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STEP 1: Apply for F-1 or J-1 Status

CONGRATULATIONS! Newly Admitted Graduate (Master’s and PhD) International Students: The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) congratulates you on your admission to the University of California, San Diego! To request your immigration document from ISEO, you must first complete the following admission steps: 

Accept Admission and Complete Required Account Set Up

Accept your Admission Offer

Please log in to your application portal and indicate your admission decision by completing the "Decision Reply Form." UC San Diego supports the Council of Graduate Schools' Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants, which states that you are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15.

Your "Decision Reply Form" will also include the submission of your Social Security Number / Taxpayer Identification Number (if applicable). This is necessary for a number of business processes.


Set up your UCSD Password (PID)

Please wait at least 72 hours after accepting admission to complete this step. In some cases, it may take up to a week to generate your PID. 

It is important that you set up your password for your UC San Diego Personal Identification number (PID) to enable you to access resources such as class registration and financial tools. You will need your PID which can be found on your application portal.


Activate and access your UCSD E-Mail (Active Directory)

For steps on activating and accessing your UCSD e-mail account, please refer to the IT Services web page.


Complete the Statement of Legal Residence

This step is NOT required for: MAS, MCEPA, MF, MSBA, MPAc, or Flex MBA students. 

This step is NOT required for joint doctoral students in the following programs: JDP-AUD, JDP-BENG, JDP-ECE, JDP-LCD, JDP-MSED, JDP-MAE, or JDP-SE. 

Applicants who accept an offer of admission must complete the Statement of Legal Residence form within 2 weeks of accepting admission.  To submit the Statement of Legal Residence, log in to your application portal and complete the Statement of Legal Residence form listed in the "Forms" section. Your registration cannot be completed until this form is on file. If after accepting admission you decide not to enroll, notify your department immediately in writing or by email. More information about residency can be found at the Registrar's website. Questions about residency status should be addressed to the Residency Deputy. Read about possible exemptions, waivers, and definitions on the Special Circumstances Resident Classifications and Nonresident Tuition Exemptions website.

 


Submit your pending Admissions Documents

Log into your application portal and submit all documents listed on your application status page. Further instructions are listed in your portal and may be found here as well.  

Fall 2023 applicants and beyond: If you are an international student, you will need to complete and submit a WES Course-by-Course evaluation in order to finalize your admission to UC San Diego. *Do not send your official materials to UC San Diego's Graduate Admissions Office. Your materials must be submitted to WES for further evaluation. 

If you have any coursework currently in progress, please wait until all coursework is completed and degrees have been conferred and posted prior to sending your transcript. All coursework must be completed prior to beginning graduate study at UC San Diego. 

Request Your Immigration Document:
Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)

To apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate/embassy, OR to transfer your SEVIS record to UC San Diego (if applicable), you must request that ISEO issue you the appropriate visa status eligibility document, called the Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or the Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students). To request your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must submit a NEW ADMIT request in iPortal, ISEO’s immigration form request system.

iPortal will open on MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024 (morning Pacific Standard Time) for newly admitted
Summer and Fall 2024 international students to begin requesting their immigration documents.

Deadlines to submit your Form I-20 or DS-2019 request

When does your graduate program begin? Deadline to request Form I-20/DS-2019* 
Before August 1 Submit your iPortal request by May 1
Between August 1 and September 7 Submit your iPortal request by June 1
After September 7 Submit your iPortal request by August 1

*Requests for immigration documents will be accepted and processed after August 1; however, to ensure timely issuance, you are urged to submit your request by the relevant deadline above. 

Required funding and supporting documents for your Form I-20 or DS-2019 request

  • F-1 or J-1, which one is for you? When filling out your iPortal request, iPortal will help you determine which visa status is the appropriate status for you. However, you may also familiarize yourself with this in advance by reviewing our F-1 or J-1: Selection of Visa Classification webpage. 
  • Prepare to prove you meet the F or J Funding Requirements. To receive the Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must prove that you meet the funding requirements for the F or J visa category. Review our Funding Requirements webpage to learn what amount of funding you are required to show, and which financial documents you can use to prove that you meet the funding requirements.  
  • Prepare required documents for upload. In addition to your proof of funding documentation, you may be required to upload some or all of the following to your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal. Make sure you have these documents ready to upload:
    • Color copy of the biographical page of your current valid passport. Your passport expiration date must show that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the start of your program.
    • Your official admission letter. You may be asked to upload a copy of your UC San Diego admission letter showing the start date of your program of study.
    • IF you will be transferring your active SEVIS record from another U.S. institution, a copy of your current Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you are currently enrolled at another U.S. institution or on U.S. work authorization under the F-1 or J-1 visa, and you plan to transfer your active SEVIS record to UC San Diego, you will be asked to provide a copy of your most recent Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution that currently holds your SEVIS record.
    • IF YOU PLAN TO BRING DEPENDENTS: If you plan to have your spouse and/or children under the age of 21 accompany you to the United States on an F-2 or J-2 dependent visa, you must also provide the following:
      • Color copy of the biographical page of each dependent’s passport, valid for 6 months after the start of your program.
      • Proof of your relationship to each dependent, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. All documents must be in English.
    • Other supporting documents may be required of you. If additional documents are needed, you will be directed to upload them either by the iPortal form or by an ISEO Student Advisor upon review of your NEW ADMIT request.

