Pomona College is committed to supporting our international students and scholars by providing guidance on visa status including benefits and compliance requirements, travel documentation, and resources to ensure a successful academic and personal experience. Below, you’ll find key information to help navigate your journey at Pomona. Members of the Pomona community who have questions about their F-1 or J-1 immigration status sponsored by the College are encouraged to contact the Assistant Director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) or their own immigration attorney.
Supporting International Students & Scholars
Pomona College is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our international community. We encourage students and exchange visitors to reach out to our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for assistance with:
- Immigration and F-1/J-1 visa-related questions
- Travel and re-entry planning
- Cultural adjustment and community engagement
- Emergency support
- Resources for well-being and academic success
Actions You Can Take
- Maintain Your Visa Status
F-1 and J-1 students must comply with all visa regulations, including full-time enrollment and reporting changes to ISSS.
Keep track of important deadlines for visa renewals and applications for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Avoid unauthorized employment.
- Be Aware of Misinformation
Verify immigration and policy updates through ISSS, U.S. government websites, and legal professionals.
Avoid relying on social media or unofficial sources for immigration advice.
- Plan for International Travel
Ensure you have a valid passport (at least six months beyond your return date), visa, and I-20/DS-2019 with a recent travel signature.
Check visa processing times and schedule renewal appointments in advance.
Be prepared for potential delays at U.S. ports of entry.
- Keep Your Documents Secure
Carry your immigration documents with you and keep them secure when traveling within the U.S.
Store original documents safely and have digital backups.
- Seek Support for Legal and Immigration Matters
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, contact ISSS for assistance.
If you have any questions about your F-1/J-1 visa, contact Assistant Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Kathy Guillén Quispe.
Understanding Immigration Enforcement and Warrants
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center offer excellent educational resources about immigration enforcement at their websites:
What is ICE:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or “ICE” is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcement of immigration laws against those who are unlawfully present, overstay on a visa, engage in criminal conduct, present a danger to national security, are a threat to public safety, or otherwise undermine the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. ICE is responsible for removing from the country individuals who lack legal immigration status. ICE contains more than 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel in more than 400 offices in the United States and around the world.
If approached by ICE officers:
Follow the guidance offered on the FAQ Immigration Enforcement Actions.
Documents to Carry When Entering the U.S.
International students and scholars on F-1 or J-1 visas should be prepared with the following documents when entering the U.S.:
Always Required:
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
- Valid F-1/J-1 visa unless you are a citizen from Bermuda and Canada
- Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) signed for travel
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
If on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT:
- Valid EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
- Job offer letter or proof of employment
If traveling to a third country:
- Check visa requirements for that country before traveling
Emergency Contacts
Pomona College International Student & Scholar Services: (909) 607-2313
Campus Safety: (909) 607-2000