On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an official notice titled “Termination of the 2021 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status,” appearing at 90 Fed. Reg. 43225 (Sept. 8, 2025). In this notice, Secretary Noem formally announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela’s 2021 designation.
This termination will take effect on November 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., after which Venezuelan nationals currently protected under this TPS category will lose their temporary legal status and employment authorization unless they transition to another lawful immigration status.
What TPS Holders Need to Know
TPS allows eligible Venezuelans to live and work in the United States due to unsafe conditions in their home country. With its termination, beneficiaries must either:
- Depart the U.S. before the effective date, or
- Obtain another lawful immigration status before TPS protection expires.
Failing to maintain lawful status after November 7, 2025, could result in unlawful presence and possible removal proceedings.
Pathway to a Student Visa (F-1)
One of the most practical and life-enhancing options for TPS holders is to change status to an F-1 Student Visa. This pathway allows individuals to remain in the U.S. legally while continuing their personal and professional development through education.
United International College (UIC): A Bridge to the Future
United International College (UIC) welcomes international students seeking quality higher education in the United States. UIC offers a range of academic programs designed to prepare students for leadership and global success:
- Undergraduate Degrees:
- Business Administration
- International Business Management
- Communications and Mass Media
- Travel and Tourism Management
- Graduate Program:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
UIC provides personalized academic advising, career counseling, and a diverse community that helps students adapt and thrive. For Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries, enrolling at UIC can be a way to build new opportunities while maintaining lawful status in the U.S.
Requirements for an F-1 Student Visa
To change from TPS to F-1 status, applicants must meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Department of State requirements. The general steps and documents include:
- Admission to a SEVP-Certified School
- Obtain a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) from UIC.
- Proof of Financial Support
- Demonstrate ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and related costs for at least one academic year.
- This can include bank statements, affidavits of support, or scholarships.
- Nonimmigrant Intent
- Show ties to your home country or future plans outside the U.S. after your studies (even if long-term intent is uncertain).
- Maintain Lawful Status During Transition
- File Form I-539 (Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status) before your TPS expires.
- Continue complying with all TPS conditions until the change of status is approved.
- SEVIS Fee and Consular Interview (if applicable)
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and, if applying from abroad, attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.
Why Education Is the Best Next Step
Pursuing education at institutions like UIC provides Venezuelan nationals with stability, skill development, and a community of international peers. Beyond academics, students gain time to plan their future — whether it involves advancing a career, pursuing further education, or awaiting more favorable conditions in their home country.
As the TPS termination for Venezuela approaches in November 2025, it is crucial for beneficiaries to act proactively. Transitioning to student status through institutions such as United International College offers a constructive path forward — one that supports both personal growth and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
For assistance with admission or F-1 visa guidance, UIC’s admissions office can provide step-by-step support throughout the application and visa process. Please contact uicadmissions@uinternational.edu or via Whats App at +1 (786) 734-7750
For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.