The International Center Building in the late afternoon shade. The trees are turning with the autumn season and some have fallen on the concrete walkway outside the building. A sign above the main entrance reads, "International Center."

Dismissal and Suspension

Understanding Dismissal and Suspension

International students on F-1 visas who have been dismissed/disqualified or suspended from UC Davis are no longer able to maintain F-1 status with their UC Davis Form I-20. SISS must update your SEVIS record to terminated status once your dismissal, disqualification, or suspension has been officially recorded with the Office of the Registrar. Once your I-20 has been terminated, it is no longer valid, and you are out of status. Remaining in the United States while out of status is considered overstay, which could negatively impact your ability to travel to the U.S., obtain a visa, or obtain an immigration benefit in the future.

Transferring to another institution of higher education in Active SEVIS status as a result of dismissl/disqualification or suspension is not an option. If you are a student on an F-1 visa and have recently been dismissed/disqualified or suspended or are at risk of being dismissed/disqualified or suspended, you should review this information to understand your next steps as an international student.

Separating from UC Davis

Depart the United States

Depart the United States before or immediately after your I-20 has been terminated to avoid overstay. Be sure to report your departure in your iGlobal portal by following the instructions below: 

  1. From the home page, scroll down and click on “Required Departure”
  2. Select the “Report Departure” form
  3. Fill out your departure information
  4. Click “Submit”

Academic Dismissal

Depending on the calendar, the Office of the Registrar is notified with the official dismissal/disqualification generally the third or fourth Friday after the start of the term.

Student Conduct and Integrity Suspension or Dismissal

Student Conduct and Integrity suspensions or dismissals may occur at any time during the term. If you are working with the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity, contact your SISS International Student Advisor to develop a departure plan in the event that you are suspended or dismissed.

Appealing Your Dismissal or Suspension

Students in the appeal process for dismissals/disqualifications or suspensions will not have their I-20 terminated until a final decision has been made and is officially recorded by the Office of the Registrar. It is critical to notify your SISS International Student Advisor if you are in the appeal process and to work closely with your SISS International Student Advisor to avoid overstaying your status. Students whose appeal is denied are expected to depart the United States immediately.

Returning to UC Davis

Academically dismissed students and suspended students may be able to return to UC Davis if attending Summer Session or after applying and receiving approval for Readmission. Contact your Dean’s Office Advisor regarding the readmission application process (including eligibility and application deadlines).

To request an I-20 to return to UC Davis, follow the instructions below:

  1. Establish a student relationship with the university
  2. Log in to your iGlobal portal
  3. From the home page, scroll down and click on “Required Departure”
  4. Select the “Return to UC Davis: Request your I-20” form
  5. Fill out all required forms and upload the necessary documents

Initial and Transfer I-20 Information

If you are issued an initial I-20, you will have a different SEVIS number and:

  • You will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date on your new I-20
  • You must enroll for one academic year to be eligible for practical training (CPT and OPT)

The information above does not apply to students who transfer their SEVIS records back to UC Davis. If you are transferring your SEVIS record back to UC Davis, consult with the transfer-out school regarding your SEVIS transfer eligibility and transfer deadline. Transfer students may also be required to submit a program extension request with USCIS.

Summer Session I-20 Information

Most students who plan to attend Summer Session will need to request an I-20 regardless of the status of the readmission application. Your I-20 will be issued with a program end date that matches the Session end date, plus a 30-day grace period.

Students with a Summer Session I-20 must enroll full-time (6 units per session) to maintain F-1 status.

International Academic Advisor/Dean’s Office Advisor

Resources

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding your options as an international student, contact your Tier 2 SISS Advisor.