May 2025 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Terminated SEVIS Records Reactivated
The 23 currently enrolled and recently graduated UC Davis students who had their SEVIS records terminated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month have had their records returned to active status. The federal government has reactivated SEVIS records for international students who were previously terminated nationwide. Read the Latest Update
As additional details become available, we will post updates online. We will do our best to sort through information from trusted resources in a timely manner to provide you with an accurate assessment.
Remember: 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
Alien Registration Requirement
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a regulation requiring certain non-citizens and their dependents to register using a new registration form and process.
In many cases, NO action is needed by international students and scholars at UC Davis because registration happens automatically when you obtain a visa and enter the U.S. in non-immigrant status. Once you arrive, your Form I-94 is considered to be evidence of registration under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) registration requirements. Non-immigrants and their dependents should carry a printed copy of their I-94 with them while in the U.S., as proof of registration.
This new regulation may affect the following people, who would need to register or re-register:
- Canadian visitors who enter the U.S. at a land border crossing, were not issued an I-94, and are staying for more than 30 days.
- The children of a non-citizen who have turned 14 or are turning 14, if they are inside the U.S. at the time of their 14th birthday. The rule requires registration to be completed within 30 days of the date of entry or their 14th birthday.
Read a full description of the registration requirements from USCIS
The USCIS website linked above includes additional information, including a list of non-citizens who are considered already registered and procedures for completing the registration requirement. If you have any concerns or questions about whether this requirement applies to you or your dependents, we encourage you to contact an immigration attorney for additional guidance to make an informed decision.
Keep Your Updated Address on File with SISS
If you are a student and scholar with an F-1 or J-1 status, you must keep your local address up to date with SISS. Updating your address in UCPath does not automatically update your information with SISS. Visit iGlobal to provide the current local address where you are living. This address cannot be a campus department or PO Box. Visit iGlobal to confirm your local address.
Non-immigrants in other statuses (e.g., H-1B, TN, etc.) must update their U.S. residential addresses with USCIS within 10 days of moving using USCIS Form AR-11. For more information, go to the USCIS AR-11 web page.
SISS Closed for Memorial Day
The SISS office will be closed for business on May 26 for Memorial Day. SISS is expected to close early, ending services around 2 p.m. on May 23. Please plan ahead to avoid delays. The office will reopen on May 27.
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Programs and Events
Thursdays with Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors will be tabling at the International Center every Thursday in May to connect with international students and scholars during stressful times. Come by and chat with a fellow Aggie and learn about evidence-based practices and resources to support your well-being!
- Date and time: Thursdays in May, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: International Center, Lobby
Learn more about the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors
SISS Immigration and Travel Information Session
SISS will hold a Zoom webinar for UC Davis international students, scholars and interested UC Davis community members to provide current immigration updates and travel guidance. Registration is required. The session will not be recorded, but slides will be available to any UC Davis community member who registers for the session.
- Date and time: May 14, 4 p.m.
Remember and Reflect: Join the 2nd Annual Remembrance Ceremony
Join us as we honor and remember community members who have passed over the last year. Following the ceremony, participate in a meaningful ribbon activity and take a self-guided journey along the Davis Reflection Route (it’s #7 on the list) to continue remembering in a personal and reflective setting.
- Date and time: May 19, 12–12:30 p.m.
- Location: Reflection Loop, #7
Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Spring Event: Float into Summer
Come hang out with your global community and enjoy ice cream and snacks. We will have “cool” music and a relaxing vibe to help you head into your weekend. Open to all undergraduate students. Email globallearning@ucdavis.edu with questions.
- Date and time: May 23, 3:30–5 p.m.
- Location: International Center, Room 3119
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: June 5, 9–10 a.m.
Global Aggies Graduation Celebration
Are you a graduating international student this year? If so, check your inbox for your invitation to join us as Global Affairs celebrates our graduating international student community. This is an open event where graduating Global Aggies are welcome to drop by at any time to take photos and decorate their graduation caps. It's time to celebrate your global learning achievements!
- Date and time: June 5, 2–5 p.m.
- Location: International Center, Lobby
Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series
This series is open to graduate students and postdocs. Participants can register for workshops emphasizing skill development in DEI or intercultural teaching and learning for success in intercultural work environments. Workshops can be combined toward a certificate from Global Affairs.
Opportunities and Announcements
Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobal
GoinGlobal provides career and employment resources for 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.
UC Davis Health Equity Fund
The UC Davis Health Equity Fund is available to help reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to accessing physical or mental healthcare or to students who have a significant privacy concern as a dependent (e.g., 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 was established to help 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.
Attention Incoming Aggies: Summer Start Gives Undergrads a Chance to Get Ahead
Summer Start is a six-week academic and cultural program for incoming first-year international students. Participants can access courses that prepare them to get ahead on their degrees and adjust to life at UC Davis.
- Deadline: May 30
Watch the recorded information session
Identifying Scams and Protecting Your Money
Scammers continue to evolve their tactics in the hopes that they can trick 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 information 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
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.
SISS Spotlight
A Mandela Washington Fellow's Path to Becoming UC Davis Grad Student
Roy Akumu, a 2023-24 Alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, took a unique path to selecting a graduate school. Originally from Kenya, he is once again at UC Davis, this time as a student pursuing his master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering.