Hello New Triton!,

Welcome to UC San Diego! The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is here to support you as you begin your journey as a new student at UC San Diego and are here to help you navigate the ins and outs of your program as an international student. 
NEWS: 7/24 Clarified Guidance from U.S. Student &
Exchange Visitor Program for Fall 2020 
On Friday, July 24, 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) posted a  Broadcast Message  to clarify certain aspects of applying the  March 2020 guidance  in the context of Fall 2020 term. Later the same day, SEVP posted  Clarifying FAQs for Fall 2020 .
 
With these announcements, SEVP clarified the following:

  1. Continuing Students: Students who hold an active SEVIS record, including those who are outside of the U.S., are eligible to enroll in a fully remote course load for the fall quarter, maintain their F-1 Status, and seek re-entry into the United States. In addition, they will be permitted to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits.
  2. New Students: Admitted students, who are outside of the U.S., will likely not be able to obtain an F-1 visa or enter the United States to enroll in a U.S. school if they are taking a fully remote course load.
 
At this time, UC San Diego continues to remain flexible in course offerings to provide students who are able to arrive on campus and begin their program on site to do so through a hybrid model of instruction --a combination of in-person and online components of instruction. UC San Diego continues to monitor the situation, working closely with local, state and national health officials, and will prioritize the safety and health of our campus community.
IMPACTS: How does this affect me?
How Does the July 24th Guidance Impact International Students at UC San Diego?
Despite the July 14th rescission of the July 6th SEVP Guidance for Fall 2020 and the added July 24th guidance, some students seeking entry into the U.S. may still be asked for additional remarks on their Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 notating that they are not taking a fully remote course load for the fall. We acknowledge the frustrations of our international students as the situation remains fluid and open to interpretation. Students should follow ISPO's Instructions to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 and support letter to facilitate their visa application and re-entry into the U.S.
 
ISPO will also provide additional updates to our  Coronavirus FAQ Page  for impacts on our newly admitted this week.
Can I Enroll in All Remote Classes for the Fall and Still Be Approved for a Visa To Enter The U.S. This Fall?
The July 24th guidance clarifies that newly admitted students who are outside of the U.S., will likely not be able to obtain an F-1 visa or enter the United States to enroll in a U.S. school if they are taking a fully remote course load. However, it does appear that students transferring their SEVIS Record to UC San Diego and have previously enrolled in the U.S. using the same SEVIS ID Number may be eligible to apply for a visa and seek entry. ISPO will also provide additional updates to our  Coronavirus FAQ Page  for impacts this week.
Has the Department of State Announced Resumption of Visa Services?  
Yes! On July 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced the  phased resumption of routine visa services  to occur on a post-by-post basis as post-specific conditions permit. In addition, certain students from the Schengen area of Europe, United Kingdom, and Ireland may qualify for a  National Interest Exemption . Also, on July 24, 2020, the American consulate in Chengdu, China was closed.
 
Note that the five geographic  COVID-19 presidential proclamations  and two  COVID-19 labor market proclamations  suspending entry of certain nonimmigrants remain in effect. 
 
Because of evolving travel restrictions and consular policies, students applying for visas are instructed to review individual U.S embassy and consulate websites for information regarding their operating status.
How Is ISPO Supporting Student's Travel Plans for Fall?
Nationwide, international students have reported issues in obtaining visa appointments if they lack certain remarks on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 despite the rescinded guidance. To support our students and facilitate their visa application and entry into the U.S., ISPO will continue to include remarks referencing UC San Diego's hybrid model for the fall on a student's Form I-20 and DS-2019. In addition, ISPO in close collaboration with UC San Diego's Office of the Registrar, has crafted a Travel Support Letter accessible to students by logging into iPortal. Please find instructions for download in the announcement below.  
NEXT STEPS:
Should I Still Request an I-20 or Ds-2019 to Attend UC San Diego this Fall?
Requesting My Form I-20/DS-2019

Per the guidance that is now in place, ISPO is continuing to issue I-20 and DS-2019 documents to newly admitted students who have requested their documents via the iPortal: 

  • F-1 students will receive an electronic I-20 uploaded to their iPortal account  
  • J-1 students will continue to receive a hard copy of their DS-2019 per Department of State guidance

The program start date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019 should reflect the quarter start date in which you plan to physically arrive in the U.S. UC San Diego is committed to supporting students start their programs remotely this Fall and acclimate to on-site instruction once conditions allow.
What if I plan to attend my program in-person this Fall? Do I need to request a new I-20/DS-2019?  
 
It will depend. Students who are applying for a New Initial I-20/DS-2019 with a New SEVIS ID Number and do not plan to take a fully remote course load for the Fall will be eligible to receive a Fall 2020 Program Start Date and added remarks regarding their intentions to travel to the U.S.
 
SEVIS TRANSFER STUDENTS INSIDE THE U.S.: Students who are already physically present in the U.S. and have transferred their SEVIS ID Number to UC San Diego should obtain a Fall 2020 Program Start Date. Since no travel is required, no remarks or any changes to the Form I-20/DS-2019 are required.
 
