Navigating UC San Diego as an International Student: A Guide to ISEO Services
The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) is a global hub, welcoming students and scholars from around the world. The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) plays a crucial role in supporting this diverse community. ISEO provides services and engagement opportunities for international faculty, scholars, students, and their families. This article delves into the various services and resources offered by ISEO to help international students navigate their academic journey at UC San Diego.
ISEO's Mission and Commitment
The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) is committed to being a resource for accurate and timely information. ISEO monitors developments in immigration policies and prepares for any potential impacts on the international community. UC San Diego values its international students, scholars, and their families, recognizing their contributions to the campus and prioritizing their success and well-being.
Who ISEO Serves
ISEO has two advising teams: Student Services and Scholar Services.
- Students: The 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. In other words, a "STUDENT" is defined as someone admitted to UC San Diego, currently enrolled, or was enrolled in coursework (alumni).
- Scholars: The 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. A "SCHOLAR" is NOT enrolled in coursework at UC San Diego, and has only a Teaching or Research assignment.
Key Services and Resources Provided by ISEO
ISEO offers a wide array of services, including:
Immigration advising: ISEO’s Student Services advising team advises international students who are in F-1/J-1 status and are enrolled in courses at UC San Diego or authorized for post-graduation employment. ISEO’s Scholar Services advising team advises faculty and scholars who are teaching or conducting research at UC San Diego.
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Visa support: Fall admit international students can generally begin requesting their Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa) documents from ISEO in early March. ISEO verifies program start information from every program across campus in order to issue newly admitted international students their immigration documents. Departments that require their students to attend mandatory, in-person activities prior to the end of Summer Session II may be eligible to have their international students issued a “Summer Start” Form I-20 or DS-2019, which will allow students to enter the US in time for their program’s summer start.
If the program meets the below requirements of enrollment in Summer Session, ISEO can issue the Form I-20/DS-2019 with the requested summer session start date. When Summer Session I is the starting term: Student must be enrolled full-time for both Summer Session I and Summer Session II.
Webinars and Town Halls: On October 23, 2025, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and the Divison of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) will hold a webinar for current international graduate and professional students. The purpose of the webinar is to express support and share the latest updates. On June 26 and July 16, 2025, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and the Divison of Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) held town halls for new international graduate students to share updates regarding visas, residency and employment eligibility, and enrollment options. On June 26 and July 29, 2025, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and Enrollment Management held town halls for new international undergraduate students regarding visas and enrollment options.
Guidance on Employment: On-campus employment is a great way for international students to begin their UC San Diego journey. ISEO provides information on immigration and employment options available to international students and scholars. Topics include H-1B CAP and CAP-exempt categories, F-1 OPT and STEM OPT, National Interest Waiver (NIW), EB-1, and an overview of personal permanent residency pathways.
Global Engagement Opportunities: The Globally Engaged Tritons Co-Curricular Opportunity (GET CCR) enables all UC San Diego students to earn credit on their Co-Curricular Record for being involved in events on campus that promote the global engagement and internationalization of the university. Lincoln Mehndiratta, a chemistry Ph.D. student, has been attending International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) events for the past few years at UC San Diego and was very excited to find out that he could participate in ISEO events and get CCR credit even as a graduate student.
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Information on Travel: ISEO urges students, scholars, and their families to consider international travel plans very carefully.
Navigating Visa Issues and Administrative Processing
International students applying for F-1 or J-1 visas may be asked to submit additional supporting documentation from their academic department at UC San Diego as part of the review process. ISEO appreciates assistance in supporting international students so that they can begin their programs of study successfully at UC San Diego.
Administrative processing/visa refusal means that the student's visa application is under review. Administrative processing will eventually result in a decision to either approve or deny the visa. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. It may take anywhere from several weeks to several months for the consulate to complete their review of the student's visa application. When ISEO becomes aware of students that are undergoing Administrative Processing, they will make sure departments are aware of the visa delay.
Important Information Regarding Visa Interview Waivers
The Department of State temporarily eased interview requirements to reduce consular backlogs and promote safe travel. Starting September 2, 2025, interview waivers will only be granted in limited circumstances. Most individuals applying for or renewing their visas - including F-1, J-1, H-1B, E-3, O-1 and their dependents - will be required to attend an in-person interview, regardless of prior visa history. consular posts are experiencing increased demand. Please note that consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
Impact of Government Actions and Policies
ISEO understands the potential impact that Executive Orders and government updates may have on the international community at UC San Diego. ISEO has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource that students and scholars are encouraged to consult. If you have specific questions or concerns related to your status, please consult with an ISEO international student or scholar advisor.
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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. 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, they are not informed of the reason for termination specific to each individual case. ISEO is actively reviewing SEVIS records to identify these terminations and are reaching out directly to impacted individuals.
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation limiting the entry of prospective H-1B specialty occupation workers into the United States. Under this order, the Department of Homeland Security will not approve H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, unless the petition includes a supplemental $100,000 fee. The proclamation notes that in the future there will be possible exemptions, but as of now, there are no known exemptions. This includes no known exemption for cap-exempt institutions, like universities and nonprofit organizations. Consular officers (during visa appointments) and CBP officers (at ports of entry) have broad discretion in determining who may be re-admitted to the United States. ISEO will continue to process and submit H-1B requests to USCIS.
Important Reminders and Updates
Social Media: Under the new guidance, all F, M, and J visa applicants will be required to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” as part of a comprehensive vetting process. The Department of State now requires consular officers to review each applicant’s social media presence before approving a visa. Applicants must ensure that all social media accounts listed on the DS-160 form are set to public. Review your entire online presence for accuracy and consistency.
SSN Applications: 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.
H-1B Petitions: 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. UC San Diego cannot advise you on whether to attend or not attend the biometrics appointment. It is strongly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to determine how best to proceed. At this time, biometrics RFEs are not being issued for H-1B petitions that have already been approved.
Scams: Scammers often pose as government or immigration officials. If you receive 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. Never share financial or personal data.
Accessing ISEO Services
Virtual Advising Appointments: For complex visa-related questions, students can book a 20-minute Virtual Advising Appointment with an International Student Advisor at ISEO. New appointments become available one week in advance.
In-Person Advising: International students need to register at the Front Desk for 10 minute in-person advising slots during scheduled hours.
Front Desk: For students on-site needing in-person services such as registering for Walk-Ups during scheduled hours or document pick-up or drop-off, ISEO's Front Desk is open. Advising services are not offered at the Front Desk.
Location: To visit the office, please see ISEO's Physical Location & Address.
Arrival and Cancellations: ISEO has limited availability for appointments each week. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, your appointment will be cancelled. Provide as much detail when you book an appointment. Students who book appointments to follow up on their iServices Request (status or to request expedite), have questions that are not visa-advising related, or have questions that are better directed to a different unit on campus may have their appointments cancelled.
Additional Resources
- iNewStudent: Visit iNewStudent.ucsd.edu for instructions to log-in and access iServices, ISEO's Document Request System.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): For student mental health support, including therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services.
- Emergency Contact Card: The Emergency Contact Card can be printed for your wallet and/or kept with your immigration documents.
- Transportation: Several mass transit routes serve the campus and surrounding area.
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