REQUEST your Form I-20 or DS-2019 in iPortal

  1. Log into iPortal at iportal.ucsd.edu/
    1. Note that iPortal requires you to log in with your Student SSO (PID) or Active Directory credentials, so make sure you have completed your account set up, which includes setting up your login credentials.

  2. Select and fill out the correct NEW ADMIT service form 
    1. Under the Services tab, select the correct NEW ADMIT service form: 
      1. NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Request if your UC San Diego program is beginning in the Fall, Winter, or Spring term 
      2. NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Summer Start Program if your UC San Diego program requires you to begin in the Summer 
    2. The form will walk you through several questions to collect the required information. 
    3. Remember to SAVE your form when you are done answering the questions.

  3. Upload required documents and SUBMIT 
    1. After saving your NEW ADMIT form, find it again under the Requests tab. 
    2. Upload the documents the form requires of you. 
    3. SUBMIT the form. Please only click Submit once—it may a few moments for the form to submit. 

How to access your Form I-20 or DS-2019 once it has been issued

For instructions on REQUESTING your Form I-20 or DS-2019, please see the section above entitled, “REQUEST your Form I-20 or DS-2019 in iPortal”. 

Once your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is ready, it will be uploaded to your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal for you to access. You will need to download it, print it, and sign it.

The processing time for your I-20/DS-2019 document is 15 business days from the date you successfully complete and submit your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal. Incomplete requests will cause a delay in processing. If your application is incomplete or invalid, you will be contacted by an ISEO Advisor via the Comments section of your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal.

For students transferring their SEVIS record to UC San Diego, the 15-day processing time will begin from your SEVIS release date or date of successfully completed and submitted NEW ADMIT request in iPortal, whichever is later. If your application is incomplete or invalid, you will be contacted by an ISEO Advisor via the Comments section of your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal.

Remember, you can check the status of your request by logging into iPortal at any time!

Apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp

For students in need of an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp to enter the United States, you may apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa after you have received your UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019. To receive an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, you will be required to interview for your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A list of all U.S. embassies/consulates by country can be found at https://www.usembassy.gov/.

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

After receiving your Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students), you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is required of every international student issued a brand new Initial Form I-20 or DS-2019, which has a new SEVIS ID number.  

Once you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, you will see a confirmation page. Save a PDF copy of this confirmation page for your own records; you will be required to bring it to your visa interview. 

Students transferring their SEVIS record to UC San Diego are NOT required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again, since the SEVIS Transfer process allows them to keep their SEVIS ID number the same.

Submit the DS-160 and schedule your visa interview

After receiving your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. In order to fill out this form, you will need your Form I-20 or DS-2019, which shows your SEVIS ID number: 

  • F-1 students: Your SEVIS ID number starts with an “N” and is located in the top LEFT corner of your Form I-20 
  • J-1 students: Your SEVIS ID number starts with an “N” and is located in the top RIGHT corner of your Form DS-2019. As part of your DS-160 application, you will also need to provide UCSD’s J-1 Program Number, which is: P-1-02849 

When the DS-160 asks you for UC San Diego’s contact information, you may put down the following: 

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

When submitting the DS-160, you may also be required to pay a visa fee*. Alternatively, some embassies/consulates may require the fee payment at the time of your visa interview. Make sure you have reviewed the website for the embassy or consulate where you plan to schedule your interview. 

After you have successfully submitted your DS-160 application and paid any required fees, follow the embassy/consulate’s instructions to schedule your visa interview. Every U.S. embassy/consulate has a slightly different process for scheduling their visa interviews. Make sure you review the instructions on the website for the specific embassy or consulate you plan to apply at, so that you know what is required and expected for your interview. 

