Frequently Asked Questions#

These are the most common questions I get from students affected by the travel ban. I will be as direct and honest as possible.

Is the travel ban permanent?#

No one knows for certain. Travel bans are executive actions — they can be revoked or modified by a future president, blocked by courts, or changed by Congress. The 2017 travel ban was challenged in court within days and went through years of revisions. The current ban is already facing legal challenges.

What I can tell you: no travel ban in US history has lasted forever. But I also cannot promise when this one will end. Plan as if it will last years, but be ready to move quickly if it changes sooner.

Can I still apply to US universities if I am from a banned country?#

Yes. Universities continue to accept applications from students of all nationalities. The ban affects visas, not applications. You can apply, get accepted, receive a scholarship, and defer your enrollment until the ban is lifted.

This is one of the smartest moves you can make right now. I explain exactly how in the Still Apply chapter.

I am in the US with a valid F-1 visa. Will I be deported?#

No. Your valid F-1 status is not affected by the travel ban. You can stay, continue studying, and work within the rules of your visa (on-campus jobs, OPT, CPT). The ban targets new visa issuances, not existing visa holders.

However, if you leave the US and your visa stamp has expired, you may not be able to get a new one to return. Do not travel outside the US without consulting your DSO first.

What if my visa expires while I am in the US?#

Your visa stamp and your F-1 status are different things. The visa stamp is for entering the US. Your F-1 status is tied to your I-20 and your enrollment.

If your visa stamp expires but your I-20 is valid and you are enrolled full-time, you are still in legal status inside the US. You just cannot leave and come back because you would need a new visa stamp to re-enter, and you cannot get one under the ban.

Can I apply from a third country if I have dual citizenship?#

If you hold citizenship from a country that is not on the ban list, you may be able to apply for a US visa using that passport. For example, if you are Iranian but also hold Canadian citizenship, you could apply as a Canadian citizen.

However, this is a complex legal area. US immigration can ask about all your nationalities. Consult an immigration lawyer before relying on this strategy.

Is University of the People legitimate?#

Yes. UoPeople is accredited by the DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission), which is recognized by the US Department of Education. Its degrees are recognized by employers including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM.

It is not an Ivy League school — the academic experience and network are different from a traditional university. But it is a legitimate, accredited institution that gives you a real American degree for a fraction of the cost.

Learn more about UoPeople

Will Canadian universities accept me if the US banned my country?#

Absolutely. Canada has no travel ban targeting specific nationalities. Canadian universities actively recruit international students from all over the world, including every country on the US ban list.

In fact, Canadian universities may be more eager to accept students from banned countries because they know these students would otherwise be studying in America. You may find admissions teams especially welcoming right now.

Can I study in Canada and then transfer to a US university when the ban lifts?#

Yes. If you start a degree at a Canadian university and the ban is lifted during your studies, you have several options:

• Transfer to a US university (your Canadian credits can transfer)
• Finish in Canada and apply for a US master's degree
• Stay in Canada — the education and immigration pathway are excellent

You are never locked in. Starting in Canada keeps all your options open.

What if I am from a watchlist country that has not been banned yet?#

Act now. If your country is on the leaked watchlist (Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, DR Congo, and others), apply to US universities immediately. Get your visa before your country is potentially added to the ban.

At the same time, apply to Canadian universities as a backup. And consider enrolling at University of the People so you are already making progress toward a degree regardless of what happens.

The watchlist is a warning. Do not wait to find out if it becomes a ban.

My parents are worried and do not want me to apply anymore. What do I say?#

I understand. When the news about the ban comes out, it feels hopeless. But here is what you can tell them:

1. Applying costs almost nothing — many schools waive fees for students from affected countries
2. Getting accepted does not obligate you to go — you can defer
3. You have alternatives — Canada, UoPeople, online programs
4. Not applying guarantees failure — applying at least gives you a chance

The worst outcome is doing nothing and then regretting it when the ban lifts and you have no acceptance letter, no credits, and no plan.

Should I hire an immigration lawyer?#

If you can afford it, yes. An immigration lawyer can advise you on:

• Your specific visa situation
• Dual citizenship strategies
• Status changes if you are in the US
• How to protect your rights

If you cannot afford a lawyer, your university's international student office can provide a lot of the same guidance for free. Many universities also have immigration law clinics staffed by law students supervised by licensed attorneys.

Where can I get more help?#

• Join The Village — our community of international students helping each other
• Book a 1-on-1 call with me — 60 minutes of personalized guidance
• MPOWER Financing — student loans for international students, no cosigner needed
• University of the People — start an American degree now, no visa needed

The ban is a wall. But walls have doors. We will find yours.