RETURNING TO THE U.S. FROM A LEAVE OF MORE THAN 5 MONTHS
OR
AFTER I-20/DS-2019 TERMINATIONS

You will need a new initial I-20/DS-2019, if your reported leave from the U.S. is more than 5 months:

• The 5 months are calculated from the date you depart the U.S. to the date that you return to the U.S.*
  • *However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the current temporary SEVP guidance allows students to maintain their F-1 visa status while studying remotely outside the U.S., as long as they enroll in a full course load (or have an approved RCL authorization) and otherwise maintain their immigration status.
  • While this guidance is in place, the 5 months are calculated from the start of your leave term** to the date that you return to the U.S.
  • **Your leave term is the academic quarter which you are not enrolled in at UC San Diego, you are not inside the U.S., and for which you have reported or will report your leave from the U.S. to ISPO through iPortal.
• If you are taking a leave from the Fall quarter, the 5 months are calculated from the Fall quarter start date to the date of your re-entry to the U.S.
• If your leave is shorter than 5 months, then your SEVIS record may be eligible for reactivation. For more information, see our Reactivation page.

If you have been academically disqualified or suspended, or if your SEVIS record and I-20/DS-2019 has been terminated due to other status violations, you are required to request a new initial I-20/DS-2019 regardless of how long your leave has been.

Depending on the length of your absence, your academic level, or termination/completion reason, you may be required to apply for readmission to UC San Diego. Before moving on to the next step, you must review the following link to check whether this requirement applies to you:

• Undergraduate Students Readmission
• Graduate Students Readmission

When UC San Diego issues you a new initial I-20/DS-2019, we create a new SEVIS Record associated with a unique SEVIS ID Number. All SEVIS ID numbers start with the letter "N". On the I-20, the number is on the top left hand side of the first page. On the DS-2019, the number is on the top right hand side of the first page.

When you receive an I-20 from UC San Diego with a NEW SEVIS ID Number, the following applies: 

• I-901 Fee: You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee to activate your new initial I-20/DS-2019. 
• You may need a new  F-1/J-1 visa: If you have a valid F-1 visa or J-1 Visa, your new initial I-20/DS-2019 will not match the SEVIS ID on your valid visa. Students are generally able to use a valid visa to enter the U.S. even if the SEVIS ID or school name does not match the I-20/DS-2019. However, you will need to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate whether you can use your current valid visa for travel or if you need to obtain a new one.
• Employment Eligibility:
  • F-1 students: You must enroll for a minimum of 3 quarters on the same SEVIS ID upon arrival to the U.S. in order to be eligible for off-campus employment authorization (e.g. F-1 CPT or F-1 OPT).  Since you will be issued a new SEVIS ID, the “eligibility clock” restarts. Students who have less than 3 quarters to complete their program of study may be ineligible for CPT or OPT.
  • J-1 students: You must be enrolled for one full quarter after your return to be eligible for J-1 Academic Training.
• Travel: You may seek entry to the U.S. to begin or resume studies only up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your new initial I-20/DS-2019.

Request a new initial I-20 or DS-2019, preferrably at least 3 months prior to the start of your return quarter at UC San Diego:

• Log in to iportal.ucsd.edu .
• Go to "Services" tab.
• Select "Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request With New SEVIS ID".
• Fill out your request.
• Upload a PDF copy of your passport bio page.
• If you require readmission (see the drawer above,) then upload a PDF copy of proof of your eligibility to return to UC San Diego:
  • UC San Diego readmission notification, OR
  • Email from academic department, OR
  • WebReg page showing full-time units.
• Upload a PDF copy of your bank statement(s) or financial support letter(s) to show funding for one academic year (9 months) if you are an F-1 students or for the entire duration of your studies, if you are a J-1 student.
  • For more information on funding documents requirements, visit our Funding Requirements page.
• "Submit" your request.

• Your new initial I-20/DS-2019 showing your new start date at UC San Diego will be issued within  10 business days.
• You can check the status of your request anytime by logging in to iPortal and clicking on "My Requests" tab.
• A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.
• Sign your new I-20/DS-2019 when you receive it, and keep your previous I-20/DS-2019 for your records, do NOT throw it away.

The U.S. government requires that you pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee for each new initial I-20/DS-2019 that you plan to use to enter the U.S. and maintain your F-1/J-1 visa status with.

• You may need a new  F-1/J-1 visa: In general F-1/J-1 students are able to use a valid visa to seek entry to the U.S. even if the SEVIS ID does not match their new initial I-20/DS-2019. However, it's highly recommended that you check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate whether you can use your current valid visa for travel, or if you need to obtain a new one.
• You may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status only up to 30 days before start date on your inital I-20/DS-2019.
• If your plans change, and you'd like to resume your studies at UC San Diego at a specific later date, then submit the "Updated I-20/DS-2019 Request" in iPortal before the start date on your new initial I-20/DS-2019.
• Make sure that you have the required travel documents for your travel and re-entry to the U.S.

If you hold an initial I-20/DS-2019, you must take all of the following actions upon your arrival in the U.S.: 

1. Submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation form in iPortal, so ISPO can collect required information to activate your new initial SEVIS record.
2. Review the instructions for the Document Self-Check, so you can ensure your immigration documents were processed properly by CBP at the port of entry.
3. Review how to maintain your F-1/J-1 status. You are responsible for maintaining your status for the duration of your stay in the U.S.

Failure to submit the Check-In for I-20/DS-2019 Activation form in iPortal can lead to issues with your immigration status. Contact an ISPO Advisor if you have questions regarding submitting this form upon arrival.

If you are returning for Summer Session and your I-20/DS-2019 has been issued with a Summer Session start date, you must be enrolled full-time for the entire Summer Session (unless Summer Session is your final term). Full-time enrollment requirements for the Summer term is defined as: 

• • Summer 1 Program Start Date
    • Summer Session 1 (6 units minimum) and Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum) OR
    • Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum)
      
      
  • Summer 2 Program Start Date
    • Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum) OR
    • Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum)