Spring 2021 | Week 5 | Weekly updates for International Students @ UC San Diego
Deadlines, Reminders and Updates
Support for Our Students from India
Our thoughts go out to our students and their families in India as they respond to the health crisis in the country. We also recognize this new development may concern our students who are planning to arrive or return to the U.S. in the future. 
 
On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Consular Mission to India announced significant limitations to visa and other services due to rising COVID rates and for the safety and protection of its consular staff and customers. Although no travel restrictions from India have been announced, we understand that individuals traveling to or otherwise present in India who require a visa should expect significant delays in visa issuance.
 
Here are links to additional campus resources:
  
Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Releases Updated Guidance for 2021-2022 Academic Year
On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released updated guidance on COVID-19 for F-1 and J-1 students which states that they will continue to abide by guidance originally issued in March 2020.
 
In summary, the updated guidance will continue to allow international students in F-1 and J-1 status the flexibility to enroll in fully remote course loads. However, new students entering the U.S. will be required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course. In addition, students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. will be required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course. 
 
The ISPO's COVID-19 Updates for International Students FAQs page is in the process of being updated to help guide you with any questions you may have.  

State Department Expands National Interest Exception Policy to Certain Travelers Subject to Geographic COVID-19 Entry Bans
On April 26, 2021, the State Department updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to expand certain NIE eligibilities to all countries subject to a geographic COVID-19 entry ban. This includes Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area of Europe. 
 
The notice also states that, "Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies." 
 
What does this mean for you? 
ISPO interprets the above guidance as follows; however, we strongly encourage students impacted by this expanded NIE policy to check with their local U.S. consulate or embassy for clarity and guidance on their specific situation: 
 
  • Students with a Fall 2021 start date on their INITIAL I-20 (with a program start date on or after August 1, 2021) and have a valid F-1 visa do not have to seek an individual NIE. As per existing F-1 regulations, you may only enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20. Students who hold an Initial I-20 through a SEVIS Transfer or Change of Degree Level may seek entry to the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their Form I-20.

  • Students with a currently ACTIVE I-20/SEVIS record (who will enroll in coursework on or after August 1, 2021) and have a valid F-1 visa do not have to seek an individual NIE. As per existing F-1 regulations, you may enter the U.S. at any time between now and the start of Fall 2021. NOTE: The guidance does not address students with an ACTIVE I-20/SEVIS record seeking entry to the U.S. to pursue approved post-completion optional practical training (OPT). We urge individuals to check with their local U.S. consulate or embassy for clarity and guidance on their specific situation
 
NOTE: Individuals who are eligible for the NIE but do not have a valid visa will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. ISPO is aware that currently, many of the locations are still closed or experiencing long processing delays. For updated information, visit the State Department's Visa Appointment Wait Time website. 
Continuing Advocacy by University of California and Higher Education Associations

On March 18, 2021, the American Council on Education and more than 40 higher education associations sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Departments of State and Homeland Security to allow for greater flexibility so international students can arrive in the United States as soon as possible.  
  
In addition, the UC Office of Federal Relations, in collaboration with each of the 10 UC campuses, is currently exploring avenues of engagement with the Departments of State and Homeland Security to address ongoing visa and travel restriction concerns. ISPO will provide updates about the status of these advocacy efforts when they become available so that our students can make informed decisions. 
Do You Need an I-20 for Fall 2021?
If you have never entered the U.S. with a UC San Diego I-20 or DS-2019 before but plan to this fall, remember that your I-20/DS-2019 start date needs to reflect UC San Diego's fall quarter start date*! 
 
  • If you are a Fall 2021 admit and have never requested or received a UC San Diego I-20/DS-2019 before: 
  • Request a NEW (Initial) I-20/DS-2019 
  • If you are a Fall 2020, Winter 2021 or Spring 2021 admit and have requested or received a UC San Diego I-20/DS-2019 before, but you need to have your start date adjusted for entry into the U.S. for Fall 2021: 
  • Request an AMENDMENT I-20/DS-2019 
  • If you are returning to UC San Diego from a leave of absence of less than 5 months: 
  • Request an I-20 Reactivation (F-1) or Initial DS-2019 (J-1) 
  • If you are returning to UC San Diego from a leave of absence of more than 5 months: 
  • Request a NEW (Initial) I-20 (F-1) or Initial DS-2019 (J-1)  
 
*If you are enrolling in in-person Summer Session classes or are part of a required early start summer program, your start date may be earlier. Refer to the iPortal application and answer the questions according to your need for an early-start I-20/DS-2019. 
Work Authorization Reminder for J-1 Students

It's important to remember that although J-1 international students are eligible to gain on-the-job learning that supplements knowledge gained in their academic studies while in the U.S., students must first obtain proper authorization (permission) prior to starting any paid work, whether it is on campus or off campus.  

Before starting any type of paid employment/academic training, learn more about what kind of work authorization you need by visiting iWork.ucsd.edu or speaking with an ISPO Advisor.  
Graduating This Term? You May Start Applying for OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1)
Are you in your final quarter or final year of your program at UC San Diego? Graduation is just around the corner, so it's important to plan ahead and understand what options are available to you after you complete your program of study. 

F-1 international students may be eligible to apply for work AFTER graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT). F-1 OPT is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students. It is an opportunity to pursue a 12-month period of work experience in your major field of study.  

