Resources for International and Immigrant Students and Employees
The University of California is committed to the safety and well-being of our international students, scholars, and employees, as well as our immigrant students and employees.
Compiled by the UC Office of the President (UCOP), working with UC immigration experts and outside legal counsel, this page features the latest resources and guidance — providing our international and immigrant communities vital support and information to help them meet their academic and professional goals.
Note: this information is subject to change, and we will update this page as new content becomes available. If you know of a valuable resource that we have overlooked, please let us know at rklibaner@equity.ucla.edu.
Resources & Guidance
Travel Guidance for International Students, Scholars, and Employees
UCOP provided the following systemwide travel guidance:
The University of California has received questions from community members concerned about potential changes to U.S. immigration and visa processes following the results of the recent election. We want to assure you that the University is monitoring immigration-related developments and will inform you of any that may impact you. At this time, no changes have been announced.
Winter Travel Planning: We do 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 and encourage you to consider completing your travel and returning before January 20.
- Carry all documents needed for re-entry to the US, 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. If you have questions about your specific travel plans, please contact your campus office for international students and scholars at the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars.
As the University of California becomes aware of updates or changes to visa and immigration policies or procedures, we will provide updated guidance.
