Immigration Policy Updates:
International Scholar FAQs

With so much uncertainty ahead, should I travel?

Last Updated: 04/30/2025

We understand your concerns about making travel plans given the ongoing uncertainty. As new administrative actions continue to unfold, ISEO strongly 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.  

Re-entry to U.S. is at the sole discretion of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. Therefore, each scholar must understand and be prepared for any risks associated with the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S. Before traveling, scholars and their families should carefully consider the following questions:  

 Considering Impact for Scholars and their Families 

• How does this impact your current employment? 

• How might this impact your ability to continue your research and work at UC San Diego? 

• How does this impact any other immigration benefits you may have applied for, such as a change of status or adjustment of status to Permanent Resident? 

• How does this impact your housing or residence in the U.S.?  

• What personal belongings, do you have in the U.S. and how will you coordinate retrieving those belongings? 
• How might this impact your dependents, or any pets located in the U.S.?  

Additional Considerations 

• Have you previously undergone administrative processing or experienced additional questioning at a U.S. port of entry?  

• How have you maintained your visa status in the U.S.? 

• Please review our information on maintaining your J-1 status or H-1B status.  

• Do you have sufficient funds to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you can cover all expenses and financially support yourself without relying on U.S. government support 

• For J-1 scholars, can you demonstrate strong ties to your home country and that you do not intend to permanently immigrate to the U.S. (demonstration of non-immigrant intent)? 

• What is your field of study, research, or employment? Can it be considered of concern to U.S. security interests?  

• CBP can ask to search all your electronic devices. Be mindful of what is on your devices and ensure it complies with all visa and immigration regulations. Review the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) electronic device search guidance. 

• If you have any concerns related to past interactions with law enforcement—including prior convictions, even if charges were dismissed or you were cleared—have you consulted with an immigration attorney to understand any potential risks associated with travel? 

If you decide to travel, we recommend booking refundable tickets to give yourself flexibility in case of unexpected changes in U.S. immigration policy or administration. While the decision to grant entry ultimately rests with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, we encourage you to set yourself up for success: carry all required immigration documents for re-entry, review our Immigration Policy Updates before departure, and monitor your email for any important messages from ISEO. 

Scholars who have additional case-specific questions as they carefully consider their travel plans are strongly encouraged to consult an immigration attorney. 

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.

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’ve heard that original documents should be carried - is a digitally signed DS-2019 okay, or should I request a wet signature? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

ISEO no longer issues wet signatures, as the Department of State, Customs and Border Protection, and other government agencies accept digital signatures from Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) within ISEO. For travel and visa appointments, a DS-2019 that has been digitally signed by an ARO at ISEO is considered an “original document” as long as you print out a paper copy and sign your own signature in ink.

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’ve seen a proposed list of countries—categorized as red, orange, or yellow—that could potentially face future travel bans. I’m from one of those countries. What should I consider before making international travel plans? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

We understand how concerning it can be to see your country listed under proposed travel risk categories such as red, orange, or yellow. While no official policy may be in effect yet, proposed changes can be implemented with little notice. 

 Before traveling, here is how we recommend approaching international travel: 

• Red (highest concern): We strongly advise against non-essential travel. The risk of being unable to return to the U.S. if a travel ban is implemented is significant. Consult with ISEO in advance and prepare contingency plans in case of re-entry delays or denial. 
• Orange (moderate concern): Travel should be approached with caution. If travel is necessary, consult with ISEO in advance and prepare contingency plans in case of re-entry delays or denial. 
• Yellow (elevated awareness): Monitor developments closely. While risk may be lower, policies can change quickly.  

In all cases: 

• Stay informed by monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security. 
• Consult with ISEO to discuss your individual situation before making travel decisions. 
• Make sure you have the necessary document to re-enter the U.S., such as your valid passport, visa, and relevant immigration document (I-20, DS-2019, H-1B approval notice). 
• Consider your ability to remain abroad for an extended period, if re-entry becomes delayed or restricted. 

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. 

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.

Can I carry my EAD card or driver’s license instead of my passport as proof of my identity and immigration status? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

No, your EAD card or driver’s license alone is not sufficient to serve as proof of your immigration status, especially for travel or official purposes. While a U.S. driver’s license can serve as proof of identity, it does not show your immigration status. Similarly, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) reflects your work authorization but not your full immigration status or identity. 
 
For most purposes—especially air travel, interaction with law enforcement, or employment verification—you should carry your valid passport (from your home country) and any relevant immigration documents (such as your visa, I-94 record, DS-2019, I-20, or H-1B approval notices). These documents together demonstrate both your identity and your legal status in the U.S

Do I need to carry physical copies of my documents or are electronic copies sufficient? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

We recommend carrying your original immigration documents with you at all times, especially when traveling within San Diego County, throughout Southern California, or across state lines. Due to UC San Diego’s proximity to the U.S./Mexico border and several internal checkpoints, you may be asked to present documentation verifying your immigration status. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may establish checkpoints to stop and question travelers about their citizenship or immigration status. We encourage you to carry original or when not possible, clear copies of your key documents, passport and Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019. 

Is there anything I need to know if I am traveling to a U.S. island such as Hawaii? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

Is it safe to attend protests as an international scholar?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

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. 

ISEO has additional Freedom of Expression resources on the Legal Resources page.

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. 

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.  

