Important Reminders for the End of the Semester
As we prepare for the end of the semester and the upcoming Winter Break, we are writing to remind you of travel guidance and OIE’s closure for the holiday period, as well as remind you of ways to protect yourself from scams.
The University, including OIE, will be closed from December 23 through January 1 for Winter Break. OIE will re-open on Thursday, January 2.
During this time, OIE staff will not be regularly checking email or answering our office phones. In case of emergency while the University is closed, please call University Police at 412-268-2323. Emergency situations might include being denied entry/reentry to the U.S. or being detained by a government official.
For all other issues, including the need for an updated travel signature, OIE will be happy to assist during normal business hours once the University has re-opened.
International Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., please carefully review your travel documents. If the visa in your passport has expired, keep in mind and the processing time needed to apply for and obtain a new visa before re-entering the U.S. Also, be aware of the possible risk of a delay in the visa process.
To maintain status, F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend classes in person at the school they’re authorized to attend (noted on the I-20 or DS-2019). Therefore, students are expected to return to campus on time for the start of Spring semester classes on January 13.
While J and H scholars are not required to attend classes, we would also recommend trying to return by the start of the spring semester as well.
As of now, we are not aware of any specific policy changes that would impact students or scholars traveling or returning for the start of the semester. However, immigration is a focus of the incoming administration, so we are anticipating changes. Changes may include delays in application processing times, to be announced after the new administration takes office in January. Immigration policies or procedures do frequently change, regardless of administration.
We recommend monitoring trusted resources such as the Office of International Education (OIE), (DOS), (DHS) and (CBP) for updates on travel advisories, restrictions and changes to U.S. entry requirements. OIE will provide updates as we become aware of changes that may impact our community.
We encourage you to review the travel tips and guidance posted on the OIE website. You are always welcome to with an OIE advisor should you have more specific questions or if you anticipate a delay in your ability to return for the start of the semester.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams
Holiday periods often generate an increase in reports of scams. Scams can take many different forms, including , , or scams aimed at . Do not conduct business over the phone with callers you do not know.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a government office (either the U.S. government or your own country’s government) who asks you for gift cards, checks or cash, or who asks you to transfer your funds elsewhere to “protect” your money — hang up and report the call to University Police or your local police office if you are not in Pittsburgh. The calls may seem legitimate as scammers can “spoof” telephone numbers. Remember, real U.S. government officials—immigration, tax, police—will never call you and ask you to provide them with gift cards or wire transfer funds.
- Do not provide personal information (Social Security, bank or credit card information etc.) to anyone you do not know, on the phone or online, particularly if they have contacted you.
- Learn more by reviewing: and .
- If you are ever in doubt as to whether or not something is a scam, do not hesitate to contact University Police at 412-268-2323.