Spring 2020 | Vol 6 | Updates from the International Students & Programs Office @ UC San Diego .
Hello Campus Partners,
 
As new federal and state regulations are released to the public, ISPO strives to provide information on how these will impact current processes, international students, and campus partners. See important announcements below.
NEWS: SEVP Clarifies Fall 2020 Guidance
Earlier today (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 clarifies 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.
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, faculty, and staff as the situation remains fluid and open to interpretation. Students should contact ISPO to request an updated document 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 and continuing international students.

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.
Updated Form I-20 or DS-2019 for Newly-Admitted Students Reflecting Arrival to the U.S.
 
ISPO's  July 23rd newsletter  to newly-admitted international students references instructions on obtaining an updated Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from ISPO to reflect the quarter start date of their entry in the U.S. Students who begin their program remotely for the Fall and remain outside the U.S. will receive a 2021 Program Start Date on their Form I-20/DS-2019. In addition, F-1 students issued a Form I-20 may receive digital copies of their documents from ISPO as permitted by SEVP. Note, J-1 students issued Form DS-2019 are still required to obtain hard copy documents with original signatures at this time.
 
ISPO continues to remind students of UC San Diego's commitment to support them in starting their programs remotely this Fall and acclimation to on-site instruction once conditions allow. Students should visit  iNewStudent.ucsd.edu for more information on obtaining an updated I-20 or DS-2019 record.
SD County Public Health Order Requires 14-Day 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). Students would be responsible for their own housing and meals costs.  
  
For more information, please visit   HDH COVID-19 FAQ site.  
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WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?  As a campus partner, your collaboration is important to us in supporting our international student community. The information sent in this Newsletter is available on ISPO's website, iStudents.ucsd.edu.  You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by emailing  istudents@ucsd.edu  .