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International Students & Programs Office ISPO
  1. ISPO
  2. ADVISING
  3. F & J Visa Advising
  4. Current & Returning Students
  5. Traveling
  6. Check in for I-20/DS-2019 Activation

CHECK-IN FOR I-20/DS-2019 ACTIVATION

 

In order for international students to comply with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations, ISPO requires students who hold an Initial SEVIS record to submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation Form once they arrive to the United States. This ensures that we collect the information needed to activate your SEVIS record. 

 

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: 10 DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL TO THE U.S.

STEP 1: CONFIRM IF YOU NEED TO SUBMIT THIS FORM

Why is ISPO asking you to submit this form? 

To comply with federally mandated SEVP guidance, ISPO requires students who hold an Initial SEVIS record to submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation Form once they arrive to the United States. Activation of the SEVIS record allows students to remain in the U.S. and continue to maintain F or J status. 

 

Who is required to submit this form?

If you meet all of the following, you are required to submit this form: 

  1. Initial I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) from UC San Diego:  
    • "Form Issue Reason" on page 1 of your most recently issued I-20 states:
      • Initial Attendance
      • Transfer Pending
      • Change of Educational Level
                     - OR -
    • 'Purpose of this form' on page 1 of your most recently issued DS-2019 states:
      • Begin New Program
      • Transferred
  2. Program Start Date: Your program start date listed on the first page of your I-20/DS-2019 is in the future or is within the first 2 weeks of the quarter of entry. 
  3. Location: You are physically located inside of the U.S. If you have not yet entered, wait to submit this form until after you enter the U.S. 
  4. Arrival Record: You are able to show proof of last entry into the U.S. by uploading an electronic Form I-94.

STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR FORM IN iPORTAL

The deadline to submit this form is no later than 10 days after your arrival to the U.S. Ensure that you've logged into Tritonlink and have updated your current address (U.S. address), your Permanent Address (foreign/home country address), and also your emergency contact information. 

  • Log in to iportal.ucsd.edu.
  • Go to "Services" tab.
  • Select the "Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation" form.
  • Fill out your request.
  • If asked, upload a PDF copy of your Electronic Form I-94.
  • "Submit" your request.

Note that students who submit this request will not receive an updated I-20 or DS-2019 reflecting action taken on their SEVIS record. However, upon successful submission of this request, ISPO will activate your SEVIS record. An advisor will contact you directly if more information is needed to complete your request.

STEP 3: LEARN WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT STUDYING IN THE U.S.

These days are unpredictable, and we understand that your plans may change. If you experience a change in plans, here's some information: 


What if I depart the U.S. after submission of the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation? 

If at any time after submission of this form, you depart the U.S., log into Tritonlink and update your current address to a foreign/home country address to let us know you’ve departed. Review the Registrar's Office instructions on how to enter a foreign address in TritonLink.

 

What if I am unable to arrive to the U.S. by the quarter start date listed on my I-20/DS-2019?

If you are unable to arrive to the U.S. by the deadline to add coursework for the quarter start date listed on your document, do not submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation. Instead, log into iPortal and submit the "NEW ADMIT: I-20/DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request" so ISPO can adjust your program start date to the quarter you intend to enter the U.S.