December 2024 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Advice For Travelers: Return By January 20
SISS does not anticipate any formal changes to immigration and visa rules before January 20, 2025. However, we recommend international students and scholars take the following precautions to encourage safe travel during the winter break and the month of January. We encourage you to consider completing your travel and returning before January 20.
- Carry all documents needed for re-entry to the U.S., including a valid passport, valid entry visa (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B) and other required documents relating to your status.
- Required documents may include a valid Form I-20 for F-1 students, Form DS-2019 for J-1 students and scholars, and Form I-797 approval notice for H-1B employees.
- For F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars, ensure that you have an unexpired travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 no more than one year old on the date of your return.
- For F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training, ensure that you have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in addition to a valid passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20; your OPT Form I-20 should have a travel signature no more than six months old on the date of your return.
- If applying for a new visa, we recommend doing so before January 20, 2025.
We recommend you carry copies of these documents even if traveling only inside the United States.
For more detailed travel information, consult the Travel Resources section on our website, email SISS at siss@ucdavis.edu or make an appointment with your SISS advisor.
SISS is committed to your academic and career success. We wish you a successful remainder of the fall quarter and a restful winter break and look forward to continuing to help you meet your goals and make the most of your experience at UC Davis.
Plan Ahead: Travel Signature Required for Winter Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this upcoming winter break, please review the travel requirements for both students and scholars. In addition to the other requirements noted on these pages, F-1 students will need a valid travel signature on their I-20 form, and J-1 students and scholars will require a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 form.
If you need a new travel signature, you must make your request in Global. Consult your SISS advisors with any questions about international travel.
Learn more about travel requirements
Office Holiday Closures in December
The SISS office will be closed for business on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 for the Winter Holidays. SISS will close early, and services end around 2 p.m. on December 23 and 30. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.
The office will reopen for business on January 2, 2025. See you in the new year!
Protect Yourself from Scams
Never give your personal information to someone you don't know! Here are some signs that an email, phone call or text may have come from a scammer.
End the conversation if the person:
- Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information, such as part of your
- Social Security number)
- Warns or threatens arrest or legal action
- Demands or requests immediate payment
- Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency or by mailing cash
- Pressures you for your personal information
- Offers you a job you didn't apply for
- Requests secrecy
- Threatens to seize your bank account
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
- Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams
How SISS Shares Updates and News
As SISS becomes aware of updates or changes to important visa and immigration-related matters, we publish the information on our website, here in our monthly newsletters, and, in some cases, send details by email.
We encourage you to visit our website regularly and keep your email and contact information up to date in iGlobal.
While immigration changes are often widely discussed in social media and other websites, we strongly encourage you to rely on us to provide verified information as it becomes available.
Programs and Events
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors (AMHAs) at the International Center
Visit the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors Table at the International Center to have a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie and learn about mental health and well-being resources and evidence-based practices to take care of yourself and others.
- Date and Time: December 4, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Location: International Center Lobby
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) to connect at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join SISS in this welcoming and virtual space.
- Date and time: December 5, 9–10 a.m.
Virtual Meeting for International Students and Scholars
SISS will hold an open Zoom meeting for international students and scholars to have the opportunity to hear the latest updates and get better acquainted with our resources and support for our community members. Registration is required. The meeting will not be recorded.
We anticipate holding similar informational meetings in January to update international students and scholars.
- Date and time: December 6, 12–1 p.m.
Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentee Applications
Incoming international students, apply now to receive a peer mentor! Your mentor can be your go-to resource for information about student life at UC Davis, as well as campus resources and events. Meet other students and make new friends at our social events!
Register for Pal Program this Winter
The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use weekly one-hour sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language, and develop friendships.
- Deadline: January 20
Language and Culture Coaching for Graduate Students
Graduate students can sign up for the Language and Culture Coaching Program to practice their oral communication skills in English in one-on-one or small group settings. Fall quarter registration opens in mid-September.
Opportunities and Announcements
Aggie Eats Food Truck at the International Center
This quarter through December 3, the Aggie Eats food truck will distribute student meals at the International Center. The truck will be stationed in front of the building on Tuesdays. Individual meal distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck runs out of meals.
Call for Applicants: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Internship
The Global Affairs SDG Internship provides an opportunity for UC Davis undergraduate students to actively contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The internship is open to upper-division students in all majors.
- Deadline: December 20
Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry located in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for nonperishables/basic necessities or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry
Sign up for the I-House Newsletter
Looking to engage more with the international community in the city of Davis? Sign up to receive the International House (I-House) newsletter to learn more.
Welcome Dinner for Newly Arrived Visiting Scholars
Community Friends of Scholars is a local organization of volunteers sponsored by International Students, Inc. (ISI), with staff and volunteers from area churches. They hold monthly Welcome Dinners for newly arrived visiting scholars. At the dinners, scholars can sign up for other activities, like Zoom cooking classes and farm tours.
For more information, email Simon Zeigler with ISI at szeigler@isionline.org
