Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

  1. Green Card Lottery Halted: Why F-1 Students Must Maintain Status During Immigration Shifts

    [Breaking News] U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Suspended: What It Means for International Students and Your Future

    Introduction

    New York City and the rest of the nation are currently processing a major shift in U.S. immigration policy.

    On December 18, 2025, the Trump administration announced the immediate suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery.” This decision follows a tragic incident at the Ivy League’s Brown University that has sparked a nationwide debate on national security and immigration vetting.

    At NYEA (New York English Academy), we want to ensure our students are informed about how these changes—and current immigration trends—affect your journey in the United States.

    1. The Trigger: The Brown University Shooting

    The decision to pause this long-standing program was a direct response to the shooting on December 13, 2025, at Brown University and near MIT.

    • The Incident: A suspect (a Portuguese national) opened fire on campus, resulting in the tragic death of two students and injuries to several others.

    • The Connection: Investigators discovered that the suspect had entered the United States and obtained his Green Card in 2017 through the Diversity Visa Lottery.

    • The Policy Shift: Citing “serious flaws in national security,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, under President Trump’s direction, ordered a “pause” on the program to prevent further risks.

    2. Why the “Lottery System” is Being Targeted

    The administration has long criticized the lottery system, favoring a transition toward a “Merit-Based” immigration model. The recent events have accelerated this policy goal. The primary concerns cited are:

    • Vetting Limitations: Critics of the lottery argue that choosing immigrants at random makes it difficult to conduct the deep-level background checks required for national security.

    • Shift to Skills and Education: The administration aims to prioritize immigrants with specific professional skills, high education levels, and English proficiency rather than relying on a random drawing.

    3. Real Talk: How Long Does a Green Card Take?

    While the lottery is currently on hold, many NYEA students are pursuing permanent residency through other legal channels, such as Family Sponsorship or Employment-Based visas.

    It is important to understand the typical timelines for these “non-lottery” paths in 2025:

    • Marriage/Family Based: 10 to 18 months.

    • Employment-Based (EB-2/EB-3): 2 to 3+ years.

    4. Critical Advice: Maintaining Your F-1 Status During the Process

    If you are an F-1 student currently applying for an Adjustment of Status (I-485), the recent news serves as a vital reminder: Do not stop maintaining your F-1 student status.

    Why Your F-1 Status is Your “Safety Net”

    Even after you file your Green Card application, you are legally allowed to remain in the U.S. while it is “pending.” However, if your application is denied for any reason—and you have already stopped attending school—you will lose your legal right to stay in the U.S. immediately.

    By maintaining your F-1 status at NYEA, you ensure:

    1. A Backup Plan: If your Green Card is denied, you remain a legal student and can stay to complete your studies or apply for another visa.

    2. A Clean Record: Maintaining status shows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are a law-abiding resident who follows all visa regulations.

    3. Active SEVIS Record: Keeping your SEVIS record active is the best way to avoid “unlawful presence” issues.

    A Message from NYEA

    The U.S. immigration landscape is changing, shifting toward stricter vetting and higher standards for skills and education. In this environment, your education is your greatest asset. By staying in school, improving your English, and following all visa rules, you are building a profile that is “vetted” and “merit-based”—exactly what the U.S. government is looking for in future residents.

    Stay focused on your goals, keep your status secure, and remember that NYEA is here to support your American dream every step of the way.

  2. Changing Status to F-1 (COS) Within the U.S.: Why You Shouldn’t Travel After Approval

    Are you currently in the U.S. and looking to change your status to F-1 student? While a Change of Status (COS) from a B-1/B-2 or J-1 visa might seem like a straightforward way to transition without leaving the country, it carries significant limitations, especially concerning international travel.

    This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of the COS process, the “Domestic-Only” nature of F-1 status obtained this way, the strict rules regarding departure from the U.S., and important exceptions like Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR).

    1. What is Change of Status (COS)?

    Change of Status (COS) is a legal process allowing an eligible non-immigrant to switch from one visa classification (e.g., J-1 to F-1, B-2 to F-1) to another while remaining physically present within the United States.

    • Administered by: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    • Outcome: Upon approval, you receive an I-797 Approval Notice. This document grants you legal “Status” to stay in the U.S. in your new classification, but it does not provide a physical “Visa” sticker in your passport.

    2. The “Domestic-Only” Nature of COS Approval

    It’s a critical distinction: an F-1 status obtained via COS is NOT the same as having an F-1 visa stamp.

    • SEVIS Status: Your SEVIS record will become “Active” on the effective date of your F-1 status.

    • No Visa Stamp: Your passport will lack the actual F-1 visa foil required for entry.

    • Limited Scope: An approved COS is exclusively valid for maintaining your legal status within the U.S. It does not confer any rights or documents for entering the U.S.

    ⚠️ The Travel Trap: What Happens if You Leave the U.S.?

    If you obtain F-1 status through COS and subsequently depart the United States, your F-1 status is generally considered abandoned for re-entry purposes.

    Why does the status become invalid upon departure?

    A COS is a “benefit” granted based on your continuous presence in the U.S. Without a physical F-1 visa stamp in your passport, you lack the necessary travel document to be admitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry.

    • The Risk: You cannot re-enter the U.S. using only your I-20 and the I-797 approval notice.

    • The Legal Shift: The moment you physically exit the U.S., you are no longer considered to be in valid F-1 status for admission purposes.

    3. How to Re-enter as a Student After Departing

    If you are a COS student who has traveled abroad, you must generally “start over” with the Consular Processing method to return:

    1. New Initial I-20: Your Designated School Official (DSO) must issue a new “Initial Attendance” I-20. You cannot use the “Continued Attendance” I-20 from your COS period.

    2. Visa Interview: You must apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

    3. Initial Entry: You will then re-enter the U.S. as an “Initial Entry” student, which may require repaying the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

    4. Exception: Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)

    There is a specific, limited exception to the travel rule known as Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR).

    • Conditions: If you travel for less than 30 days only to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands (excluding Cuba), you might be able to re-enter the U.S. with your expired visa stamp (if any), your valid I-20, and your I-797 COS approval notice.

    • Crucial Caveat: This is a complex rule with strict conditions. It does NOT apply if you apply for a new visa while abroad, or if you travel to other countries. Always consult your DSO before planning any international travel under AVR.

    5. For DSOs: Proper SEVIS Record Management

    For Designated School Officials (DSOs), correctly managing the SEVIS record of a COS student who departs the U.S. is crucial for maintaining record integrity.

    Action Required Step
    SEVIS Action Terminate the Active Record
    Termination Reason Authorized Early Withdrawal or Change of Educational Plans
    Important Note Do not use Shorten Program. This reason indicates program completion, which is incorrect in this scenario. The student has changed their travel/educational intent, not completed their studies early.

     

    Summary: Is COS the Right Path for You?

    A Change of Status is an excellent option for students who are certain they will remain in the U.S. for their entire program duration. If you have any plans to travel internationally, even for short trips, pursuing Consular Processing (obtaining a visa at an embassy) from the outset is generally a safer and more flexible approach.

    Disclaimer:

    This article provides general information and is not intended as legal advice. Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. For specific advice regarding your individual situation, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney or your Designated School Official (DSO).