*Note that the visa fee required by most U.S. embassies/consulates is different from the SEVIS I-901 fee.

Preparing for your visa interview

Make sure to thoroughly review our Applying for a Visa page for detailed information on: 
  • What documents you should bring to your interview 
  • Preparing for your interview conversation with the Consular Officer 
  • Visa delays and denials 
  • Visa requirements for citizens of Canada and Bermuda 
  • Applying for a visa in a country where you do not hold citizenship 
  • ...and more!

Receiving your visa stamp

Upon successful completion of the visa application process, the U.S. embassy or consulate will collect your passport and affix the F-1 or J-1 visa stamp to an inside page. Note that it is common for this process to take 1-2 weeks, sometimes more. This means there may be a period of time where you are without your passport.

It is recommended you check with the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, how they will return your passport and visa stamp to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an expedite of my NEW ADMIT Form I-20 or DS-2019 request?

Completion of your NEW ADMIT request before its due date (as shown in iPortal) is subject to our advisors' current workload and it is not guaranteed.

EXPEDITE REQUESTS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF: 

  1. You already hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, and your flight to the U.S. is scheduled prior to the due date shown on your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal.
    • You must upload a copy of your flight itinerary and your valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp as part of your expedite request.
  2. Your visa appointment is scheduled prior to the due date shown on your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal.
    • You must upload a copy of your DS-160 visa appointment confirmation page showing your name, date of birth, and passport number; the date of your visa interview; and the location (U.S. consulate) of your visa appointment.
  3. Your Program Start Date is less than 30 days away from the due date shown on your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal.
    • You will be required to upload a copy of your UC San Diego admission letter showing your name and confirming your program start date to your expedite request.

PROCESSING TIME REMINDER: The processing time for your Form I-20 or DS-2019 document is 15 business days from the date you successfully complete and submit your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal. Incomplete requests will cause a delay in processing. If your application is incomplete or invalid, you will be contacted by an ISEO Advisor via the Comments section of your NEW ADMIT request in iPortal. Processing delay due to incomplete or invalid requests is not sufficient reasoning to request an expedite. 

 


How to submit your expedite request:

If you fall into one of the three reasons listed above AND you have the required documentation, please submit your expedite request via the instructions below: 

  1. Visit iContact.ucsd.edu and submit the CONTACT FORM.
  2. Fill out the form, including your PID. Respond to the following questions as follows: 
    • I am a: Newly-admitted International Student (ISPO) 
    • I have a question about: iPortal Request/Technical Assistance 
    • More specifically, I’d like to learn more about: Expedite a Pending Request
  3. Complete the remaining drop-downs the form is asking for.
  4. In the “Any additional information you’d like to share?” field, tell us which one of the three expedite reasons outlined above matches your situation, and provide a brief explanation. 
    • Example explanation: I am requesting an expedite because I am in situation #1: I already have a F-1 visa and my flight to the US is 10 days from now. I submitted my iPortal request for my Form I-20 yesterday, but the due date on the request shows that my I-20 won’t be ready before my flight. I have uploaded a copy of my flight itinerary and my F-1 visa as proof.
  5. Upload the documents outlined above that are required to support your expedite request. NOTE: Expedite requests submitted without the required documentation will be considered ineligible for expedite.
  6. Submit the contact form. 

An ISEO Advisor will respond to your expedite request within 3-5 business days (1 week). If your expedite request meets the criteria above, you will receive confirmation that your request has been forwarded to an advisor for consideration. We will do our best to complete your request as soon as possible, but completion of your request before its due date as shown in iPortal is subject to our advisors' current workload and it is not guaranteed. 

If your expedite request does not meet the criteria above, you will receive a response that your request does not meet the requirements and is ineligible for an expedite. 

Please do not send multiple expedite requests. This negatively impacts processing time for both students and advisors. 

My NEW ADMIT request was set to “INCOMPLETE - Check Details” in iPortal. How do I resubmit it?

For step-by-step instructions on how to resubmit your request, see our iPortal Instructions and Troubleshooting webpage. 

How do I transfer my Form I-20 (SEVIS Record) from my current school to UC San Diego?

Note that if your last date of enrollment or last date of authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) at another U.S. institution is within 5 months of the quarter start date at UC San Diego, you may be eligible to request to transfer your SEVIS Record to UC San Diego. Please note the information below is ONLY applicable for F-1 students. J-1 Students seeking a SEVIS Transfer should first contact ISEO .

 


What does it mean to transfer my SEVIS record?

