Immigration Policy Updates:
International Student FAQs

Is it safe to travel?  

^{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.

Entry into the U.S. is always at the discretion of the officer at the Port of Entry and is not guaranteed. Ensuring you have all required immigration documents can help facilitate a smooth re-entry process.  

As new updates impacting travel may become available, continue to monitor current events and ISEO’s Immigration Policy Updates webpage for specific guidance for UC San Diego's international students. ISEO will update If you have concerns or questions regarding your travel plans, connect with an ISEO Student Advisor.

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 F-1 or J-1 Visa is expiring soon. Should I depart the U.S. to renew it? 

^{Last Updated: 02/04/2025}

A visa is a legal document that grants you permission to seek entry to a particular country for a specific reason (for example, study or tourism). All international students, except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda, must have a valid F or J visa to enter the U.S.  

As a reminder, students are able to REMAIN in the U.S. with an expired F-1 or J-1 visa as long as their Form I-20 or DS-2019 remains valid. Travel is not necessary for the sole purpose of renewing an F-1 or J-1 visa. However, if you are already outside of the U.S. or choose to depart the U.S., you will need a valid F-1 or J-1 visa in order to request reentry.  

Before departing the U.S., ensure you have the necessary documents for re-entry and review average visa appointment wait times. 

Use your own discretion in assessing your choice to apply for a visa renew abroad as this process may take some time. Entry into the U.S. is always at the discretion of the officer at the Port of Entry and is not guaranteed.  

Do I need a new travel signature to return to the U.S.? 

^{Last Updated: 12/06/2024}

ISEO issues students a new travel signature each time a new or updated F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019 is issued. Always use the most recently issued valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 from ISEO to seek re-entry to the U.S. Visit iTravel.ucsd.edu to understand how to check the validity of your travel signature. Ensure your travel signature will be valid AT THE TIME OF RE-ENTRY TO THE U.S. 

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 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019 with you when traveling on major freeways. You may be asked to present important 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.  

What should I do if my visa is denied? 

^{Last Updated: 02/04/2025}

Please contact an ISEO International Student 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. 

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}

We recommend you speak directly with an ISEO Advisor to discuss your travel plans and options available to you.

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 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. 

With so much uncertainty ahead, should I 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.  

How do I maintain my visa status? 

^{Last Updated: 12/06/2024}

International students should maintain their visa status at all times. Maintaining your visa status ensure you are eligible to apply for benefits under the F-1 and J-1 visa categories, including travel, employment, and future benefits. See ISEO's Maintaining Visa Checklist to learn more. 

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: 12/10/2024}

Students are encouraged to seek out support services and stay connected during times of uncertainty. Here are some support services available to students: 

1. The Art of Belonging is a community support forum for international students hosted by ISEO and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). At Art of Belonging, students can build community, prioritize well-being and mental health, learn how to navigate challenges, and strategize ways to thrive. 
2. Meet with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - multiple languages available. Meeting with a mental health professional in your native language may be a powerful way to process your experiences and receive support. Learn more about languages offered here. 
3. CAPS Community Connections: https://caps.ucsd.edu/_files/flyers/flyer_forums.pdf (FA24); WI25 schedule to be posted soon)
4. Triton2Triton: Student Support Chat is a supportive, online connection space where UC San Diego students can connect with trained peers who understand what they're going through and can offer resources. Whether you need resources, tips, or just someone to talk to, Triton2Triton is available through our interactive chat from Monday through Friday, Summer Hours of 10 AM to 2PM. Outside of those hours, you may submit a form through the chat so that we can get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please connect with the T2T team through our Instagram, @ucsd_sacm.
5. Togetherall: Mental Health Community is a safe, online mental health community where UC San Diego students can anonymously connect with others who understand what they're going through. Whether you want to get advice, tips, or just need someone to listen, Togetherall is available 24/7.
6. Student Affairs Resource Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SnTke7f1WIzmuctjwXjgAaomXMohOd75/view
7. Willo App

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:

• F-1/J-1 Student status

Along with meeting enrollment 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 student advisor.

Is it safe to attend protests as an international student?

Last Updated: 03/11/2025

We encourage students 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.

Students 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.

Students 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.