Immigration Policy Updates

The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) is committed to being your resource for accurate and timely information. We will monitor developments in immigration policies and prepare for any potential impacts on our international community. Continue to monitor this page for immigration policy updates as well as specific guidance for UC San Diego's international students and scholars. 

With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is also working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues. Please visit the UC systemwide federal updates webpage for information and resources from a UC systemwide level.

(This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: iUpdates.ucsd.edu)

 Our Populations

STUDENT = Admitted to UC San Diego, currently enrolled, or were enrolled in coursework (alumni)
ISEO’s Student Services advising team advises international F-1 and J-1 students who have accepted an offer of admission to UC San Diego, or are currently in F-1/J-1 status and are enrolled in courses at UC San Diego or are alumni on OPT/STEM OPT or Academic Training. 

SCHOLAR = NOT enrolled in coursework at UC San Diego, Teaching or Research assignment only
ISEO’s Scholar Services advising team advises faculty and scholars who are teaching or conducting research at UC San Diego in J-1, H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1, and non-UC San Diego sponsored OPT/STEM employed by UC San Diego. If an individual is a student at their home institution and comes to the U.S. solely to conduct research, they are considered to be scholars while at UC San Diego.

Immigration Policy Updates

Travel Advisory

^{[Updated: 03/11/2025]}

According to news reports, there is a high probability of the implementation of travel bans barring individuals from certain countries to enter the U.S. ISEO urges our students, scholars, and their families to consider international travel plans very carefully at this time. Current U.S. immigration policy is unpredictable and subject to rapid change, so we encourage our community to stay informed and speak to an ISEO advisor if you have specific case questions or concerns.

We have updated our Student FAQs and Scholar FAQs to reflect the most up to date information available to ISEO.

Executive Orders

^{[Updated: 03/11/2025]}

ISEO understands the potential impact that Executive Orders and government updates may have on our international community at UC San Diego. In our commitment to supporting you, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource that we encourage students and scholars to consult. These FAQs will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

We have updated our Student FAQs and Scholar FAQs to reflect our review of the following Executive Orders:

• Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism
• Protecting the American People Against Invasion
• Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
• Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
• Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program
• Securing Our Borders

Campus Announcement from ISEO: Message from ISEO Regarding Travel & New Presidential Administration Starting January 20, 2025

^{[Updated: 12/06/2024]}

ISEO sent a message to the UC San Diego community: As we near the end of the fall quarter, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) continues to engage with our students, scholars and fellow colleagues in the field to contemplate what the new administration will bring and how any changes to immigration policies may affect our international community.  We are consulting widely to stay informed and will provide you with any updates that are pertinent to your status as an international student or scholar, including continuing updates to our News and Updates page.

Based on ISEO’s previous experience with the Trump Administration and being mindful of future uncertainty about US entry requirements, we advise students and scholars at this time to consider returning from winter holidays BEFORE January 20th when the new administration comes into office in Washington. While no new policies have been announced, nor do we know which countries could be impacted, we offer this advice out of an abundance of caution as we look ahead to a smooth start of a new quarter in Winter 2025.

If you have specific questions or concerns related to your status, as always, please consult with an ISEO international student or scholar advisor. You can connect with us at iContact.ucsd.edu.