Summer 2020 | Week 4 |
Weekly updates for International Students @ UC San Diego
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Updates on Fall 2020 SEVP Guidance Regarding COVID-19
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July 6th SEVP Guidance for FALL 2020 Rescinded
On July 14, 2020, the July 6, 2020 SEVP Guidance for Fall 2020 was rescinded. At this time, ISPO is evaluating how the rescission may impact our continuing students. On July 15th, 2020, SEVP released a Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19 document reverting back to the last iteration on June 4, 2020. Given the lack of guidance for the fall term, ISPO expects forthcoming guidance to be released in the near future. Please continue to check
ISPO's Coronavirus FAQ Page
as we receive further guidance from SEVP.
Note that due to the lack of clear guidance for Fall 2020 from SEVP, there may be questions we are unable to answer.
How has this affected continuing students traveling into the U.S.?
The rescinded guidance for the fall has resulted in inconsistencies among government officials in their correspondence with international students. Continuing students who are seeking entry into the U.S. may be asked for additional remarks on their Form I-20 and Form DS-2019. If you are currently outside the U.S. and are seeking entry into the U.S., you can access, download, and print a travel support letter by logging into
iPortal.ucsd.edu
starting
Monday, July 27, 2020.
For those traveling or applying for a visa in the next few days, email
iStudents@ucsd.edu
for a travel support letter.
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Applying for or Renewing your Visa?
Students who are in the U.S. and have an expired F-1 or J-1 Visa are permitted to remain in the U.S. if they are maintaining their Form I-20 or DS-2019. Remember that your Visa is like a key - you only need it to be valid upon entry into the U.S. However, if it expires while you are inside the U.S., you are eligible to remain in the U.S. and hold lawful F-1 or J-1 status if you are maintaining your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
If you are outside the U.S., have an expired visa, and are planning to enter the U.S. to continue your studies at UC San Diego, ensure that your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is valid and up to date and that you have a valid F-1 or J-1 Visa. See Resources below to review when applying for a visa:
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Electronic Issuance of Form I-20
Due to the COVID-19 emergency,
SEVP is allowing issuance of the electronic I-20
(PDF) for the duration of the emergency. SEVP has coordinated with both the U.S. Department of State and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the policy to allow electronic I-20 issuance. Both agencies are in support of this action. If you have been issued an electronic I-20 from ISPO, be sure to download and print it from iPortal and bring it to your visa interview. If you prefer to have a hard copy physically mailed to you, you may request a
“Replacement I-20”
in iPortal.
J-1 students
are required to have a physical, original DS-2019 document. ISPO is issuing hard copy DS-2019s and mailing them based on the delivery preference indicated in your iPortal application.
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SD County Public Health Order Requires 14-Day Quarantine for International Travelers
Because of the San Diego County Public Health Services order requirement and CDC guidelines, newly admitted and continuing Fall 2020 students coming from international locations will be required to self-quarantine for 14-days after arrival in San Diego.
- Students with Fall 2020 on-campus housing contracts: They can complete the quarantine period in specially designated on-campus housing with no additional housing fees. Students will be charged for meals that will be delivered to the housing unit during quarantine. The on-campus housing option will be available from August 27-September 3, 2020 in order to allow enough time to complete the required quarantine period before the beginning of the Fall term.
- Students without on-campus housing contracts or those who arrive AFTER September 3: They can complete the quarantine period at an off-campus location with family and/or friends. Students would be responsible for their own housing and meals costs.
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Sign up for these programs happening throughout the Summer!
Stay connected with ISPO this summer by taking a look at our events calendar at
iEvents.ucsd.edu
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Alone Together CAPS Forum
Every Wednesday 1-2pm PST
We are alone together. CAPS & ISPO are offering an Emotional Support Forum for International Students. This is a weekly drop-in forum led by CAPS Psychologist Dr Sophia Chang and every international student is welcome!
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Student Accounts Webinar
Wednesday July 22, 6-7pm PST
Want to learn more about how to pay your fees internationally and avoid financial scams as an incoming international student? Learn more about how Student Financial Solutions helps you with University billing and your student account.
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Intercultural Social Hour
Tuesday, July 28, 4pm PST
Join us for cross-cultural conversations and games - online! At Intercultural Social Hour you can share your international interests and experiences while making friends in a relaxing and fun environment.
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ISPO Office Hours:
Virtual Advising
While ISPO's Office (Student Center B) is closed to the public for in-person service through Summer 2020, we continue to provide all advising services through virtual Zoom advising!
Visit iContact.ucsd.edu
for various ways to contact an ISPO Advisor!
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WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?
All international students studying at UC San Diego are automatically subscribed to the iStudents Newsletter to ensure they receive proper immigration updates from our office. The information sent in this Newsletter is available on ISPO's website, iStudents.ucsd.edu, or may direct students to other external resources.
You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by emailing
istudents@ucsd.edu
.
Note, all international students at UC San Diego are responsible for staying up to date with immigration regulations that may affect them. To learn more, visit our website at iStudents.ucsd.edu
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