On March 6, 2017, a new executive order (EO) was signed. This EO will go into effect March 16, 2017, and cancels the January 27, 2017, Executive Order #13769.  The Office of International Education (OIE) is sensitive to the impact of this new EO and continues to be a resource and advocate to Georgia Tech’s international student and scholar community.

Georgia Tech is a place where complex problems are defined, studied, and resolved by a community of diverse perspectives and cultures. As an essential member of this academic community, your commitment to achieving your personal and academic goals sustains the Institute’s overarching mission.

To help remain committed to one’s goals, many seek support within the community. The Office of International Education is one of many places on campus where support is available to help you maintain focus and continue the important, scholarly work you are doing. In that spirit, OIE would like to provide specific and clear guidance to minimize uncertainty where possible. 

Our guidance: 

• Individuals who are citizens of one of the six countries listed in the new executive order should travel only if the visa stamp in the passport will be valid upon the planned date of return to the U.S. 
• For those with an expired visa stamp, a consultation with an international student and scholar advisor and/or a qualified immigration attorney is recommended prior to scheduling any international travel.
• For students and scholars traveling outside of the U.S. with an expired F or J visa — including to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean — we urge you to visit our office during walk-in advising hours, Monday-Friday between 1 – 4:30 p.m. Our staff will review your immigration documents under the current immigration rules, offer re-entry advising, including travel signatures if applicable.
• As always, advisors are available to individuals with questions by email at info@oie.gatech.edu and by appointment, at 404-894-7475.

To quote from President Peterson’s public remarks, “Georgia Tech is a stronger, better place because of the contributions of our international community. You are welcome here, and you are valued.”

Marisa Atencio,

Director, International Student and Scholar Services