Steps for Applying for OPT 
  • OPT Stage 1: Requesting OPT I-20 from ISPO 
  • OPT Stage 2: Compiling and Mailing OPT Application to USCIS 
  • OPT Stage 3: Maintaining F-1 Status while on OPT 
 
For information, watch the OPT Stage 1, 2, and 3 videos. 
 
J-1 international students may be eligible to apply for work AFTER graduation through Academic Training (AT). J-1 AT is a type of employment authorization for J-1 students. It is an opportunity to pursue up to 18 months* of work experience in your major field of study (or 36 months for post-completion PhD students). 
 
Steps for Applying for AT 
  • OPT Stage 1: Secure internship or employment (paid or unpaid) 
  • OPT Stage 2: Request AT DS-2019 from ISPO 
  • OPT Stage 3: Maintain J-1 Status while on AT 
 
For information, review the steps for applying for Academic Training. 
 
*Eligibility for AT duration varies. Visit at.ucsd.edu for more information. 
Dining During Ramadan
For students who observe Ramadan, Housing, Dining and Hospitality (HDH) has provided on-campus dining options that are open before and after fasting hours. Additionally, all HDH market locations will feature Halal items. As a reminder, students can also use the Triton2Go mobile ordering app to order food in advance.

For any questions, please contact HDH at [email protected].


Ramadan Mubarak!
Stay Connected with Fellow Tritons | iPrograms and iEvents
Sign up for these programs happening now!
Stay connected with ISPO and other Tritons by taking a look at our events calendar at iEvents.ucsd.edu
iCafé- Your Passport to Culture: New Zealand
Friday, April 30 | 12 - 1 PM

This Friday we explore New Zealand! Cultural Ambassadors share their experiences of New Zealand. Whet your appetite with the Cook Club presentation and explore sports in the Global Playground segment. Win a prize playing Travel Trivia!

iCafe is free of charge and open to everyone! Additionally, students receive CCR credit for attending!

If you want to be a Cultural Ambassador or share a recipe, email Debi at [email protected].


Let's Talk
Monday, May 3 | 3:30-4:30 PM

The UC San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is pleased to offer “Let’s Talk”, a program designed to provide drop-in consultation services to undergraduate and graduate international students. The one-on-one meetings with Dr. Rina Schul (CAPS/ISPO Liaison) are for international students who are seeking informal support with issues such as stress, adjustment, cross-cultural challenges, motivation, focus, and relationships. Let’s Talk sessions are designed to provide practical strategies, information, and support.
ISPO Chats
Friday, May 7 | 8 AM

Think of ISPO Chats as your monthly office hour with the ISPO Leadership team. ISPO deeply values the student voice and we want to hear from you. What is affecting you as an international student at UC San Diego? What would you like to learn more about? Do you have questions about policy updates, current events, etc.? ISPO Chats is an informal time for you to share about your experience as an international student at UC San Diego as well as questions to ISPO staff. We hope that by hosting these monthly office hours, we can hear your concerns, advocate on your behalf and invest in our international student community.

Triton Trekkers: Nature Photography Hike
Sunday, May 9, 2021 | 5:30- 7:30 PM

Join this group adventure during the golden hour and bring your camera (or your phone)! Explore the nature on campus and try your hand at taking compelling photos in our own backyard. Triton Trekkers is a collaboration between ISPO and Outback Adventures at UCSD.  

ISPO is Hiring!
See Job Posting for Deadline

ISPO is hiring for four student positions for the 2021-22 academic year! We are hiring for a Marketing & Communication/Social Media Student Assistant (Job #4668723), a Video Production Student Assistant (Job#4668650), an ISPO Graduate Student Affairs Intern (Job #4727576) and an International Peer Coach Graduate Assistant (Job #4704280) 

Nonresident Alien Tax and Glacier Tax Prep Live Q&A

Did you know international students need to fill out their taxes even if you didn't work? Luckily there the tax filing deadline has been extended from April 15 to May 17! For more information head to internationaltaxhelp.ucsd.edu 

Log in to Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) and use the access code already provided to you via automated email from the Glacier team in UCSD payroll or from [email protected]. If you have questions, contact [email protected]. 
Regional Meet Ups - Spring 2021

Having a hard time meeting new people? Want to get to know more students from around the world?
This Spring quarter, Join our virtual hangout session for a chance to meet students in all the different regions! You can find out more info on the region meet-up dates and times on ievents.ucsd.edu
Whether you're in the region, from the region or just want to meet people in/from the region. Everyone's welcome to come through! The meet-ups are hosted by the International Peer Coaches.
As we continue to shift our services to accommodate the needs of our students, this schedule may fluctuate and is subject to change. ISPO's most current advising hours can be found at iContact.ucsd.edu.
Virtual Zoom Advising 
ISPO has expanded virtual advising hours to accommodate different time zones. See the exact advising times/hours on our website.
Online Contact Form
Send ISPO an email through our Online Contact Form. These inquiries are directed to specific advisors depending on nature of the request.
International Students & Programs Office | iStudents.ucsd.edu
WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?
You have been identified as an F-1 or J-1 International Student. To ensure you receive important regulatory information to maintain your immigration status while studying at UC San Diego, you have been automatically added to this newsletter to receive updates. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by clicking 'Unsubscribe...." at the bottom of this email block. If you are NOT in F1 or J1 status and believe you have been subscribed in error, please email [email protected].