Many students think the term ‘Transfer’ only applies to the transferring of academic credits or units from one school to another. For example, transferring 60 units/credits from a Community College to UC San Diego. However, for international students, the terms ‘SEVIS Transfer’, ‘Transferring my SEVIS Record’, or ‘Releasing my SEVIS Record’ can actually mean something different!

If you are currently enrolled at another U.S. institution and hold an active SEVIS record and SEVIS ID Number, you may be eligible for a SEVIS Transfer.

  • A SEVIS Transfer occurs when a Designated School Official (DSO) at your current institution electronically sends your SEVIS record (Form I-20) to UC San Diego.
  • Once they electronically release your SEVIS record, UC San Diego can then issue you a Form I-20 with the SAME SEVIS ID Number. The I-20 you receive from UC San Diego will reflect your new program dates and details.
  • A DSO can electronically release your SEVIS record on the same day or schedule a transfer for a future date. The date that the record is released from your current school to UC San Diego is know as your   SEVIS Record Release Date. 
  • UC San Diego does not use a transfer-in form for students transferring into our school. If your current school needs verification of your SEVIS transfer, please contact ISPO via icontact.ucsd.edu .

 


How do I know if I am eligible for a SEVIS transfer?

If your last date of enrollment or last date of employment on post-completion OPT is within 5 months of your program start date at UC San Diego, you may be eligible to request a SEVIS Transfer.

  • Eligibility to transfer is decided by your current school that holds your SEVIS Record and Form I-20.
  • Note that SEVIS Transfers are NOT automatic upon Accepting your Offer of Admission from UC San Diego. You must contact your current school to request a timely SEVIS Transfer.
  • The deadline for F-1 students to request a SEVIS transfer from their previous school is 60 days after the program completion date or OPT end date, whichever is later.

 


What’s the process of transferring my SEVIS record?

SEVIS Transfers require coordination between you, the DSO at your current school, and UC San Diego.



  1. Schedule a SEVIS Release Date: You’ll need to contact your DSO at your current school and let them know that you wish to transfer your SEVIS record to UC San Diego. Our SEVIS school code is SND214F00088000. Ensure that you obtain written confirmation from your school that your SEVIS record was released successfully in active status. Ensure that your release date is within 5 months of when you wish to begin your full-time program at UC San Diego.

  2. Request Form I-20 from UC San Diego in iPortal: Don't wait until your SEVIS Release Date to request your Form I-20 from UC San Diego! Even prior to your SEVIS Release date, you can log into iPortal and request your I-20 from UC San Diego. We will issue your I-20 within 15 business days of your iPortal Request or your SEVIS Release Date, whichever is later. If your SEVIS Record is not released to UC San Diego on your indicated SEVIS Release Date, UC San Diego will contact you to let you know! However, it is your responsibility to follow up with your current school to ensure the SEVIS record was released successfully on your SEVIS release date to UC San Diego.

  3. Receive UCSD I-20 from UC San Diego & Begin Program: Once you receive your document from UC San Diego, ensure that the SEVIS ID listed is the same SEVIS ID number listed on your previous school’s I-20. Begin your program at UC San Diego on the program start date listed on your Form I-20.

 


What am I eligible to do during my SEVIS-transfer period?

  • Work on-campus once you receive your Form I-20 or DS-2019 from UC San Diego prior to beginning your program in the Fall. 
  • Exit and re-enter any time before their program start date but may only re-enter the U.S. with a valid F-1 or J-1 Visa and your I-20/DS-2019 from UC San Diego in hand.

What is UC San Diego’s SEVIS School Code?

UC San Diego’s SEVIS School Code is SND214F00088000. 

What is UC San Diego’s J-1 Program Number?

UC San Diego’s J-1 Program Number is P-1-02849.

What is the difference between my PID and my Active Directory?

Please note the difference between your Personal Identification Number (PID) and your Active Directory (AD) username. 

Your Personal Identification Number (PID) is your official UC San Diego ID number. It is provided in the form of A00000000.  

Your Active Directory (AD) username is the first part of your UC San Diego student email (________@ucsd.edu). It consists of your name or initials (for example, if your name is John Jacob Smith, you may have an AD username of jsmith, jjsmith, jjs001, etc.: jsmith@ucsd.edu). 

Using Active Directory Username for Single Sign-On (SSO): Your Active Directory username is used as your email address and as your username to log into any UC San Diego site that requires Single Sign-On. Your PID will not work as a login username unless it is explicitly stated to enter username or PID. 

