Immigration Policy Updates:
International Scholar FAQs

Is it safe to travel?

Last Updated: 03/24/2025

We understand your concerns about making travel plans given the ongoing uncertainty. ISEO strives to be a reliable source of timely information regarding immigration updates that impact our international student and scholar community at UC San Diego. 

Recent reports indicate a high likelihood of new travel bans that could restrict individuals from certain countries from entering the U.S. ISEO urges students, scholars, and their families to carefully evaluate international travel plans at this time. U.S. immigration policy remains unpredictable and subject to rapid changes, so we encourage our community to stay informed and consult an ISEO advisor for any specific case questions or concerns. 

If you choose to travel, please ensure you have all necessary immigration documents for re-entry, review our Immigration Policy Updates page before departure, and monitor your email for any outreach from ISEO.  

I am traveling internationally or am currently located abroad. What do I need to prepare to re-enter the U.S.?

Last Updated: 02/14/2025

As immigration policies can change unexpectedly, we recommend staying cautious when planning international travel. While travel remains possible, recent changes may affect visa processing and reentry to the U.S. If your visa has expired, there could be delays in renewal, which may impact your ability to return. Executive Orders and policy changes also may be issued with little warning.

We urge all of our international scholars and their families to plan their travel thoughtfully and be prepared with necessary paperwork. Visit our  travel page  to understand the list of documents you need to seek re-entry to the U.S. As new updates impacting travel may become available, continue to monitor our Immigration and Policy Updates page for new information and specific guidance for UC San Diego's international scholars and their family.

If you need to travel, please make sure your documents are up to date and stay informed about any policy updates. Our office is here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Do I need to carry my documents when traveling domestically?

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

Due to the proximity of San Diego to international borders, we recommend that you carry your passport and immigration documents (DS-2019, I-20, EAD, H-1B approval Notice, etc.) with you when traveling on major freeways. You may be asked to present these documents when passing through checkpoints within California (for example: the I-5 Highway in San Clemente, I-15 near Rainbow, as well as I-8, and other roads in East County).  Customs and Border Protection may set up check points to stop and question travelers about their citizenship or immigration status.

My Visa is expiring soon. Should I depart the U.S. to renew it? 

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

As a reminder, scholars and their families can remain in the U.S. with an expired visa as long as their status remains valid:

• J-1/J-2 Status : This requires a DS-2019 with a future end date and a J-1/J-2 I-94 indicating "D/S" (Duration of Status) as the end date.
• H-1B/O-1 Status : This requires an approval notice valid into the future and an I-94 for your status reflecting an end date that matches the approval notice (or includes the 10-day courtesy grace period). For scholars with a pending extension, they may remain in the U.S. and continue working for up to 240 days beyond the end date of their current approval notice, provided USCIS received the extension request before the current approval notice’s end date.
• H-4/TD Status: Dependents who have changed or extended their status while in the U.S. will have an H-4/TD approval notice with a future end date and an H-4/TD I-94 reflecting an end date that matches the approval notice (or includes the 10-day courtesy grace period). For dependents who obtained H-4/TD status through travel, their status remains valid as long as their H-4/TD I-94 has a future end date (or includes the 10-day courtesy grace period).
• TN/E-3 Status : TN/E-3 who have changed or extended their status while in the U.S. will have a TN/E-3 approval notice with a future end date and a TN/E-3 I-94 reflecting an end date that matches the approval notice (or includes the 10-day courtesy grace period). For TN/E-3s who obtained their TN/E-3 status through travel, their status remains valid as long as their TN/E-3 I-94 has a future end date (or includes the 10-day courtesy grace period). For E-3 they must also have a valid Labor Condition Application (LCA).

Travel solely for the purpose of renewing a visa is not required. However, if you are already outside the U.S. or choose to depart, you will need a valid visa to reenter. Carefully consider your decision to apply for a visa renewal abroad, as the process can be time-consuming. Please note that entry into the U.S. is always at the discretion of the officer at the Port of Entry and is not guaranteed.

Note: Canadians do not require a visa to enter the U.S.

My visa expired. What should I do?

