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STEP 2 - PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

Review ISPO's 2022-2023 COVID-19 Updates for International Students Page

ISPO's 2022-2023 COVID-19 Updates for International Students page contains valuable, up-to-date information specifically for our international student population to help you make informed decisions about attending UC San Diego this academic year. Topics include travel and reentry (including current travel restrictions), health and safety (including vaccination information), enrollment and visa status information, and campus resources.

Apply for your J-1 Student Visa (if applicable)

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. 


SCHEDULING YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

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:

  • Contact name: Name of the advisor listed on your I-20/DS-2019 document
  • Contact phone: 858-534-3730
  • Contact email: istudents@ucsd.edu

 

Make Housing Arrangements Before Your Arrival

For on and off-campus housing options, please see our housing resources page. 

Pay Your Health Insurance and Housing Charges

Ensure that you are up to date with payment deadlines! Learn how to Pay Your Bill  

Need to waive UC Health Insurance because you have your own? Learn How to Waive UC SHIP

Watch Pre-Arrival Webinars

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. 

Complete Health Screenings & Immunization Requirements

Tuberculosis Screening


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 websitefor submission deadlines. 


Immunization Requirements 


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. 

 

Register & Complete Orientations (Online & On-Campus)

EVERFI Online Training 


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.


iTriton Online Training 

 

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.  


New International Student Orientation Series 


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. 

Visit iOrientation.uscd.edu to register and learn more! 

Gather Documents Needed for Entry into the United States

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: 

  • Original and Valid Passport: Review your passport and ensure that it is valid for at least 6 months after your date of intended entry into the U.S. Review your 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 U.S. Embassy or Consular Post immediately. 
  • Valid J-1 Visa: Your J-1 Visa page is inside of your passport. Ensure your visa is valid. Sometimes students who have two passports may need to cary both if their valid J-1 Visa page is inside of their expired passport. Review your 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 U.S. Embassy or Consular Post immediately. 
  • Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego: Ensure you use the most recent DS-2019 issued to you by UC San Diego. You may only use an ORIGINAL DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a valid travel signature; photocopies of DS-2019s will not be accepted. 
  • Financial Statements and Supporting Documents: It is always a good idea to carry Financial Statements showing proof of financial support in addition to any supporting documents regarding your reason for visiting the United States.

Learn more about what to expect when travelling by visiting iTravel.ucsd.edu 

Enroll in Classes

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.