INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

March 25, 2025

 

Exchange and International Students

University of Puerto Rico

 

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

In recent days, the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, has issued several executive orders related to immigration and customs processes. These actions taken by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service have caused uncertainty among international students regarding their stay in Puerto Rico and their university studies.

The University of Puerto Rico is an educational institution certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) and has Designated Officials on each campus and international exchange coordinators to provide the necessary assistance. These officers are responsible for advising international students and entering information into SEVIS about study programs, location, and immigration status to assist in the monitoring of Immigration Law compliance by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

It is important to clarify that, so far, SEVIS has not issued official instructions or certifications for international students studying in U.S. states and territories.

To the exchange and international student of the UPR:

  • Stay calm and orient yourself with the designated officials at each campus: International and Exchange Coordinators and the Designated Site Officer (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO). These professionals will be able to help and clarify any doubts or concerns about your study visa.
  • Contact the International Affairs and Exchange Office coordinators at your campus, https://www.upr.edu/internacionales and or Dr. Javier Carrión, Director of International affairs of the UPR, Javier.carrio@upr.edu
  • Review and know your immigration status.
  • Inform and update your location and contact information to university officials at the campuses and units. During an emergency, it is crucial that UPR officials can communicate quickly and effectively with you.
  • Secure and safeguard your documents, visas, and passport at all times.
  • If you need some emotional support to continue your studies, the campuses and/or units have counseling staff, psychologists, and social workers who can assist you.

To the exchange and international coordinators and SEVIS personnel:

  • For students residing in institutional or private housing, in the event of an emergency, the Dean of Students and the Office of International and Exchange Affairs will activate their emergency plans to assist resident students in order to ensure their safety and protection.
  • Establish contacts and provide information to support continuity of operations for both personnel and the international community during crisis situations.
  • Implement procedures for international students to communicate to international coordinators their location, safety concerns, short, and long-term plans.
  • Develop the ability to access SEVIS from locations.

Links

These measures are essential to ensure an effective and coordinated response.

With best regards.

 

Edwin Vega Milán, Ed.D.
Interim Vicepresident

M. Alvarez