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

Important Update: UC San Diego Sponsored H-1B Petitions and Biometrics Requirement 

^{[Updated: 05/06/2025]}

We want to inform you of a recent change that may impact the processing of H-1B petitions. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for certain pending H-1B petitions, requiring the UC San Diego to present evidence that the beneficiary appeared for a biometrics appointment as part of the adjudication process. If an RFE is issued, USCIS will pause processing the petition until the biometrics appointment has been completed, and the response to the RFE is submitted. 

• Step 1: Notify your ISEO advisor as soon as you receive a Biometrics Appointment Notice from USCIS by sending them a copy/picture of the Biometrics Appointment Notice. 
• Step 2: UC San Diego cannot advise you on whether to attend or not attend the biometrics appointment. We strongly recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney to determine how best to proceed. For resources on finding an immigration attorney, please see our page on Legal Resources. 
• Step 3: Please inform ISEO if you will be attending the biometrics appointment and provide us with a copy of the stamped biometrics notice if you do attend.

Please note: At this time, biometrics RFEs are not being issued for H-1B petitions that have already been approved. This requirement currently affects only H-1B petitions that are pending with USCIS. 

Once ISEO submits your H-1B request to USCIS, please check your mail regularly and contact our office if you receive a notice. 

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. 

Campus Announcement from ISEO: New Updates Regarding F-1 SEVIS Terminations Impacting International Campus Community

^{[Updated: 04/28/2025]}

As shared in messages from ISEO on April 14, 2025, ISEO is aware of the federal government’s recent visa revocations and/or termination of F-1/J-1 student SEVIS records that have taken place within the UC system, and here at UC San Diego, without prior notice.  

As of April 24, 2025, the federal government began reactivating many of the SEVIS records that they previously terminated. As of April 28, 2025, all previously terminated UC San Diego SEVIS records have now been reactivated. 

UC San Diego continues to monitor SEVIS records closely and works directly with impacted students to provide them with relevant information.

We understand that these developments may cause significant uncertainty and concern. ISEO is working closely with key campus partners to support each student’s individual needs and concerns as the situation continues to develop. The following FAQs have beem updated:

• What is a SEVIS record reactivation?
• What are the latest developments regarding SEVIS record terminations? 

Additional support resources available for you:  

• Know Your Rights Workshop: An essential workshop on Wednesday, April 30 at 12:00pm that will empower you with crucial information on your rights as an international student, scholar, or family member. 
• We have updated our Student FAQs and Scholar FAQs to reflect the most up to date information available to ISEO.
• University of California FAQ: Federal immigration enforcement actions. 
• “Know Your Rights” card: An overview of legal protections to keep in mind if interacting with law enforcement. 
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): For mental health support, including therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services. Students experiencing distress or seeking support are encouraged to reach out to CAPS, a safe and confidential resource. 
• Student Affairs Case Management: To help students navigate complex challenges and connect with appropriate resources. 

Beware of Immigration Status Scams

^{[Updated: 04/23/2025]}

Scammers often pose as government or immigration officials. If you get strange calls, emails, or texts demanding payment or personal info—don’t provide any information. Real government agencies will never ask for money or personal details over the phone.

 Have you received a call threatening your immigration status? This is a scam! ISEO will reach out to you directly if there are any impacts to your SEVIS record. If you’ve received a call like this and have concerns or questions, we encourage you to contact our office.

 What to Do:

• Verify: Ask them to provide a callback number and to send their request and information to you in writing.
• Protect Your Info: Never share financial or personal data. Government agencies will never ask for any form of payment (including gift cards) to avoid arrest.
• Seek Help: If you feel unsafe or suspect criminal activity, call UC San Diego Police (Non-emergency: 858-534-4357).
• Stay Informed: Visit iSafety.ucsd.edu to learn more and stay protected.

USCIS Registration Requirement 

On April 11, 2025, USCIS began enforcing a Registration Requirement for certain individuals. Most UC San Diego students, scholars, and their dependents are not impacted by this update and generally do not need to take any action, as they have already completed the registration and fingerprinting process through the visa application and/or U.S. entry process. Possession of an I-94 entry document is considered proof of registration. 

Who may be impacted: 

• Canadian nationals who entered the U.S. via a land border and were not issued evidence of registration  
• Dependent children who have turned or will turn 14 while in the U.S. Children are required to register upon reaching age 14 if they were admitted at a younger age. 

USCIS considers the following individuals to have already registered: 

• Lawful permanent residents; 
• Aliens paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired; 
• Aliens admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired; 
• All aliens present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival; 
• Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings; 
• Aliens issued an employment authorization document; 
• Aliens who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied; and 
• Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards. 

While ISEO cannot provide guidance on this requirement, please see the following resources:  

• Official USCIS Webpage regarding Alien Registration Requirement 
• UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, UC San Diego - General Advising for UC San Diego Community 

Temporary Pause on Automatic SSN Issuance via I-765 

As of March 18, 2025, there is a temporary 90-day pause on the automatic issuance of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) requested through Form I-765 (used to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD). While individuals may still select the option to request an SSN on the I-765, the SSN will not be automatically issued during this pause. Instead, individuals who receive their EAD card will need to visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person to apply for their SSN. This temporary change primarily affects individuals applying for an SSN for the first time in conjunction with their Form I-765 EAD application.  J-1s and H-1Bs are not impacted, as they have traditionally needed to visit the SSA office in person to apply for an SSN. However, this change does affect their dependents—such as J-2 or H-4 family members—who are applying for employment authorization. 

To learn more, visit our Social Security Number (SSN) webpage. 

Campus Announcement from ISEO: Message from ISEO Regarding Visa Revocation & SEVIS Terminations Impacting International Campus Community 

^{[Updated: 04/14/2025]}

The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) is sharing the following information to equip our international campus community with resources to prepare for impacts and to make informed decisions:   
  
As shared in messages from the Chancellor on April 4 and President Drake on April 8, ISEO is aware of the federal government’s recent visa revocations and/or termination of F-1/J-1 Student SEVIS Records that have taken place within the UC system, and here at UC San Diego, without prior notice. We understand that these developments may cause significant uncertainty and concern.  
  
These terminations are unique because they are initiated by the federal government without prior notice to either the university or its students. ISEO only becomes aware of these unexpected F-1 visa terminations through proactive monitoring of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In addition, we are not informed of the reason for termination specific to each individual case. We are actively reviewing SEVIS records to identify these terminations and are reaching out directly to impacted individuals. Given the unprecedented nature of these terminations and unique circumstances of each student, we recommend that each affected person consult with an immigration attorney to determine the next steps for them.  

Please utilize the support resources available:   

•   University of California FAQ: Federal immigration enforcement actions.  
•   “Know Your Rights” card: An overview of legal protections to keep in mind if interacting with law enforcement.  
• We have updated our Student FAQs  to reflect the most up to date information available to ISEO. 
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): For student mental health support, including therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services. Students experiencing distress or seeking support are encouraged to reach out to CAPS, a safe and confidential resource.  
• Student Affairs Case Management: To help students navigate complex challenges and connect with appropriate resources.  

To our international students, scholars, and their families: you are a valued and an integral part of our community. Your contributions enrich our campus, and your success and well-being remain a top priority. ISEO is deeply committed to supporting our international community during this time.

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.