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

A visa is an entry document required only for admission into the U.S. Once inside the U.S., it is okay if it expires as long as your immigration status remains valid – this will be indicated by your immigration document (ie. DS-2019 and H-1B approval notice) and I-94. However, if you choose to travel outside the U.S., you will need a valid, unexpired visa to re-enter. Before departing the U.S., ensure you have the necessary documents for re-entry and review average visa appointment wait times.

What should I do if my visa is denied?

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

Please contact your ISEO Scholar Advisor immediately to let them know that your visa has been denied. When reaching out, please also provide them with details and a copy/picture of any document provided to you indicating the denial and reason.

Can my visa be canceled after it has been approved?

Last Updated: 03/24/2025

Prudential Visa Revocation refers to when the U.S. Department of State (DOS) cancels a visa. This usually occurs when the DOS believes that a person is no longer following the rules of their visa or is not complying with U.S. laws or policies. These types of visa cancellations may be happening more often. If your visa is revoked, it could affect your ability to return to the U.S. after traveling internationally. 

• DOS Guidance to Officers about Prudential Visa Revocations 

If you have ever been arrested for any reason—including for driving under the influence (DUI)—it is especially important to seek legal advice. Some individuals may not know their visa has been revoked until they try to return to the U.S. and find it is no longer valid. 

If you believe you may be impacted, we strongly advise you to speak to an ISEO advisor if you would like resources, as well as an immigration attorney before traveling outside the U.S. 

I come from one of the countries that was on the ban list during the last Trump administration. Should I try to renew my visa in a country other than my own?

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

Please contact your ISEO Scholar Advisor to discuss your travel plans and options available to you.

I identify as transgender or nonbinary. Will the federal government changes affect how my gender is listed on my visa or other documents? 

Last Updated: 03/24/2025

The Federal Government has begun implementing the January Executive Order titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. Following this order, visas are now being issued based on one’s sex assigned at birth, regardless of the gender identified in an individual’s passport or immigration document (such as the I-20 or DS-2019).  If you are or could be affected by these changes, we encourage you to speak to an ISEO advisor prior to any international travel. 

My status is expiring soon. How do I extend my status? 

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

If your department intends to extend your status, the first step is to work with your Human Resources (HR) representative to ensure you have a valid appointment with UC San Diego that includes an end date in the future. Your department will then coordinate with ISEO to submit the extension request. 

Please note that some statuses have a maximum allowable duration. If you have reached this limit, your department must work with ISEO to explore options for changing your status.

I am reaching the maximum allowed time on my status. Do I need to depart the U.S. to change my status? 

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

Advisors must consider multiple factors to determine eligibility for a status change without departing the U.S. We recommend contacting your ISEO scholar advisor to review your immigration history and provide tailored guidance based on your specific situation.

What is the Alien Registration Process? Does this affect me?  

^{Last Updated: 04/11/2025}

Effective April 11, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing a new rule to establish a USCIS alien registration process for certain nonimmigrants to comply with new required registration and fingerprinting provisions. For more details see Interim Final Rule. 
 
Am I already registered? 

Most nonimmigrant students, scholars, and their families are not affected and do not need to take any action, as they already fulfill registration and fingerprinting requirements through the visa and entry process. However, some individuals crossing Canadian land borders and dependent children who have turned or are turning 14 while in the U.S. may be impacted. 

If you were legally admitted into the U.S. and you have been issued a valid I-94, you do not need to complete the USCIS Alien Registration. It is important to carry your immigration documentation with you at all times and report any change of address within the required 10-day timeframe. To see a complete list of individuals that are considered to be already registered see:  

• USCIS Alien Registration    

What do I need to do if I or my child dependents need to register? 
Children who have turned 14 years old while in the U.S. will need to register. See USCIS Alien Registration for more information.  

What ways can I prioritize my mental health and well-being during times of uncertainty? 