How do I get a hold of ISEO if I have an emergency?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

For a true emergency that is related to health or safety, call 911, or the UC San Diego Campus Police at 858-534-4357.  If you have an emergency and need to contact the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO), please visit our Emergency Contact page for immediate assistance.  

• Between 9:00am – 4:00pm, call 858-534-3730 
• After Hours, call 858-534-4357  
• You can download and print this Emergency Contact card, or save it as a digital copy.  

How do I contact my ISEO advisor? 

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

ISEO advisors are here to support you, you can contact an ISEO advisor by visiting the ISEO Contact page. 

How do I find an immigration attorney?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

If you're looking for an immigration attorney, the following resources may be helpful: 

• ISEO's Legal Resources Page: For a list of resources and information on finding an immigration attorney. 
• San Diego County Bar Lawyer Referral and Information Service: A great resource for connecting with licensed attorneys in San Diego.  
• UC Immigrant Legal Services Center (UCIMM): UCIMM provides legal support to immigrant UC students and their immediate family members. They also offer consultations for UC staff and faculty.

Where can I find reliable information about current immigration and policy issues?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

Staying informed is important—and we get that it can be hard to know where to start. If you're looking for advocacy-focused perspectives on immigration and related topics, here are a few places to begin: 

• ISEO Updates: Visit iUpdates.ucsd.edu for UC San Diego-specific updates and messages from our office. 
• UC Federal Updates: The University of California Federal Government Relations page shares systemwide statements and updates on federal policy developments impacting the UC community. 
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Offers updates, advocacy efforts, and legal perspectives on immigration and civil rights issues. Visit aclu.org and explore their Immigrants’ Rights section. 
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): A great resource for policy updates, community education materials, and immigrant advocacy tools. Visit ilrc.org. 
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Provides policy updates, research, and public education materials related to immigration and immigrant rights. Visit nilc.org to explore their resources. 

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.

What is a SEVIS record reactivation?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government database used to track international students and scholars holding F-1 or J-1 visas. Each scholar holds a unique SEVIS record. If a previously terminated SEVIS record is successfully reactivated, a J-1 scholar regains the benefits associated with their non-immigrant status while physically present within the U.S. In addition, an individual physically present in the U.S. with an active/reactivated SEVIS record is responsible for maintaining valid J status. 

What are the latest developments regarding SEVIS record terminations?

Last Updated: 04/25/2025

As of 04/21/2025, 35 UC Diego students have had their F-1 SEVIS record terminated. As of 04/25/2025, UC San Diego had a total of 17 SEVIS records still in terminated status, with 18 previously terminated records now reactivated. As of 4/28/25, all previously terminated SEVIS records have now been reactivated. To date, UC San Diego has 0 terminations, 35 reactivations and 1 deportation. 

ISEO continues to monitor SEVIS records closely and is working directly with impacted students to provide them with relevant information. Visit Federal Updates Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. 

As a reminder, ISEO will contact you directly if there’s any issue with your SEVIS record. ISEO has recently observed an increase in immigration status scams.  Learn about scams currently targeting international students and how to recognize them by visiting iSafety.ucsd.edu.  

What is a visa revocation?

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

A visa revocation is the cancellation of the visa stamp in a visa holder’s passport by a Department of State or a Department of Homeland Security official. The U.S. Department of State holds the authority to revoke previously issued visas. When a visa is revoked, the visa stamp in a passport becomes invalid for future entry into the United States, even if it has not yet expired.  
  
While visa revocation does not automatically terminate a visa holder’s immigration status, it may prompt DHS to review their case and potentially determine whether they are out of status.  

How will I know if my visa has been revoked?

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

 If your visa is revoked, the U.S. Department of State typically notifies you via the email address you provided during your visa application—this may not be your university email. Individuals traveling or re-entering the U.S. may also receive notice while attempting entry to the U.S. The university is not routinely informed of visa revocations. If you receive such a notice, please notify ISEO.  
  
Because notification practices can vary, if you suspect your visa may have been revoked but have not received any communication, you can check with the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa.

Does an expired visa mean it has been revoked?

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

 No. An expired visa is not the same as a revoked visa. A visa is only used to seek entry into the U.S.; it does not determine how long a person can stay.  Length of stay is determined at the port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as indicated on Form I-94.  If your visa has expired and you leave the U.S., you must obtain a new visa, paired with a valid immigration document (I-20, DS-2019, H1B approval notice), before seeking re-entry.   

Can border agents search, or keep, my phone or laptop? 

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

Yes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to request and search electronic devices from travelers seeking to enter the United States, and they may also retain these devices for further searching. These border searches do not require a warrant. While U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry, foreign nationals—including those entering in J-1, F-1, or H-1B status—may be denied entry or experience delays if they refuse to comply with such requests. 

Resources to better understand your rights:  

• CBP: Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry  
• Traveling with Electronic Devices  
• Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know 
• Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices? It’s Complicated

What level of search is CBP doing? Can they review my messages on different apps, posts, or data saved to the cloud?   

Last Updated: 04/22/2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can look through your phone, laptop, or other electronic devices when you enter the United States. This is called a "basic search" and may include checking your photos, emails, or other files that are stored on the device itself. CBP officers should not access cloud content (such as files stored only in Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox), but sometimes cloud data may still be seen if your apps are open or if your device is connected to the internet. 

Resources to better understand your rights:  

• CBP: Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry  
• Traveling with Electronic Devices  
• Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know 
• Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices? It’s Complicated 

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.