Information About the Federal Government Shutdown
On October 1, a federal government shutdown took effect. Except for the Department of Labor (please see below), we expect government agencies involved in visa/immigration processes to continue operating.
- Department of Labor (DOL) is halting processing and submission of Labor Condition Applications (LCA) in their database, which impacts some H-1B and E-3 petition filings. A certified LCA is required with petition submission to USCIS and there can be potential delays for cases where an LCA was not submitted to DOL before the shutdown.
- Also impacted could be PERM Labor Certifications applications that support certain permanent residency petitions.
- We anticipate upcoming DOL guidance about flexibility for employers with filing deadlines.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) remains operational as it is fee-funded.
- U.S. Department of State (DOS) - Embassy Visa and 212(e) Waiver Processing: visa processing at embassies and two-year home residence 212(e) waiver processing continues as DOS is fee-funded.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains operational as border protection is deemed essential.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please contact sissscholar@ucdavis.edu with any questions or concerns specific to your case.
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Updates on Presidential Proclamation, Restriction on Entry for H-1B Visa Holders
Based on a presidential proclamation made September 19, 2025, the entry of H-1B workers into the U.S. as of September 21 is subject to a $100,000 supplemental government fee or a national interest exemption to enter the country.
According to guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this only applies to H-1B petitions filed with USCIS after 12:01 AM ET on September 21, 2025, the effective date of the proclamation, and does not apply to H-1B petitions filed with USCIS prior to the effective date of the proclamation, the beneficiary of a currently approved H-1B petition, or an individual with a valid H-1B visa.
The U.S. Department of State also issued a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
If you are a current or former UC Davis student with an approved or pending H-1B, please contact your employer for specific information regarding how the proclamation may impact you.
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Longer-Than-Normal Email Wait Times
SISS advisors are receiving a significantly higher volume of emails than usual. We want to get back to everyone, but please be aware that it is taking us longer than normal to respond, typically between three and five business days. We appreciate your patience.
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Getting Settled at UC Davis
Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you to connect with campus and build your community of support. SISS offers guidance and information about housing, settling in Davis and Sacramento, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping, and more.
Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook
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Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
If you are a student and scholar with an F-1 or J-1 status, you must keep your local address up to date with SISS. Updating your address in UCPath does not automatically update your information with SISS. Visit iGlobal to provide the current local address where you are living. This address cannot be a campus department or PO Box.
Visit iGlobal to confirm your local address
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Beware of Job Scams
Reports of fake job scams have increased with the return of the academic year. These scams often involve emails that seem to be from a UC Davis faculty member offering remote work jobs that do not actually exist.
If you get an email about a job you did not apply for, be cautious; it could be a scam. Do not respond, click on any links or open attachments from the email.
Learn more about how to identify a job scam
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Tell Us How You Get Your News
SISS wants to know how international students and scholars get news and information about visa and immigration issues in the U.S. If you are an international student or scholar, please take our short survey. Participants can enter for a chance to win $25 Amazon gift cards.
Take the survey by November 7
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Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) to connect at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join SISS in this welcoming and virtual space.
Date and time: October 2, 9–10 a.m.
Register for this event
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Get Matched with a Global Ambassador Peer Mentor
Incoming international undergrads, are you ready for UC Davis? Apply now for a Global Ambassador mentor. Get matched with a peer mentor and ask about classes, campus clubs, cultural adjustment, and U.S. student life. Make a friend before you arrive and join our fun social events!
Deadline: October 3
Learn more and apply to get mentorship
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Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the International Center
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors (AMHAs) are excited to resume tabling at the International Center. Interested in learning about mental health and well-being resources, evidence-based practices to take care of yourself and others, or are you looking for a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie? Stop by the AMHA table!
Dates and times: October 6 and 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: International Center, Lobby
Learn more about the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors
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Pal Program Accepting Registrations for Fall Quarter
The Pal Program pairs up international and domestic undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to enhance their intercultural awareness, learn about a target language, and develop friendships. Add new skills to your resume, contribute to a welcoming UC Davis campus community and make new friends. Fall quarter registration is open now.
Deadline: October 13
Learn more, including how you can earn credit toward graduation
Register for the Pal Program
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Global Ambassador Mentor Program-Pal Program Halloween Social
Undergraduate students, join the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and Pal Program for a ghostly Halloween social! Enjoy free food and candy, pumpkin painting, and costume contest – with gift card prizes. Connect with students from around the world. Bring a friend – everyone is welcome! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Date and time: October 29, 5–7 p.m.
Location: International Center, Lobby
Register for the event
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Fall Internship and Career Fairs
The UC Davis Career Center has several virtual and in-person fairs planned for this fall, from August to October.
Learn more and find dates and times
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Shields Library International Open House
All are welcome at this open house event co-hosted by the UC Davis Library and Global Affairs. Find out how the library can support you, no matter where in the world you’re from.
Enjoy free food from 3 until 5 p.m., and take a 20-minute tour of Shields Library in English, Mandarin, and Spanish; meet librarians who can support you throughout your UC Davis journey; and browse books, including fiction and poetry, in more than a dozen languages. A resource table will also be open all day, starting at 10 a.m.
Date and time: November 19, 3–5 p.m.
Location: Shields Library
More information about this event
| | Opportunities and Announcements | |
Graduate Student Travel Awards
Graduate Studies is now accepting applications for graduate student travel to meetings of nationally and internationally recognized professional societies to be held between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Deadline: October 15
Review the full eligibility criteria and apply
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Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobal
GoinGlobal provides career and employment resources for more than 120 worldwide locations. Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID to access career guides, global job and internship search database by country, and an employer directory.
Learn more and log in
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Getting Involved with a Student Organization
Students are encouraged to connect and engage with student organizations on campus. UC Davis has many options to get involved and make friends. Find a student organization through the Center for Student Involvement. Search by interest or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more.
Visit the Center for Student Involvement
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Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry located in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for nonperishables/basic necessities or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry
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UC Davis Health Equity Fund
The UC Davis Health Equity Fund is available to help reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to accessing physical or mental healthcare or to students who have a significant privacy concern as a dependent (e.g., sexual health services).
Supplemental Funds: Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund
Experiencing a medical emergency is stressful enough, but it can feel even more overwhelming when you're far from home or without transportation. To support students during such critical moments, the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund was established to help cover the cost of ambulance services, ensuring that financial concerns do not limit access to urgent medical care.
Learn more about the Health Equity Fund
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WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages
UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages via text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situations.
Learn more and ensure your contact information is up to date
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Universitas 21 (U21) Sustainable Micro-Internships
Collaborate with students from around the world to provide a solution to a challenge for an organization advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a free, virtual two-week program with multiple dates between November and February. Applications open in early October.
Deadline: November 13
Learn more and apply for this opportunity
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