Fall 2020 | Week 7 | Weekly updates for International Students @ UC San Diego
Guidance for Planning Your Arrival
to UC San Diego in Winter 2021 Term
Dear International Triton,
 
As you and your family continue to make plans for arrival in the United States to start the Winter 2021 term, ISPO acknowledges the difficulties in making decisions with the uncertainties that lie ahead. Here are factors to consider when planning your arrival to UC San Diego: 
#1: Visa
Do you have a valid F-1 or J-1 Student Visa? If not, do you have a visa interview appointment scheduled in time to arrive by the start of Winter 2021 term?
 
Many U.S. embassies and consulates have suspended routine visa services due to continued health and safety concerns. If you still intend to schedule a visa interview at an embassy/consulate with suspended or limited services, you may be eligible for an emergency appointment. Visit https://Travel.state.gov to learn more. You can also review the expected Visa Appointment Wait Times to assist with advanced planning.
#2: Travel Restrictions
Are there travel restrictions or bans in place for travelers from your home country?

Review the Travel Advisories for your intended destination (including stop-overs and final destinations). Current U.S. COVID-related and employment-related travel restrictions are still in effect for individuals from certain countries.
#3: Flight Availability
Are you able to book a flight to your final destination so you can arrive by the start of the Winter 2021 term?

Check with your local airline carrier for flight availability. Some airlines may have limited flight availability or may change their schedule with little notice. The International Air Transportation Association maintains a travel page for each country and provides information on passenger requirements.
#4 Housing Availability
Do you have housing accommodations for Winter 2021?

Prior to arrival to the U.S., ensure that you have finalized housing accommodations. The Undergraduate Housing Waitlist for Winter 2021 is now available until November 30. Grad and Family Housing Waitlist for Winter 2021 is also available. Placement is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may also look for Off-Campus Housing or Short-Temporary Housing options as well.
#5: Quarantine or Sequestration Requirements
Are you able to adhere to campus requirements or travel guidelines to self-isolate upon arrival?
 
At this time, students arriving to campus are not required to quarantine. However, individuals coming from out-of-state and international locations will be required to sequester and conduct additional testing. UC San Diego updated campus requirements and recommendations to include masking for campus residents and visitors as well as sequestration following unmasked off-campus activity. Campus requirements are subject to change in response to any updated State of California and San Diego County of Public Health recommendations. Visit the Housing website for additional information.
#6: UC San Diego's Operational Plan for Winter 2021
What is UC San Diego's operational plan for Winter 2021?
 
In the Winter 2021 quarter, UC San Diego's current operational plan includes in-person, remote, and hybrid modalities of instruction. The campus continues to prioritize the health and safety of our Triton community. In the event that UC San Diego, in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, transitions to offer all remote courses, this may impact a student's ability to enroll or seek entry into the United States. Continue to monitor the Return to Learn site for the latest updates.
#7: Course Enrollment Requirements
Do you have in-person or hybrid course requirements for Winter 2021?

The latest Student & Exchange Visitor Program Guidance released on August 7, 2020, only outlined procedures for the current Fall 2020. Guidance for Winter 2021 is still pending and may result in changes to the requirements for international students to seek entry and study in the U.S. In the absence of guidance, ISPO continues to issue immigration documents such as Form I-20 or DS-2019 to facilitate visa applications and travel to the U.S. We also continue to advise students that they may encounter difficulty seeking entry into the U.S. if they are enrolled in a fully remote course load for Winter 2021. Review the Winter 2021 Schedule of Classes FAQ or contact your academic advisors via the Virtual Advising Center if you have questions about your admission or enrollment.
#8 Valid I-20 or DS-2019 Document
Do you have a Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a Winter 2021 Program Start Date (January 4, 2021)?
 
Students planning to arrive in Winter 2021 must have a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a January 4, 2021 start date. Check your document now. If you do not have the appropriate I-20 or DS-2019, please request your document via iPortal immediately. If you need an adjusted start date on your I-20 or DS-2019, please login to iPortal immediately to submit a NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint RequestOur office will be closed from December 24, 2020 to January 3, 2021 so contact us as soon as possible.
ISPO is committed to supporting students whether they are taking classes remotely or are physically at UC San Diego during the Winter term. Due to the risks associated with entry, along with the uncertainties ahead, we strongly encourage you to consult with your family, advisors, and others in making the important decision of traveling to the United States. We will share new information as it becomes available so you and your family can make informed decisions.

ISPO's most current advising hours can be found at iContact.ucsd.edu. 
Virtual Zoom Walk-in Advising 
ISPO has expanded virtual advising hours to accommodate different time zones for the fall quarter. 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.
Download the Official UC San Diego Mobile App!
GET THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM ISPO AND UC SAN DIEGO ON THE APP! ISPO Alerts--a new tool for receiving important updates for international students--will be available later this Fall term so don't miss out!  Available for iPhone and Android. Visit mobile.ucsd.edu for more information on how to download the app.
WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER? All international students studying at UC San Diego are automatically subscribed to the iStudents Newsletter to ensure they receive proper immigration updates from our office. The information sent in this Newsletter is available on ISPO's website, iStudents.ucsd.edu, or may direct students to other external resources. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by emailing istudents@ucsd.edu. Note, all international students at UC San Diego are responsible for staying up to date with immigration regulations that may affect them. To learn more, visit our website at iStudents.ucsd.edu