Overview 

We have compiled a list of both federal and California state government websites that should answer questions about visa and immigration status, taxes, and social security.  The legal resources cover immigration, tenant's rights, use of outside counsel and what to do after finishing your time with UC Davis. 

Federal Government Websites

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

• Case Status Inquiries & Processing Times —Check on the status of requests filed with immigration to change to a new status, request a work permit, etc.
• Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization for Those who Qualify
• How Do I Change to Another Nonimmigrant Status?
• How Do I Know What Services Are Available After I File a Petition with USCIS?
• NAFTA Specialty Occupations for TN Visa Status (Canadian and Mexican citizens only)
• Public Charge Fact Sheet - Benefits not subject to public charge consideration
• USCIS National Customer Service Center —Contact information to follow up on an immigration petition or question

U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

• Frequently Asked Questions about the SEVIS Fee (for F's and J's)
• How do I access my I-94 online record for proof of legal entry to the US?
• SEVIS Fees —Link to pay your SEVIS fee
• SEVIS Home Page —Information on the F-1 and J-1 visa statuses
• Students & Exchange Visitors —Information on obtaining a visa

U.S. Department of State

• Automatic Revalidation of Visas for Travel to Canada or Mexico (less than 30 days)
• Foreign Embassies & Consulates in the U.S.
• Information on the J Visa Two Year Home Residence Requirement and Waivers
• Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and I-94 Cards
• Obtaining a U.S. Visa
  • American Institute in Taiwan
  • Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants
  • Visa types
  • Visa Wait Times —Information on how long will it take to get an appointment for a visa
  • Visa Waiver Program —List of countries where visitors to the U.S. do not need a visa
  • Visitor Visas
• U.S. Embassies & Consulates
• Understanding the U.S. Visa
• Understanding Workers Rights – Wilberforce Workforce Agreement
• Visa Bulletin (for Permanent Residency)

Other Federal Government Websites

• Internal Revenue Services – Foreign Students & Scholars —Information on Paying Taxes and Tax Forms in the U.S.
• Social Security Administration - Immigration —Information about Social Security Cards

California State Websites

• State of California Home Page
• California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Certified Legal Specialists for Immigration & Nationality Law

• Davis
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• Walnut Creek
• Other Regions (Choose specialty area Immigration & Nationality Law)

Legal Resources

Know Your Rights

The American Civil Liberties Union has prepared a brochure in several languages to help individuals know their rights.  The following quote from the ACLU helps explain the purpose and scope of their brochure.

"If government agents question you, it is important to understand your rights. You should be careful about what you say when approached by federal, state or local law enforcement officials. If you give answers, they can be used against you in a criminal, immigration, or civil case.

Over the past two years, the FBI, for example, has significantly increased its use of “voluntary” interviews – especially within specific racial, ethnic, and religious communities – often encouraging interviewees to serve as informants in their communities.

The ACLU's Know Your Rights booklet provides effective and useful guidance in a user-friendly question and answer format. The booklet addresses what rights you have when you are stopped, questioned, arrested, or searched by federal, state or local law enforcement officers. This booklet is for citizens and non-citizens with extra information for non-citizens in a separate section. Another section covers what can happen to you at airports and other points of entry into the United States. The last section discusses concerns you may have related to your charitable contributions and religious or political beliefs. The booklet tells you about your basic rights. It is not a substitute for legal advice. You should contact an attorney if you have been arrested or believe that your rights have been violated.

This free booklet is available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi. Booklets in these languages are available for download."

Quote located at ACLU website

Housing & Tenant's Rights/Responsibilities

• Legal Rights and Responsibilities: As a renter you have certain rights and responsibilities, starting with the rental agreement (binding legal agreement between the landlord and renter) and the terms of your Rental Lease.
• Renter's insurance usually covers damage to the items in your apartment, not the structure.  There are many companies which offer renter's insurance. One option available to anyone affiliated with the university is available through the Office of Student Housing.
• City of Davis Fair Housing Services Guide to Common Landlord/Tenant Legal Questions.

Campus & Community Legal Resources

• ASUCD: Legal Advice Service offers 15 minutes of free advice to undergrads can receive 15 minutes of legal advice
• Yolo County Legal Help Resources
• Yolo Conflict Resolution Center

UC Davis Policy Regarding Outside Counsel

Policies regarding University legal representation require departments to consult with SISS when outside counsel is considered for immigration issues.

SISS coordinates with the UC Davis Office of Campus Counsel and the UC Office of General Counsel (OGC), which is responsible for handling all legal matters pertaining to the University, and for representing the University in all legal proceedings (Regents Bylaw 21.2)

OGC has retained law firms specializing in immigration law to provide services in support of SISS's mission to assist international students, scholars and campus departments with visa and immigration issues. These University legal services are available to campus departments (and individuals whom they are sponsoring) only upon prior authorization by SISS. 

It is important to note that many visa and immigration processes require the relevant petitions and applications be initiated by the University as the employer.  Consistent with Regents Bylaw 21.2, only University authorized legal counsel may represent the University in such employment processes.  Further information on University policies regarding employment and immigration sponsorship of non-immigrant workers can be found in the Academic Personnel Manual (APM 530).

Life After UC Davis Workshops

"Life After UC Davis: H-1B Workshop" on May 20, 2015	"Post OPT Visa Options" on April 6, 2016