WEEKLY UPDATE – Dec. 8

Starting Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, through Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, ISSS hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, the ISSS office will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, to Thursday, Jan. 1, for winter break.

The submission deadline for requests in MyISSS to be processed before winter break is Friday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. If you submit your request after Dec. 12, it is not guaranteed that your request will be processed before the break. If you have an immigration status-related emergency when the ISSS office is closed, please call Public Safety at (415) 422-4201. As always, please email our office with any questions or concerns. We wish you a restful winter break! 

During the 2025–26 academic year, Student Housing will be offering winter break and intersession housing. Student Housing will offer a housing option for students who would like to stay in their assigned residence hall room during the time period when the University of San Francisco is closed in observance of the winter holidays. See below for the housing dates.

While the deadline to apply for winter break and/or intersession housing has passed, late applications are still considered on a rolling basis. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit the Winter Break Housing web page »

Before planning any international travel this winter break, ISSS encourages all travelers to take precaution and assess their individual risks. Students should review the international student support page's FAQ section on travel considerations, documents required for visa renewal and travel, and travel restrictions. If you have questions about your individual situation or international travel plans, please email or schedule an appointment with your ISSS adviser.

For students who are traveling within the country via plane, you will need to bring your REAL ID or passport with you. Students should also keep a printout of their I-20, I-94, and EAD (if currently on OPT) as proof of registration. The law requires non-U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older to carry evidence of being registered in the U.S. immigration system at all times. More information on travel can be found on the ISSS Travel and Reentry into the U.S. web page.

Missed the 2025 Job Success Workshop?
You can now review the slides on our Workshops web page.

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker runs Dec. 5–28 at the War Memorial Opera House. With 36 performances, special dance-along workshops on Dec. 21, and a sensory-friendly show on Dec. 28, there’s something for everyone. Grab tickets early, as popular dates sell out fast.

See the Fairmont Hotel’s two-story gingerbread house made from real gingerbread — you can even walk inside! Holiday tea inside the house is a popular experience and usually sells out, so reserve early. Even without tea, the hotel’s holiday décor is worth the visit.

Union Square’s outdoor rink is open daily 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Jan. 19. Enjoy holiday décor and fun themed events like Flashback Fridays and Silent DJ Nights. Tickets range $17–$22, including skate rental. Sessions often sell out, so booking ahead is recommended. 

Golden Gate Park’s Botanical Garden lights up for Lightscape from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4. Walk a glowing mile-long trail filled with illuminated sculptures, lantern trees, and festive music. Tickets start at $32 for adults and $20 for kids, and hot cocoa is available along the way.

Do you have your most recent I-20 in your possession? If you already have an I-20 with a valid travel signature, you can go to Requests & Documents on the MyISSS portal and find your latest I-20 under Documents. Review the MyISSS Student Handbook for additional information on how to submit or review your requests. 

ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

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Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.