Exchange Students
- Step 1 - Request Immigration Documents
- Step 2 - Prepare for Arrival
- Step 3 - Upon Arrival
Before you can come to the United States as an international exchange visitor, you MUST obtain a J-1 visa. Make sure to thoroughly review our Applying for a Visa page for detailed instructions and tips on how to obtain a visa.
After receiving your DS-2019 document, complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. You will need your SEVIS ID (number starting with “N” located at the top of your DS-2019) to complete this. J-1 students will need to provide UCSD’s J-1 Program Number. This number is: P-1-02849.
When asked for UC San Diego’s contact information for the DS-160, you may put down the following:
For on and off-campus housing options, please see our housing resources page.
Ensure that you are up to date with payment deadlines! Learn how to Pay Your Bill
Pre-Arrival Webinars will be presented by the UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) and will cover the following topics for newly admitted international students: International Center programs and services, review of immigration documentation, arriving in the U.S., housing and health insurance, campus resources, and frequently asked questions.
Please see our Webinars page for information on our pre-arrival webinars.
Tuberculosis screening is a mandatory University admission requirement for ALL newly admitted students. Screening must be performed PRIOR to arrival to University of California, San Diego.
See the Student Health Services website for submission deadlines.
The University of California is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students. Therefore, all of the UC campuses are implementing procedures to ensure that students are educated about and receive vaccinations to prevent potentially serious and contagious diseases.
All incoming students are REQUIRED to obtain certain vaccines and undergo Tuberculosis testing. Failure to meet these requirements by the stated deadlines are subject to registration holds.
Information on these requirements as well as important deadlines for meeting them can be found on the Student Health Services website.
EVERFI Training is an online program that introduces incoming you to our student community and your role in maintaining a welcoming campus environment. Undergraduate students will be required to take two courses: Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for Students. You will not be able to complete registration for courses until this requirement is met. For more information, including the deadline for completion, see the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination (OPHD) website.
To help guide you through the adventure ahead, we have created an online training that will map out your journey as an international student here at UC San Diego. There are 8 modules which cover various topics. We have arranged these modules in the order you may encounter them during your program. Pay close attention as these caution modules demonstrate some of the top issues international students face with their immigration status.
Newly admitted international students are required to complete the iTriton Online Training before first quarter at UC San Diego.
All new Winter 2023 students will have until January 4, 2023 to complete this REQUIRED training.
The UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is excited to meet you! ISPO’s International Student Orientation program is your first chance to learn about all that UC San Diego has to offer you through informational workshops and programs tailored specifically to international students. Everything is designed to ease your transition to campus and student life in the United States.
The International Student Orientation Sessions and Welcoming Programming will be in early January 2023. It is open to ALL new international students, and it is free of cost.
Certain sessions during ISPO’s International Student Orientation program are required of all new international students in addition to your college or department orientation. NOTE: UCEAP students are NOT required to attend their college orientation.
Ensure that you understand your Earliest Date of Arrival into the United States and that you have your document in-hand and ready to present when entering the U.S. DO NOT pack these documents inside of your check-in luggage. They should be easily accessible in your carry-on bag ready to present at the port of entry:
Learn more about what to expect when travelling by visiting iTravel.ucsd.edu
All international students are required to enroll full-time every Academic Quarter at UC San Diego. This is typically known as Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. Full-Time Enrollment is considered 12 units or more each academic quarter. Ensure that by the end of the add/drop deadline for each quarter, you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units!
IMPORTANT: It is important to note that students who are unable to take 12 or more units due to medical, academic, or other reasons should speak to an international student advisor BEFORE dropping below 12 units to avoid any problems with their immigration status.