Yesterday, December 21, 2021, Chancellor Khosla announced in anticipation of a surge of positive COVID-19 cases that may coincide with the planned start of an in-person, residential winter quarter, that UC San Diego is exercising caution and moving all instruction to a remote-only modality from January 3, 2022 to January 17, 2022. We understand that international students and their parents and families may have questions about the Winter 2022 term. ISPO will continue to update our COVID-19 FAQ page for international students. Please see additional information below.  

With the announcement of a remote start, all students are urged to adjust their plans to return to campus closer to January 18, 2022, the expected date for resumption of in-person/hybrid activities on campus. We recognize that not all students are able to adjust their travel plans and will be arriving over the winter break. For students living on campus, housing and dining services will be available through the first two weeks of the quarter. Please review the Winter 2022 Housing updates for information about Winter 2022.

In acknowledging possible delays due to travel or visa challenges, UC San Diego will allow new students with an initial I-20 or DS-2019, as well as continuing students with a valid I-20 or DS-2019, to arrive after Tuesday, January 18, 2022 up to the end of Week 4 after the start of winter quarter instruction (January 28, 2022). Students entering after January 18th should contact their instructors if their late arrival may impact their course attendance or academic performance during the Winter 2022 term.   

Despite delayed arrival after January 3, new students are not required to get a new I-20/DS-2019 or change the program start date listed on their documents. Students can download ISPO's Winter 2022 Travel Support Letter for new/continuing students to help support their travel plans to the United States. For general travel information, visit iTravel.ucsd.edu.  

All students and campus employees must complete a SARS-CoV-2 test on the day they return to campus for the winter quarter. Students who have not yet received their vaccine booster will be required to test for SARS-CoV-2 two times per week, between three and five days apart. 

Recent studies also show that some non-mRNA vaccines acquired internationally are ineffective against the Omicron variant. As such, the CDC recommends immediate administration of mRNA booster vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) for any individuals who have received initial doses of vaccination outside of the U.S.  

Earlier today, UC San Diego also reinforced that under existing UC-wide policy, students, faculty, and staff are required to keep their vaccination status up to date with a booster shot -- mandating COVID-19 boosters for those who are eligible.

If accessible in their current location, students are encouraged to obtain their vaccine booster as soon as possible. Students can also obtain their vaccine booster at UCSD upon arrival to campus. To review eligibility requirements and schedule COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine booster appointments, students should refer to the Return to Learn vaccine booster page. 

ISPO will officially close between Thursday, December 23, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022 for the Winter Holiday Break. We will resume remote advising services and document processing on Monday, January 3, 2022.

During ISPO's closure, students may experience travel emergencies and delays at a U.S. Port of Entry (airport or land border crossing). In these situations, students are advised to contact the After Hours Emergency Phone Line directed to UC San Diego Campus Police at (858) 534-4357.

Students are also advised to download the International Student & Scholar Emergency Contact Card for a handy guide containing contact information and steps to take when interacting with government agencies.  

All other I-20/DS-2019 document and non-urgent questions should be directed to iStudents@ucsd.edu for a response.