Leaving UC San Diego
- Study Abroad
- Gap Quarter(s): Leave of Absence
- Withdrawal from UC San Diego
- SEVIS Record Transfer to Another School
- Graduating from UC San Diego
Students completing their program of study at UC San Diego have several options following their final term.
Review all information below to understand about what your options are, and how they may affect your status.
Congratulations Class of 2023! This year, commencement will occur on June 17th and 18th. More information can be found on the UC San Diego Commencement website.To support our international students and their guests who wish to attend in person, please review the following information and resources.
Travel to the U.S.
We encourage our students and their families to refer to the U.S. State Department’s COVID-19 Traveler Information website for updated information when making travel plans.
Students that are abroad and completing their academic studies in the Spring 2023 term should plan to reenter the U.S. prior to the Spring 2023 quarter end date of June 16, 2023. Review travel eligibility and required travel documents for F-1 and J-1 students at: iTravel.ucsd.edu
Visas
Visa processing services at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad is on a post-by-post basis, meaning some have longer wait times than others. We advise those individuals who are permitted to enter the U.S. and who need a visa to check U.S. Department of States Visa Wait Times website to learn how long processing might take.
Visa Support
COVID-19 Safety Requirements
Additional Resources:
Please note that our office does not handle diploma matters, the Registrar's Office does. If you have any questions about your diploma, please contact the Registrar's Office.
You will automatically receive a UC San Diego diploma upon successful completion of your university and degree requirements. Diplomas are mailed to the student's permanent address 3 to 6 months after the end of the quarter of graduation.
Visit our Changing Address page for information on how to change your diploma mailing address.
UC San Diego uses a student's preferred name in all university communications (with the exception of certain legal documents). Upon degree completion, Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs issues the Dean's congratulatory letter to the student using the student's preferred name as listed in university systems.
Note, there may be instances when international students are required to show their legal name listed on the Dean’s congratulatory letter when applying for immigration benefits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International students who have a preferred name listed on their Dean's congratulatory letter may need to provide legal documentation to establish a relationship between the preferred name on the letter and the legal name on the immigration/VISA documents. If such documentation cannot be provided it is recommended that the student remove the preferred name using the Social Identities Tool (login required).
Update your record as soon as possible. For questions regarding the Social Identities Tool or Preferred Names, please contact Registrar@ucsd.edu
As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are strongly encouraged to have adequate health insurance during your stay in the U.S. More information, including a list of student health insurance providers, can be found on our Understanding Health Insurance page.