SEVIS TRANSFER STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.: Students who are outside the U.S. and have transferred their SEVIS ID Number to UC San Diego should obtain a Fall 2020 Program Start Date. Current regulations do not require any additional remarks to be added on the Form I-20/DS-2019. However, students who wish to seek entry into the U.S. to attend hybrid or in-person courses are able to request a remark to be added to their documents.
 
To request remarks: 
  • Log in to the iPortal (iportal.ucsd.edu) 
  • Complete the “NEW ADMIT: I-20/DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request” form 
  • Your updated I-20 or DS-2019 will retain the same SEVIS ID, so if required, you can use this for your future visa appointment. 
 
ISPO will continue to accept these submissions after the August 1 st I-20/DS-2019 request deadline.
What if I plan to attend my program remotely this Fall (from outside the U.S.)? Do I need to request a new I-20/DS-2019?  

Yes! If you are currently outside the U.S., will begin your program remotely this fall, and plan to enter the U.S next quarter (or when conditions allow), ISPO will simply need to adjust your program start date to the following quarter for you.  

To request this: 
  • Log in to the iPortal (iportal.ucsd.edu) 
  • Complete the “NEW ADMIT: I-20/DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request” form 
  • Your updated I-20 or DS-2019 will retain the same SEVIS ID, so you can use this for your future visa appointment. 

ISPO will continue to accept these submissions after the August 1 st I-20/DS-2019 request deadline.
What if I plan to defer my program of study to Winter 2021 (not enroll in any classes for Fall 2020), do I need to request a new I-20/DS-2019?  
 
Yes! If you are not planning to begin your program this Fall 2020, ISPO will need to adjust your program start date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to the following quarter for you after you receive permission from Admissions and/or your department.  
To request this: 

  • Undergraduate students: Contact Undergraduate Admissions at admappeal@ucsd.edu directly to inquire about your options. Next, log into the iPortal (iPortal.ucsd.edu).
  • Complete the "NEW ADMIT: I-20/DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request" form in the iPortal. 
  • Be prepared to upload proof from Admissions or your department that your request for deferral has been approved (email notification is accepted). 
  • Your updated I-20 or DS-2019 will retain the same SEVIS ID, so you can use this for your future visa appointment. 

ISPO will continue to accept these submissions after the August 1 st I-20/DS-2019 request deadline.
Obtaining a Travel Support Letter

The rescinded guidance for the fall has resulted in some inconsistencies among government officials in their correspondence with international students. New students who are seeking entry into the U.S. may be asked for additional remarks on their Form I-20 and Form DS-2019, as referenced above. 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.  

Instructions for download:
  1. Go to iportal.ucsd.edu
  2. View the “Notifications” section on the home screen
  3. Click to download support letter and print. Bring to your via appointment and/or port of entry for travel into the U.S.
TIPS: What Should You Be Aware Of When 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. and do not have a visa yet (or have an expired visa), and are planning to enter the U.S. to begin 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:  
  
  
PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL:
 Self-Quarantine for International Travelers
On July 21, 2020, the  San Diego County Public Health Services issued an Order  that now requires a 14-day quarantine period for individuals arriving or returning from travel from ALL international locations. In addition, the  U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines   recommend that individuals arriving in the U.S. from ALL international locations should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel (quarantine), monitor their health, and practice social distancing. Please reference the  CDC guidance on Returning from International Travel .
  
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. In addition, local hotel options will be available from Housing Dining Hospitality (HDH). More information from HDH on local hotel options will be available soon on the HDH COVID-19 FAQ Site. Students would be responsible for their own housing and meals costs.  
  
For more information, please visit  HDH COVID-19 FAQ site . 
Fall 2020 UC Health Immunization Requirements During Remote Instruction 
ISPO can confirm that all students, including those studying outside the U.S. during the fall quarter, must still meet the  TB Reporting Requirements and Immunization Requirements  set forth by the university. If you have missed any deadlines already, please  complete this as soon as possible  to avoid having any holds placed on your account.  
 
  • TB Assessment Form Due: July 15 (If you have missed this deadline, please contact shstb@health.ucsd.edu)
  • Immunization Reporting Due: September 25 
Stay Connected from Home | iPrograms & iEvents
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
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. Join from wherever you are and let's play across time-zones! Learn more at  ievents.ucsd.edu  
We are Alone Together . CAPS & ISPO are offering an Emotional Support Forum for International Students! This is a weekly drop-in forum and every international student is welcome. Together, we will help you manage in the face of the enormous psychological strain that current events are generating. Learn more at iEvents
Have questions for current UC San Diego students? Your International Peer Coaches (IPC) will be hosting a weekly Virtual Meet-Up to meet other international students, peer coaches, and staff! Every Thursday from 2-3pm PST we will have weekly themed discussion topics as well. Learn more at ievents.ucsd.edu
Contacting ISPO 
We at ISPO understand that everyone's immigration situation is unique, and that you may be concerned about how SEVP's changing guidance may impact your visa status in Fall 2020. Though ISPO may not always have the answers to your questions right now, we still encourage you to contact ISPO at  icontact.ucsd.edu   to speak to an advisor.
CONTACT ISPO
Visit our website at iStudents.ucsd.edu or send us a message through our Online Contact Form
FOLLOW ISPO ON SOCIAL MEDIA