ISPO offers virtual advising hours Monday through Friday with varying hours to accommodate students across different time zones. Students can access ISPO's walk-in advising hours by visiting iContact.ucsd.edu and clicking on the appropriate session (based on topic) to speak to an ISPO Advisor. Effective Monday, February 1, students will first be directed to a brief Sign-In Sheet before being directed to ISPO's waiting room to speak to an advisor. Please note this sign-in process is necessary to ensure efficiency, reduce long wait times, and provide advisors with the information they need ahead of time to best advise you.

Learn more about the different ways you can reach an ISPO Advisor by visiting iContact.ucsd.edu.  

Holds will be placed February 1 preventing enrollment in Spring Classes for not attending to required Tuberculosis (TB) Screening +/- Testing and Immunizations for the following incoming dates: 

You need MyStudentChart to complete these requirements, please sign up. All details pertaining to the requirements can be found on their website.

Please Note: If you are already working with our team on achieving full immunization compliance a hold will not be placed i.e. if you have an upcoming immunization due for administration, OR if you are residing in a country where a vaccine is not readily available. 

If you are graduating this term your diploma will be sent to your permanent address listed in Tritonlink.  

The permanent address for international students in F-1 and J-1 status must be their foreign home address outside the United States, however if you would like your diploma mailed to a US address rather than the permanent address, follow the instructions at Change Your Diploma Mailing Address. You will be required to email the Registrar’s office directly with your diploma mailing address. 

Therefore, based on the CARES Act eligibility requirements, international students in F-1 or J-1 status are NOT eligible for these funds. Students experiencing financial difficulty or challenges with basic needs may be eligible for other support UC San Diego programs via ISPO’s iTable Program or The Hub Basic Needs Center.

For additional information, you can also reference the Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants and the June 17, 2020 Rule by the Department of Education. 

Please attend the following (virtual) workshops to understand your U.S. tax reporting responsibilities as an international student! View and register upcoming tax workshops here. 

On January 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) rescinded Broadcast Message 2101-02: New SEVP Unit to Oversee Employment Compliance in the OPT Programs and Report on Impact on U.S. Workers, issued Jan. 13, 2021. After conducting additional reviews of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s optional practical training (OPT) compliance efforts, the program determined that it is already performing much of the work outlined in the Broadcast Message. As such, the creation of a new unit is not necessary at this time. SEVP will continue to ensure transparency into OPT data and compliance via our existing communication channels at ICE.gov/SEVP and Study in the States.

Click here for more information.

On January 25, 2021, President Biden announced a Presidential Proclamation to continue the 14-day U.S. entry restrictions on individuals who were recently present in the Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, Brazil, China or Iran, and adds South Africa to the list of countries. The new executive order is effective 12:01 am EST on January 30, 2021. 

NOTE: This proclamation reverses the previous administration's January 18, 2021 proclamation lifting the travel ban from Ireland, European Schengen countries, U.K., and Brazil. 

Curious about American Football? This event is perfect for anyone who wants to know why Americans love their football games! Super Bowl LV (55) is Sunday, February 7, so join us for this pre-game lineup of fun! Our sports “chat-sters” will share the history and the ins and outs of America’s favorite sport. Ask questions, watch highlights, and score the winning touchdown with an American Football trivia game. Winner gets a prize! Prepare to huddle up to learn about this iconic American game and have some fun! This event is co-hosted by Global Education, Recreation and Extension. P.S. Bring your own pizza, nachos, or any fun food and favorite beverage. . 

Each month, Recreation will focus on a different wellness topic and will help you incorporate it into your daily life. Throughout the quarter, you will set your own goals and track your progress in our Explorer’s Log. Maintain the wellness habit all month to receive a badge and retrieve a member of Triton’s kingdom. If you catch them all by the end of the quarter, you will be eligible for a chance to win a prize. You can also receive bonus points by participating in our Instagram mini challenges @ucsdrec. If you complete all monthly challenges this quarter, you will qualify for another entry, increasing your odds to win!

Think of ISPO Chats as your monthly office hour with the ISPO Leadership team. ISPO deeply values the student voice and we want to hear from you. What is affecting you as an international student at UC San Diego? What would you like to learn more about? Do you have questions about policy updates, current events, etc? ISPO Chats is an informal time for you to share about your experience as an international student at UC San Diego as well as questions to ISPO staff. We hope that by hosting these monthly office hours, we can hear your concerns, advocate on your behalf and invest in our international student community.