Travel

REAL ID requirement for domestic travel in the U.S. FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:52:49 +0000

REAL ID requirement for domestic travel in the U.S. FAQ Mitchell Brook… Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:52

Effective May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for this new requirement. Since this is a new requirement, there may be additional updates or exceptions as implementation progresses. ISSS is actively monitoring this issue and will include updates in our e-newsletter as more information becomes available.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued

driver’s license or identification card that meets increased security standards established by the federal government. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to fly domestically within the U.S.

In Colorado, the driver's license or state ID has a star in the top right corner to show it is REAL ID compliant.

Can international students and scholars get a REAL ID in Colorado?

Unfortunately, Colorado does not issue REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs to individuals who are temporarily lawfully present in the U.S., including those in F-1, J-1, or H-1B status.

What are the alternatives if I can’t get a REAL ID?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport checkpoints, including a foreign government-issued passport and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (I-766) (EAD Card).

Please review the complete list of acceptable documents on the official TSA website.

What if I don’t have my passport with me at the time of travel?

This concern often arises during passport renewal or when applying for a visa to travel to a third country from within the U.S., particularly if the consulate is located outside of Colorado. For example, if your passport is temporarily held by your home country’s consulate during a passport renewal process, you may not have it available for your return domestic flight.

In this case, ISSS recommends:

Contacting your airline and the TSA at your departure airport in advance to explain your situation and ask if a certified copy of your passport will be accepted or if they can provide alternative guidance.
Contacting the consulate to inquire whether expedited processing is possible, allowing you to retain your passport prior to your return to Colorado.
Considering alternative transportation, such as train or car travel, if feasible.

Will there be any changes or exceptions to this requirement?

Because the REAL ID rule is still being implemented, there may be updates or exceptions announced by the federal government or TSA. ISSS will continue to monitor developments and will share relevant updates through our newsletter and website.

Legal Requirement to Carry Immigration Registration Document

Beyond the REAL ID requirement, to comply with this legal requirement, nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents should carry a printed copy of their I-94 Arrival-Departure Record or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). It is also recommended that individuals carry hard copies of relevant immigration status documents such as their Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). This is not a new requirement, but historically it was rarely enforced.

We understand that this change may cause concern, particularly for international scholars and students without access to a REAL ID. As always, ISSS is here to support you. If you have questions about your travel plans or identification options, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll continue to share updates as we receive them.

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April 8, 2025: Concerns about international student and/or scholar visa revocations

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:28:54 +0000

April 8, 2025: Concerns about international student and/or scholar visa revocations Mitchell Brook… Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:28

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and campus leadership are aware that the federal government’s terminations of international students’ visa status throughout the country are causing anxiety and uncertainty among international students and scholars. Recently, the CU System office issued this statement regarding recent student visa terminations impacting our community. On our campus, the ISSS team is working diligently to provide information and direct support to any impacted students and the international community.

ISSS continues to regularly access the federal immigration database for changes to students’ visa records, and ISSS will directly communicate with any impacted students. Our office will reach out to schools, departments, and units on campus should we require their assistance. Please do not contact ISSS inquiring if one’s visa or immigration status has been revoked or terminated. ISSS will immediately notify individuals if the government has taken negative action on their immigration record.
Visa holders who find their visas or status revoked or terminated and have not been contacted by ISSS are encouraged to immediately contact ISSS and their national embassy. For additional assistance, visa holders whose visas have been revoked and/or immigration status terminated may also contact the Immigration Clinic at the ɫ��Ƶ�� Law School. To enable the Immigration Clinic to focus on serving impacted individuals, please do not contact the clinic with general inquiries.
Continue to read the Immigration News Alerts on the ISSS website, access in-person and remote advising, email ISSS, and read ISSS News. The sole focus of ISSS remains on supporting the international community on campus, and those international students and scholars who need support may send emails to isss@colorado.edu or phone 303-492-8057 to get connected with an ISSS advisor.

ɫ��Ƶ�� values international students and scholars and their contributions to the university’s academic and research missions, and ISSS is committed to supporting international students, scholars, and their dependents.

More information, including what to do if a student, scholar or employee is contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, is available on the Undocumented Status Resources page and the university’s internal Federal Transition site with IdentiKey login credentials. Students and scholars may also find additional guidance and related “know your rights” resources on the ISSS website.

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March 18, 2025: Serious considerations if traveling outside of the United States FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:51 +0000

March 18, 2025: Serious considerations if traveling outside of the United States FAQ Mitchell Brook… Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:27

International students and scholars planning to travel outside the United States should carefully consider the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. ISSS, with support from university and campus leadership, urges international visa holders to consider potential future policy changes—such as travel bans currently being reported in the media—that could impact their return.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details. As of this writing, ISSS does not have any official information released by the federal government about any impending travel bans or other changes in U.S. immigration policies. FAQs are based on currently available information and do not relate to any specific situation.

Ultimately one is responsible for their own decision whether to travel outside of the United States. This FAQ is to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the federal government issued a travel ban for citizens of certain countries?

No, the federal government has not issued a travel ban or taken any other official action that impacts a visa holder’s ability to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.

In the news, they are reporting about an upcoming potential travel ban for citizens of up to 43 countries. Why is this being reported now?

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States. That order required that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the United States. Day 60 will be Friday, March 21. Please read the FAQ published on the ISSS website on Jan. 23 for more details about the previous executive order.

If there is no travel ban currently in place, why should a visa holder worry about traveling outside of the United States now?

Given that the report mentioned above is due to the president on March 21, the federal government may issue a travel ban shortly after that date and it could apply to visa holders outside of the United States, preventing them from reentering. If that happens, the CU system administration, ɫ��Ƶ��, and ISSS do not have the authority to influence government officials to admit international students and scholars impacted by any possible travel ban(s).

How can visa holders know in advance what citizens of which countries may be part of a future travel ban(s)?

There is no method to accurately predict which countries’ citizens may be impacted. The press is reporting a potential list of countries, but that is not official and therefore subject to change.

If a travel ban is issued, will visa holders who are citizens of the impacted countries need to depart the country?

The university cannot speculate on what the contents of any future changes in immigration policy may be or require. However, ISSS will send email messages directly to all international students and scholars impacted by any changes. ISSS will also post an update on their Immigration Alerts website.

Would U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) be impacted by any future travel ban(s) or other immigration policy changes?

It is impossible to foresee with certainty whether future travel ban(s) or other policy changes could impact “green card” holders. Checking the ISSS Immigration Alerts website is the best way to obtain information about U.S. immigration policy changes and whom they impact.

If someone has a valid visa stamp in their passport and possesses all necessary immigration documents (such as Form I-20, an approval notice, or Form DS-2019), are they guaranteed entry into the United States?

No, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) official at the airport or land border makes the determination whether to admit someone as a nonimmigrant each time the person presents their immigration documents and seeks admission to the country. Please read this ISSS website for tips on what visa holders should keep in mind when seeking to reenter the United States after foreign travel.

If there is a change in U.S. immigration policies that impact a campus visa holder’s ability to travel or be in the United States, how will they know?

ISSS will promptly email international students and scholars who are citizens of countries that are specifically impacted by changes in U.S. immigration policies, including travel ban(s). ISSS will also publish a FAQ on their Immigration Alerts website.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel welcomed, secure, and well-supported throughout your time at ɫ��Ƶ�� and in the US. If you need to talk or have any questions, ISSS is here for you.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.
Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

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