Current Students
> Student Visa Advisory (March 2003)
UCSD International Student Visa Advisory
Visa Advisory is a UCSD International Center electronic monthly publication to advise and update
UCSD academic departments and international students and scholars of regulatory actions affecting their legal stay
in the U.S.
In this Issue (Student edition)
- Notes from ISSO
- Emergency Preparedness for the International Community at UCSD
- Travel and Re-entry
- INS R.I.P., New Department of Homeland Security
- Are you a new student to UCSD spring quarter 2003?
- campus employment workshops
- Social Security Office is Moving
- Also at the International Center
Notes from the International Student and Scholar Office Staff
We are mindful that some of you may have special concerns related to the conflict in Iraq and
its repercussions. Please be in touch with us at ISSO if you would like us to assist you with a concern related
to the war on Iraq. Many students have inquired about international travel in the present circumstances.
Please read carefully the Travel & Re-entry
section in this issue.
All of us are probably especially anxious for accurate information and insightful views about the conflict and
its repercussions. There are many good and varied sources of information. Here are a few internet resources that you may find helpful:
In the Middle East
In North America and Europe
Again, please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance in any way in these difficult
times. Although one of ISSO's primary focuses is obtaining and maintaining legal status in the U.S. for
non-immigrants, we are also available to discuss and counsel on personal matters such as adjustment and
cross-cultural communication, life change and choice issues, natural disasters etc.
Emergency Preparedness for the International Community at UCSD
Please be aware of the following campus emergency response procedures and safety information. You
may want to provide loved ones at home the UCSD emergency status phone number and website
information below:
UCSD Emergency Response Guide
For emergency procedures and information regarding what to do in the event of an earthquake, fire, radiation, chemical or biological spill, exposure to blood and bodily fluids, personal injury and utility failure or
bomb threat, you can access the Emergency Guide for standard response procedures for UCSD.
Emergency Guide
Campus Emergency Status
In the event of a major disaster affecting the campus, call this number for a recorded message that reports on the status of UCSD, campus closings and interruption of class/work schedules:
1.888.308.8273
This information is also available on the UCSD website: Emergency Status
Important Phone Numbers
We strongly advise you to keep the following important phone numbers on hand:
It may be a good idea to register with your home country diplomatic post in the U.S. Find that information
at: www.state.gov/misc/10125.htm
SEVIS/Travel & Re-entry
If your visa stamp has expired
Given the current global environment, the ISSO staff does not recommend international
travel for UCSD non-immigrants who would need to apply for a re-entry visa to return to the U.S. Unless travel is absolutely imperative, we urge you to refrain for travel outside the U.S. until further notice.
NOTE-If you plan to travel and you are in F or J status, you must be issued a new SEVIS generated Form I-20 or DS-2019. Please visit
our website to download and complete the appropriate forms: http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/icenter/isso/index.html
If you have a valid visa
Travel with caution and check the latest information on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel
Advisory website: Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and Public
Announcements & List of Current Warnings and
Announcements . Although designed as a warning for the U.S. American traveler, it offers important travel information for many others.
INS R.I.P., New Department of Homeland Security
On March 1, 2003, INS transitioned to the new Department of Homeland Security in the division of Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). For more information about the transition, visit the BCIS
home page at:
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm
Are you a new student to UCSD spring quarter 2003?
If so, plan to attend the mandatory Immigration Session and Orientation on Thursday, April 3rd at the International Center:
New EAP/Reciprocity students - Orientation is 1-1:45
pm;
New undergraduate and graduate students - Orientation is 2-3 pm.
Maintaining lawful immigration status is the responsibility of each student. The ISSO staff are here to
provide you with assistance and information to remain in the U.S. legally and to maximize your U.S. study
experience. Help us help you! Please attend this mandatory meeting.
Off Campus Employment Workshops
Do you have questions about working off-campus? The next OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING for F-1 students workshop is Monday, April 7th, 3:00 pm at the International
Center.
Prepare for the workshop by reading the application instructions and printing the required forms found at F-1 Practical Training . Plan to attend a workshop after thoroughly reading the instructions.
Workshops in April & May will be held at the Center on the following dates:
April 7, 15, 21, 29 and May 5, 13, 19, 27.
SEVIS
All current international students at UCSD will be issued a new SEVIS I-20 before the end of the 2002-03 academic year.
ISSO staff will be contacting you in the weeks ahead, via your UCSD email account to give you information
on transitioning to the new SEVIS generated I-20 or DS-2019 form. A timely response is required!
The Pacific Beach Social Security Office changes location!
The Pacific Beach Social Security Office is closing effective Monday, April 21st, 2003. Friday, April 18th will
be the last day the office will be open to the public. Your new Social Security office will be based on the zip
code of your mailing address:
If your zip code is 92106, 92107, 92109, 92110, 92137, 92166, 92167, 92169, 92192, 92092, 92093,
92147, 92152, 92191 or 92161 your new Social Security Office be downtown at:
Social Security Office
1333 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619 557 5257 or 1 800 772 1213
If your zip code is (92037, 92038, 92039, 92121, or 92122 your new Social Security Office is in Linda Vista at:
Social Security Office
7691 Dagget Street
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel: 1 858 278 1099 or 1 800 772 1213
Also at the International Center
Armchair Travelers April 15, 2003 at 7:00 for Desert and 7:30 p.m. for
"Pearl of the Antilles"
Jeff Isaacs, your tour guide to Cuba, initially traveled to the island as a journalist and attorney
to conduct interviews and research on the controversial Elian Gonzalez case. He was so taken with
the island and its people that he has returned several times more. Get a snapshot of Castro's Cuba
and Jeff's take on its future.
Student Visa Advisory, February 2003
Student Visa Advisory, January 2003
