher education associations to advocate for policies that allow all international students to pursue their education in the U.S.
Rice’s values and commitment are clear: International students enrich our community and advance our mission to engage in groundbreaking research and unsurpassed education for the betterment of our world. Every student admitted to this university — regardless of nationality — deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive here. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that happens.
Questions or Concerns?
OISS is here to support all Rice international students and faculty and academic departments with immigration matters. For assistance, please drop by the OISS reception desk on the first floor of Lovett Hall, Entrance A; make an appointment here; email OISS at oiss@rice.edu; or call 713-348-6095.
For more detailed guidance regarding international travel, please visit https://www.rice.edu/travelguidance (link requires a Rice NetID and password).
If you need a personal immigration attorney, please email our campus legal office at legal@rice.edu. Depending on your situation, we can direct you to the right assistance on campus or connect you to outside immigration lawyers for initial consultations paid for by Rice.
For other concerns or assistance, international undergraduate students should contact the Dean of Undergraduates office (ugdean@rice.edu), and international graduate students should contact the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (graduate@rice.edu).
With care and compassion,
Reginald DesRoches, president
Amy Dittmar, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs
Bridget Gorman, dean of undergraduates
Seiichi Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies
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