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

• Meeting with a mental health professional is an excellent way to process your experiences and receive support. Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is available for employees, affiliates and their family members. Family members may need to pay a nominal fee.
  • School of Medicine and Health Sciences employees who are paid by UC San Diego should  access counseling support through their health plans.
• Connect with others. Connecting with others at social events can serve as an important reminder that you are not alone. You are warmly invited to our social events, including Global Coffee Hour, Game Night, Crafting and more! Learn event details at iEvents.ucsd.edu
• Get Outside and Connect with Nature. Connecting with nature can be a powerful way to care of your health and well being. Check out Triton Trekkers for a list of trips offered each quarter. 

How can I can connect other international Scholars and Families? 

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

ISEO's programs, events, and workshops offer engaging opportunities for you to learn, grow, and stay connected with other international scholars and their families, see our calendar of event at iEvents.ucsd.edu.

How worried should I be about news reports on proposed legislation?  

Last Updated: 03/24/2025

We understand that news stories about proposed laws or immigration changes can be stressful. However, it’s important to remember that proposed legislation does not mean a law has been passed. There is a long process before a proposal can become law. This includes writing the bill, reviewing it in committees, and voting in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. 

We encourage our international community to stay informed, but also to be cautious. Not all news reports are fully accurate, and some may be based on speculation or incomplete information. 

If a new law or regulation is passed that may affect our international community, UC San Diego and ISEO will provide clear and timely guidance to help you understand what it means and what steps to take. 

How can I protect myself and understand my rights? Where can I find resources? 

Last Updated: 03/11/2025

Understanding your rights is crucial, especially during times of change or uncertainty. In addition to updates from ISEO, we encourage UC San Diego community members to review the University of California’s FAQ for University Employees about Federal Enforcement Actions on University Property. This FAQ provides important information about what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may request and what to expect if ICE is present on campus.

If you become aware of ICE officials on campus to execute a federal immigration order, or if you are subject to an immigration inquiry, refer to UC San Diego’s Immigration Enforcement Policies, Procedures and FAQ for the appropriate office(s) to contact.

 To further educate yourself on your rights in the U.S., the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers a comprehensive series of Know Your Rights resources. These resources cover topics such as protest participation and immigration status.

 Additional Resources:

• ISEO Emergency Resources (isafety.ucsd.edu)
• ISEO Legal Resources
• ISEO Health and Wellness Resources
• UCSD Immigration Enforcement Policies, Procedures, and FAQ
• UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
• University of California Federal Updates 

What actions can jeopardize my immigration status?

Last Updated: 03/11/2025

Maintaining your immigration status while in the U.S. is important, and we encourage you to review our guidelines to help you stay informed about how to do so:

• J-1 Exchange Visitor status
• H-1B Specialty Occupation status

Along with meeting insurance requirements, reporting address changes, and adhering to employment restrictions, individuals in non-immigrant status are expected to comply with all U.S. state and federal laws. Failure to comply with maintenance requirements or state and federal laws may result in serious, long-term consequences for both your current and future immigration status.

If you have questions about what activities are allowed on your current UC San Diego-sponsored status, please contact ISEO to speak to a scholar advisor.

Is it safe to attend protests as an international scholar?

Last Updated: 03/11/2025

We encourage scholars to carefully consider their involvement in protest activities and to fully understand their rights and responsibilities when participating in protests, both off-campus and at UC San Diego.

Scholars should also be aware that on January 29th, 2025, an Executive Order (Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism) and an accompanying fact sheet were released, focusing on campus protests and signaling potential updates to reporting and enforcement policies around these activities.

Scholars choosing to engage in protest activities can find important information regarding rights, responsibilities, and resources on UC San Diego’s Free Expression website.  In addition, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers a comprehensive Know Your Rights series, including protestor’s rights. 

Can my social media presence affect my immigration status or my ability to enter the US?

Last Updated: 03/24/2025

We advise international students and scholars to be thoughtful about their presence on social media and other public platforms. While you have the right to engage in lawful, expressive activity—both online and offline—it’s important to understand that such activity can carry increased risks when it comes to immigration processes. 

In January, the White House released the Executive Order titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. This executive order calls for enhanced screening and vetting procedures. As part of these procedures, U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may review your social media activity or other publicly available information. This information may be considered during visa applications, entries to the U.S., and other immigration-related decisions.