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

Overview

International students on F-1 visas who have been dismissed 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 SISS must update your SEVIS record to terminated status within a certain timeframe which means that your I-20 is no longer valid and you are out of status.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.

If you are a student on an F-1 visa and have recently been dismissed/suspended or are at risk of being dismissed/suspended, you should review this information to understand your options as an international student.

Option 1 for F-1 students: Depart the United States

Depart the United States before the deadline 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”

Option 2 for F-1 students: Transfer to Another School

Transfer to another SEVIS-approved school before the deadline to stay in the U.S. and continue maintaining F-1 status. Please note that many schools have an application deadline and/or a lengthy application process which may make it challenging to transfer by the deadline. It is important to start researching transfer schools as early as possible. SISS has compiled a list of schools in the area along with relevant application information for your reference.

Transfer-Out Quick Options

Request a SEVIS Transfer through your iGlobal portal by following the instructions below:

  1. From the home page, scroll down and click on “Required Departure”
  2. Select the “Transfer Request” form
  3. Fill out your transfer information and upload a copy of your admission letter
  4. Click “Submit”

SEVIS Transfer Eligibility:

  • Obtain an admission/acceptance letter from another school. The school must be SEVP-certified.
  • You must begin classes at the new school as soon as possible and it must be less than 5 months from the date you were last enrolled at UC Davis.
  • SISS must receive your Transfer Request through iGlobal before the deadline.

Deadline to Transfer or Depart U.S.

The deadline to transfer to another school or depart the U.S. may vary depending on your situation. You must confirm the exact date with your Tier 2 SISS Advisor. Below is general information regarding the deadline based on the type of suspension or dismissal.

Academic Dismissal:

Depending on the calendar, the deadline is generally the 3rd or 4th Friday after the start of the term.

OSSJA Suspension or Dismissal:

The deadline is the Friday after the effective date on your OSSJA dismissal/suspension notice. However, if you are eligible to appeal and plan to do so, your deadline will be extended while the appeal is in process. You must maintain full-time enrollment and notify your Tier 2 SISS Advisor if you plan to appeal.

  • effective immediately = You have until the next Friday
  • effective at the end of the term = You have until the Friday after the term ends
  • effective at the beginning of the next term = You have until the Friday after the term starts

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. Login 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 be 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.

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 of August 15 for Summer Session I or September 30 for Summer Session II. After the I-20 program end date, you have a 60-day grace period. You must receive approval for readmission for your I-20 to be continued, transfer to another school, or depart the U.S. before the end of your 60-day grace period. Please refer to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) regarding the deadline to apply for readmission.

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 or schedule an appointment with your Tier 2 SISS Advisor.