Scholar Advising

ISEO’s Scholar Services advising team supports faculty and scholars who are teaching or conducting research at UC San Diego in J-1, H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1, or non-UC San Diego sponsored OPT/STEM OPT status while employed by UC San Diego. Individuals who remain students at their home institution but come to the United States solely to conduct research at UC San Diego are considered scholars during their time at UC San Diego.

CONTACT US

UPCOMING OFFICE UPDATES:

Friday, July 3 - ISEO will be closed for the 4th of July Holiday.

EMAIL: Contact your Advisor

ISEO Scholar Advisors aim to respond to e-mail inquiries within 3 business days. During peak periods, response times may be longer; however, we remain committed to prioritizing emergencies and will address urgent matters as swiftly as possible. If you need help connecting with your scholar advisor, feel free to reach out to us at ischolars@ucsd.edu.

Scholar Surname/Family/Last Name	Status	Advisor Name
A - E	J-1 and H-1B	Sandra Vargas Tinoco
F - J	J-1 and H-1B	Christine Sampankanpanich
K - T	J-1 and H-1B	Shellyn Beltran
U - Z	J-1 and H-1B	Nallely Garcia
Faculty H-1B cases hired through a national recruitment	H-1B	Sandra Vargas Tinoco
A - Z	E-3, TN and Other Statuses hired by or working at UC San Diego (B1,WB, EAD cards, OPT or STEM OPT from other institutions who are working at UC San Diego, etc.)	Nallely Garcia
A - Z	O-1	Christine Sampankanpanich
iServices	technical support
General Inquiries

VIRTUAL: Zoom Advising

Scholar Advisors are not Designated School Officials (DSOs) and cannot access student records or process I-20 requests. Current and former UC San Diego students should contact an ISEO Student Advisor for assistance with SEVIS records, I-20s, or request updates, as they will be able to access these records. If your I-20 was not issued by UC San Diego, please contact your program sponsor directly for guidance.

Scholar advisors are available to assist with questions related to UC San Diego employment, as well as J-1 Exchange Visitor, E-3, H-1B, TN, and O-1 sponsorship.

Scholar Advisors are available to meet by email or Zoom with faculty and scholars to discuss a variety of topics, including:

Changes, extensions, amendments of status, or transfers to or from UC San Diego
Travel questions
J-1 212(e) and waiver questions
Options beyond a current immigration status, including permanent residency
J-1 insurance requirements
Referrals to UC San Diego and community resources

Scholar Surname/Family/Last Name	Status	Advisor Name
A - E	J-1 and H-1B	Sandra Vargas Tinoco
F - J	J-1 and H-1B	Christine Sampankanpanich
K - T	J-1 and H-1B	Shellyn Beltran
U - Z	J-1 and H-1B	Nallely Garcia
Faculty H-1B cases hired through a national recruitment	H-1B	Sandra Vargas Tinoco
A - Z	E-3, TN and Other Statuses hired by or working at UC San Diego (B1,WB, EAD cards, OPT or STEM OPT from other institutions who are working at UC San Diego, etc.)	Nallely Garcia
A - Z	O-1	Christine Sampankanpanich
iServices	technical support

IN-PERSON: Document Pickup and Drop-Off Services

In-Person Services

To ensure we are able to support scholars across campus and at all UC San Diego locations, Scholar Advisors do not offer regular in-person advising or walk-in services. We encourage you to email ischolars@ucsd.edu or schedule a Zoom appointment with a Scholar Advisor. If you would prefer to meet in person, please email ischolars@ucsd.edu or your assigned advisor, we are happy to work with you to find a time for an in-person appointment.

Pickup and Drop-Off Services

If you need to pick up or drop off documents with ISEO, please schedule a pickup or drop-off appointment in advance. This allows us to prepare your documents for pickup and ensure that someone is available to receive your materials.

STEP 1:Schedule Your Pickup or Drop-Off Appointment
- Schedule via ISEO Scholar Services Pickup and Drop-Off Appointment Scheduler (Calendly)
- Appointments are in 5-minute intervals
- Arrive on time for your reserved slot
- Pickup/drop-off only, no advising available. For questions, contact your ISEO Schoolar Advisor directly

STEP 2: Review the Location
- University Center 409 (Dance Hall Entrance)
- Pickup occurs from University Center 409, the Dance Hall entrance which faces the Visual Arts Facility
- Visit Google Maps or UCSD Maps

STEP 3: What to Expect and What to Bring
- Bring any form of ID (required for document release)
- The appointment is meant for a quick visit focused on pickup/drop-off only, you will be assisted by ISEO student workers as such there is no advising during appointment

How to find 409 Unversity Center (Dance Hall)(video):

PHONE: Emergency Contact

BUSINESS HOURS - EMERGENCY PHONE LINE:

AVAILABLE:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
WHEN TO USE:
- If you have an urgent situation, such as travel issues at the U.S. Port of Entry, or if you or a U.S. government official or law enforcement officer need to speak with an ISEO Advisor.
PHONE NUMBER:
- 858-534-3730

For a true emergency that is related to health or safety, call 911, or the UC San Diego Campus Police at 858-534-4357.

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE LINE:

AVAILABLE:
- After hours and on weekends, university holidays, and during other announced closures.
WHEN TO USE:
- If you have an urgent situation, such as travel issues at the U.S. Port of Entry, and you or a government official or law enforcement officer need to speak with an ISEO Student or Scholar Advisor.
PHONE NUMBER:
- 858-534-4357 (UC San Diego Campus Police)

For a true emergency that is related to health or safety, call 911, or UC San Diego Campus Police at 858-534-4357

PRINTABLE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD

You can download and print this card, or save it as a digital copy .

The Emergency Contact Card can be printed for your wallet and/or kept with your immigration documents. This card has important phone numbers as well as tips on what to do if you are detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or are arrested by police.