Spring 2021 | Vol 6 | Updates from the International Students & Programs Office @ UC San Diego.
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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. Please contact ISPO and let us know how we can continue to support your efforts.
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Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Releases Updated Guidance for 2021-2022 Academic Year
In summary, the updated guidance will continue to allow international students in F-1 and J-1 status the flexibility to enroll in fully remote course loads. However, new students entering the U.S. will be required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course. In addition, students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. will be required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course.
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State Department Expands National Interest Exception Policy to Certain Travelers from All Countries Subject to the COVID-19 Entry Bans
The notice also states that, "Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies."
What does this mean for you?
ISPO interprets the above guidance as follows; however, we strongly encourage students impacted by this expanded NIE policy to check with their local U.S. consulate or embassy for clarity and guidance on their specific situation:
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Students with a Fall 2021 start date on their INITIAL I-20 (with a program start date on or after August 1, 2021) and have a valid F-1 visa do not have to seek an individual NIE. As per existing F-1 regulations, you may only enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20. Students who hold an Initial I-20 through a SEVIS Transfer or Change of Degree Level may seek entry to the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their Form I-20.
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Students with a currently ACTIVE I-20/SEVIS record (who will enroll in coursework on or after August 1, 2021) and have a valid F-1 visa do not have to seek an individual NIE. As per existing F-1 regulations, you may enter the U.S. at any time between now and the start of Fall 2021. NOTE: The guidance does not address students with an ACTIVE I-20/SEVIS record seeking entry to the U.S. to pursue approved post-completion optional practical training (OPT). We urge individuals to check with their local U.S. consulate or embassy for clarity and guidance on their specific situation
NOTE: Individuals who are eligible for the NIE but do not have a valid visa will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. ISPO is aware that currently, many of the locations are still closed or experiencing long processing delays. For updated information, visit the State Department's Visa Appointment Wait Time website.
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U.S. Consular Mission to India Announces Significant Limitations to Visa Services
Our thoughts go out to our students, colleagues and their families in India as they respond to this health crisis. We also recognize this new development may concern our students who are planning to arrive or return to the U.S. in the future. We continue to encourage impacted students to contact their academic departments for admissions and academic advising guidance.
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Continuing Advocacy by University of California and Higher Education Associations
On March 18, 2021, the American Council on Education and more than 40 higher education associations sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Departments of State and Homeland Security to allow for greater flexibility so international students can arrive in the United States as soon as possible.
In addition, the UC Office of Federal Relations, in collaboration with each of the 10 UC campuses, is currently exploring avenues of engagement with the Departments of State and Homeland Security to address ongoing visa and travel restriction concerns. ISPO will provide updates about the status of these advocacy efforts when they become available so students can make informed decisions.
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International Students Uncertain About Fall 2021
Since Chancellor Khosla's Fall Instruction Planning Update released on April 5, the International Students & Programs Office has been fielding a significant increase in queries from new and continuing international students who are concerned about their ability to return to in-person classes this fall due to ongoing visa and travel restrictions. ISPO is aware that some remote or hybrid options will be made available and have let students know that more information will be forthcoming as plans are made for the fall.
We understand that impacted international students will likely be reaching out to their academic departments and admissions as well regarding deferral, remote instruction, and late arrival options. We will continue to work with all of you to provide clarity to our students as soon as more concrete information becomes available over the coming weeks and months. For the most current campus information, please continue to refer students to the Return To Learn site.
If students have visa-related questions, we encourage them to contact ISPO, and we will be happy to assist. Students can also visit ISPO's FAQ page for more information.
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Congratulations to David Saide and Argiria Williams on their promotions to International Student Advisors effective May 3, 2021. Also, ISPO is pleased to announce that Chanelle Chestnutt and Peter Jombik will transition into their new roles as ISPO Compliance Coordinators on May 3, 2021.
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ISPO is bidding a very fond farewell to two of our esteemed colleagues: Tricia Chan Schueler, Assistant Director of International Student Services, and Carol Robertson, International Student Advisor.
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Tricia joined the ISPO team in 2008 as an International Student Advisor. During her tenure, Tricia witnessed campus’s international student population grow tremendously and played an important role in ensuring that ISPO kept up with the increased demand for critical services. After nearly thirteen years in our office, Tricia continues to be impressed with her ISPO colleagues and their unwavering commitment not only to our international students but to one another.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Tricia is returning to her hometown to be closer to her family and loved ones. Her last day will be May 28, 2021.
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During her twenty-one years of service at UC San Diego, Carol has worked closely with international students and scholars. In her current role as an International Student Advisor, Carol supports students in achieving their goal of obtaining employment in the U.S. as well as provides general advising to students during their academic journeys at UC San Diego.
Though she is retiring from international education, Carol plans to continue to work with international communities. Specifically, Carol will volunteer with non-profits that assist refugees in the San Diego area as well as travel internationally. Carol is grateful for the wonderful colleagues she has worked with at UC San Diego!
We want to thank Tricia and Carol for being such incredible members of the ISPO team and wish them the very best in their future endeavors! Carol will be officially departing on June 18, 2021.
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Resources for Supporting International Students |
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My Student Support Program (SSP): Health & Wellness Support: Program for students living internationally with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour support for any school, well-being, or general life concern at no cost to students.
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iTable Basic Needs and Emergency Funding Program: Immediate access to essential resources and connect students to campus support required to thrive as a student, which includes access to nutritious food, stable housing, and financial wellness resources.
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Graduating from UC San Diego Guide: International students have several options after graduation such as continuing with their education, working in the U.S., traveling in the U.S, and more. Refer students to this helpful resource so they can plan ahead.
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iNewStudent Website: Refer newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students to helpful guides on important next steps such as requesting immigration documents, applying for a visa, and preparing for arrival in the U.S.
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New AI Chatbot Tool: Have you noticed the "Questions? Ask Triton" link in the lower right-hand corner of ISPO's website? Type in your question and you will be directed to the answers on our website. Try it today!
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English-in-Action Conversation Program |
ISPO's English-in-Action (EIA) Conversation Program pairs international students with volunteers to help students improve their conversational English skills and connect with local San Diegans.
With approximately 200 participants this year, the EIA Program has been especially helpful for students who are studying remotely and do not get the experience of practicing English regularly or meeting other Tritons on campus.
The EIA Program is always looking for volunteers conversation leaders! Our volunteers include students, faculty, staff, retirees and members of the San Diego community. Visit eia.ucsd.edu to learn more and sign up!
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Webinar: The Student On-Campus Experience Matters: International Student Retention and Success |
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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, iUpdates.ucsd.edu. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by clicking on the 'Unsubscribe..." link at the bottom of this email.
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