For further information on setting up your Active Directory account, see here. If you have set up this account but have forgotten or need to change your password, please visit https://password.ucsd.edu/. 

If you require assistance with your Active Directory UC San Diego account access, please contact ITS by following instructions here. 

How do I make changes to my newly issued Form I-20 or DS-2019?

After you have requested and received your Form I-20 or DS-2019 from UC San Diego, you are able to request changes (also known as 'amendments') to your document, report changes in your admission or enrollment, or request a hardcopy be printed and mailed to you. Depending on the type of amendment you'd like to make, you may be directed to a different service form within iPortal: 

Change Requested  Service to Use in iPortal

Updated Program Start Date to reflect quarter of entry into the U.S. 

NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request
(Instructions below)

Deferring Admission to a future quarter

Declining Admission to UC San Diego (cancellation of Form I-20/DS-2019) 

No changes, just a reprint of your Form I-20 or DS-2019

Adjusting Biographical Information*, Program Major**, Program Level, or Funding Reflected on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 for yourself (or for any of your dependents)
Transferring your SEVIS Record to another school due to declining admission or deferring admission:
Adding New Dependents

 

Requesting Form I-20/DS-2019 Amendments or Reprints in iPortal: 

  1. Log into iPortal at iportal.ucsd.edu. 
  2. Under the Services tab, select and fill out the “NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint Request”. 
    • Remember to SAVE your form when you are done answering the questions. 
  3. Upload required documents and SUBMIT 
    • After saving your NEW ADMIT form, find it again under the Requests tab.  
    • Upload the documents the form requires of you. Depending on your request, you may be required to upload supporting documents. 
    • SUBMIT the form. Please only click Submit once—it may a few moments for the form to submit.

*How will my name appear on my Form I-20 or DS-2019? When ISEO creates a student's Form I-20 or DS-2019, we follow the official SEVIS naming guidelines as outlined at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/sevis-basics/system-data-entry-standards/name-standards. Please note that “Passport Name” is NOT a required field on the Form I-20 or DS-2019. When a student receives their document, they may find this field to be blank. This not an error, as it is not a SEVIS requirement.

 

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**Why is the UC San Diego major different from the major listed on my Form I-20 or DS-2019? UC San Diego Major Names are classified by corresponding CIP Codes. The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) provides a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity. Classifications are not determined by ISEO. Note that though some CIP Codes may sound different from the major name listed within TritonLink, it does not mean it is incorrect. For example, the CIP Code for Master of Business Analytics is Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other (52.1399). Though this CIP Code may seem incorrect since the major's name, 'Business Analytics', is not clearly listed within the CIP Code, it is indeed correct. A full list of CIP Codes established by NCES can be found on their website.

Can I sign my Form I-20/DS-2019 digitally or electronically?

No. Students are required to sign their Form I-20 or DS-2019 by hand. Students will be expected to show their hardcopy, hand-signed Form I-20 or DS-2019 at the U.S. embassy/consulate when going to interview, and at Customs when arriving for entry to the United States. 

After receiving your Form I-20 or DS-2019 in iPortal (iportal.ucsd.edu), you will need to download it, print it, and sign it.

How soon before my program start can I enter the United States?

INITIAL Form I-20 or DS-2019 - Receiving a NEW SEVIS ID NUMBER from UC San Diego: 

F-1 and J-1 students who have been issued an Initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 (meaning, you received a new SEVIS ID number) may seek entry to the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Transfer Pending Form I-20 or DS-2019 - Receiving the SAME SEVIS ID NUMBER from UC San Diego:  

F-1 and J-1 students who have been issued a UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019 showing the same SEVIS ID number as they had at their previous U.S. institution may enter the U.S. any time before the Program Start Date listed on their UC San Diego document. Unlike students who receive a new SEVIS ID, there are no restrictions on entry for SEVIS Transfer students showing the same SEVIS ID number. However, SEVIS Transfer students should only re-enter the U.S. with their UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019 in hand, as the I-20 or DS-2019 from their previous institution will no longer be valid.

I am a current UC San Diego student and have been admitted to a new UC San Diego graduate program. How do I update my Form I-20 or DS-2019 to show my new graduate program?

If you have been accepted into a higher degree level at UC San Diego, you will need to update your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to maintain your visa status. You must apply for a Change of Program Level I-20/DS-2019 prior to the start of your new academic program of study and no later than 10 days before the end of your grace period. 

For more information and to request your Change of Level, please follow the instructions on our Changing your Degree Level webpage.