International Center Offices
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NOTE: The information on these pages is provided as a guide to UC San Diego affiliates only, regarding immigration law and UC San Diego policy– not as a general guide to immigration law. If you are affiliated with another insitution, contact your international services office first. In all cases, consult a qualified immigration professional.
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Arrival Information for Admitted Students

Meet All UC San Diego Admissions Requirements in a Timely Manner
Receive your I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors)
Pay the $200 (F-1 Students) or $180 (J-1 Exchange Visitors) SEVIS fee
Schedule a visa interview appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate
Make Housing Arrangements Before Arriving in San Diego
Gather Documents for Entry into the USA
Registration at the International Center
Attend Mandatory Orientation for All New & Transfer Students (Sign Up Required)
Arriving in the US
Getting started at UC San Diego

Check Box Meet All UC San Diego Admissions Requirements in a Timely Manner

  • Undergraduate students: Complete Admission Checklist
    Includes Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), and transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Graduate Students: Refer to the Online Missing Document Sheet
    Includes Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), Statement of Legal Residence (SLR), and transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Transfer students (students transferring to UC San Diego from other US school): In addition to the above, transfer students must complete the Transfer I-20/DS-2019 Request Form.

Check Box Receive your I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors)

  • Make sure your personal and program information is correct on your I‑20 or DS‑2019.
  • If corrections to your I-20 or DS-2019 are needed, please contact the following immediately:
  • Transfer students staying in the USA prior to UC San Diego Start:

    Step 1:  Complete Transfer Procedures by August 1
    Step 2:  Receive your UC San Diego I-20 after the International Student Orientation

  • Transfer students traveling outside of the USA prior to UC San Diego Start: If you are transferring to UC San Diego and plan to travel outside of the USA prior to orientation:

    Step 1:  Complete Transfer Procedures by August 1
    Step 2: Receive your UC San Diego I-20/DS-2019 prior to re-entry to the US.
    Step 3: If visa renewal is required, use your UCSD I-20 to apply for F-1/J-1 visa at nearest embasy or consulate.
    Step 4: Re-enter the US using your UC San Diego I-20/DS2019 and valid F-1 or J-1 visa. Note: SEVIS number on your I-20/DS-2019 and visa should match.

  • NOTE: International students who are not in F-1 or J-1 status do not receive I-20s or DS-2019s. These students must have other documents such as a valid passport, I-94 card, and I-797 Notice of Action or Change of Status Approval.

Check Box Pay the $200 (F-1 Students) or $180 (J-1 Exchange Visitors) SEVIS fee

  • Pay via Internet, via Western Union, or by mail.
  • Keep the Form I-797 receipt in a safe place.
  • Review the SEVIS Fee Information
  • NOTE: Transfer students and non F-1/J-1 students are not required to pay an additional SEVIS fee.

Check Box Schedule a visa interview appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate

Step 1:  Schedule a visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate
Step 2:  Gather documents for the visa interview
Step 3:  Review the 10 Points to remember when applying for a nonimmigrant visa

Check Box Make Housing Arrangements Before Arriving in San Diego

Check Box Gather Documents for Entry into the USA

  • Review passport and visa page. Your first name and family/last name should be the same on both documents.  If there are any errors, contact the US Embassy or Consular Post immediately.
  • Place original passport, financial statement or support letter, and Form I-20 / DS-2019 in your purse or carry-on baggage.
  • Present your documents when entering the USA.
  • NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students can enter the USA no earlier than 30 days prior to program start date listed on the I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students).

Check Box Registration at the International Center

All new international students (including transfer students from other US schools) must register at the International Center within 15 days of your program start. Failure to register may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and loss of your F-1 or J-1 status.

Check Box Attend Mandatory Orientation for All New & Transfer Students

All new international students (including transfer students from other US schools) must attend a mandatory orientation session. Failure to attend an orientation session may prevent you from registering for classes at UC San Diego.

Check Box Arriving in the US

Check Box Getting started at UC San Diego