SUBJECT:

Updates and Campus Resources for Those Affected by Executive Orders on Immigration

As we continue to actively track immigration policy developments, I write to share the latest updates and to ensure information about campus resources is widely disseminated. My office may be consulted for any outstanding questions, or to receive additional information about resources. The situation remains fluid and we will continue to provide timely updates as new information is made available. We encourage faculty, staff, and students to remain engaged as potential impacts continue to unfold and we appreciate information about any challenges these changes present so that we may provide the highest level of support to community members.

EXECUTIVE ORDER UPDATE:

Recent rulings in the US District Court prohibit implementation of sections of the Executive Order that temporarily bar entry for refugees and individuals without valid visas from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The Department of Homeland Security confirms that implementation of these provisions has been suspended effective immediately pending additional court orders. US embassies and consulates are processing visas for nationals of the six affected countries as before the Executive Order was issued.

Enforcement of other sections of the Executive Order remain in effect, including suspension of the Visa Interview Waiver Program, increased screening and further reviews of US immigration policy.

H-1B VISA CLASSIFICATION UPDATE:

The US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the H-1B Premium Processing Service will be suspended effective April 3, 2017. The suspension may last up to six months. Premium Processing Service guarantees a 15-day turnaround time for visas; the standard processing time (to be expected during the suspension) is approximately 6-8 months.

Our International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO) is working expeditiously to process all submitted H-1B petitions in advance of the April 3 suspension. Regulations require H-1B petitions to be filed no earlier than six months prior to anticipated start date. With the exception of those who currently have an active H-1B status, UC San Diego is not able to employ individuals under H-1B status until a petition approval notice is issued by USCIS. Potentially affected groups include:

New employees who are NOT currently covered by H-1B or F-1 status, and those who are not eligible for J-1 or F-1 classifications.

Current employees whose J-1 status will expire during the suspension period.

Please contact IFSO if you have any questions or would like additional information.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS:

Our International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) serves as the primary campus contact for international students with questions regarding immigration policies and travel restrictions. ISPO launched a web page that provides timely policy updates and answers to FAQ’s that can be accessed at: http://ispo.ucsd.edu/policyupdates.html

ISPO can also provide referrals to immigration attorneys as needed. Information about international legal matters, including contact information and advice for selecting an immigration attorney is available on ISPO’s web page:
http://ispo.ucsd.edu/new-students/living-in-san-diego/legal-matters.html

ISPO advisors are available by appointment or for walk-ins every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. ISPO is located on the first floor of Student Center B (on the corner of Gilman Drive and Mandeville Lane). The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please email istudents@ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-3730.

RESOURCES FOR FACULTY, STAFF, AND SCHOLARS:

Our International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO) serves as the primary campus contact for faculty, staff, and scholars with questions related to immigration policy and travel. IFSO launched a web page with timely policy updates and answers to FAQ’s that can be accessed at:
http://ifso.ucsd.edu/news/index.html. The page has information about subscribing to the IFSO ListServ to receive IFSO news updates via email.

IFSO can also provide referrals to immigration attorneys as needed. Information about legal matters, including contact information and advice for selecting an immigration attorney is available on IFSO’s webpage at:
http://ifso.ucsd.edu/living-in-sd/legal/index.html
IFSO is located in Muir College, McGill Hall (on Muir Lane), Second Floor, Suite 2126. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. IFSO advisors are available by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please email ischolars@ucsd.edu or call (858) 246-1448.

Mentors and Faculty Sponsors should serve as the first points of contact for postdoctoral and visiting scholars with questions about their academic status. Alternatively, questions may be directed to the Office of Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholar Affairs (Jennifer Oh, Director of Academic Research Personnel, email: jmoh@ucsd.edu, phone: 858-534-6632)

Peter F. Cowhey Interim Executive Vice Chancellor