Information and Updates

Summer Travel Guidance

International students and scholars are advised to carefully consider travel plans due to the unpredictability of the international travel environment, including entry restrictions and other possible changes to U.S. government policies and regulations.

If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder who needs a new visa to return to the U.S. after your summer travel outside the U.S., consider the availability of visa appointments to ensure your return. Visa appointment availability may be limited and will vary by consulate.

Also, please be aware that the U.S. State Department recently announced new heightened social media vetting for new visa applications.

If traveling internationally, consider your travel risks to make an informed decision. All of your documents must be valid for re-entry to the U.S.

If you have any questions, please email SISS at siss@ucdavis.edu or talk to your SISS advisor.

Click for more information about travel

Federal Government Updates for International Students and Scholars

As we become aware of updates or changes to important visa and immigration-related matters, we will publish the information on our website.

While immigration changes are often widely discussed on social media and other websites, we strongly encourage you to rely on us to provide verified information as it becomes available.

University of California Guidance

With numerous, quickly evolving federal policy shifts underway, the University of California is working diligently to monitor these developments and seek clarity on a range of issues.

Visit the UC Federal Updates webpage

Getting Settled at UC Davis

As fall quarter approaches, you are probably preparing for the upcoming academic year. Whether you are a new or current student or scholar, we encourage you to connect with campus and build your community of support. SISS offers guidance and information about housing, settling in Davis and Sacramento, campus activities and clubs, transportation, nearby shopping, and more.

Browse the International Student and Scholar Handbook

SISS Closed for Independence Day

The SISS office will be closed for business on July 4 in observance of Independence Day, reopening on July 7. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on July 3. Please plan ahead to avoid delays.

Follow us on Instagram

Follow the Global Affairs Instagram account for programs, events, updates and more.

Find Global Affairs on Instagram

WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages

UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages by text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situations.

Learn more and confirm your contact information

Programs and Events

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: July 3, 9–10 a.m.

Register

Get Matched with Global Ambassador Peer Mentor

Incoming undergraduate international students can apply for a peer mentor through the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and join a global community. Your peer mentor can connect you with student life at UC Davis before you arrive and invite you to our social events!

Learn more and apply

Opportunities and Announcements

Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal offers career and employment resources in more than 120 worldwide locations. Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID to access the H1B Plus portal, career guides, global job and internship search database by country, and an employer directory.

Learn more and log in

UC Davis Health Equity Fund

The UC Davis Health Equity Fund helps reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to physical or mental healthcare or to students with privacy concerns as a dependent (e.g., related to sexual health services).

Supplemental Funds

• Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund: Experiencing a medical emergency is stressful enough, but it can feel even more overwhelming when you're far from home, or without transportation. To support students during such critical moments, the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund helps cover the cost of ambulance services, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of urgent medical care.
• UC Emergency Mental Health Grant for Students Impacted by the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Students can request an emergency mental health grant to cover off-campus counseling costs related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel.

Learn more

Identifying Scams and Protecting Your Money

Scammers continue to evolve their tactics in the hope of tricking you. Stay alert and never give your personal information to someone you don't know. If you receive an email, phone call, text or social media message, look for some of these behaviors, which could signal that you are dealing with a scammer:

• Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information)
• 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 and threatens consequences if you inform your school or local police
• Threatens to seize your bank account
• Threatens to arrest family members or other relatives
• Promises to increase your Social Security benefits
• Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official

Scams can come from people posing as school staff, faculty, employers, U.S. government officials, and even officials from other countries. Trust your instincts and reach out to SISS or UC Davis Police if you are contacted from unverified sources or are subjected to threats, harassment or demands for money that seem unusual and suspicious.

Learn more about protecting yourself from scams

Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries

The ASUCD Pantry 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

Join Club-I

Club-I is a group for internationals and locals in Davis. The group meets, makes friends, finds people to travel with and has fun with various social activities. Club-I meets once a week, usually on Friday evenings, for group dinners and other events.

Learn more by emailing club-i@internationalhousedavis.org

Join the Facebook Group

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.