Summer 2020 | Week 5 |
Weekly updates for International Students @ UC San Diego
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NEWS:
7/24 Clarified Guidance from U.S. Student &
Exchange Visitor Program for Fall 2020
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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.
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TRAVEL PLANS:
What Should I Know Before Returning to the U.S. this Fall?
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How Does the July 24th Guidance Impact International Students at UC San Diego?
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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.
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How Is ISPO Supporting Student's Travel Plans for Fall?
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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.
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
.
This letter is available for download under the notifications section of the home screen.
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Has the Department of State Announced Resumption of Visa Services?
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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.
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Also, Can I Stay In The U.S. if My Visa Is Expired? How Can I Renew It?
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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.
You cannot renew or apply for a visa INSIDE THE U.S. Visas are only issued at U.S. Embassies or Consulates outside the U.S.
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.
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Electronic Issuance of Form I-20
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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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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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