Hosting F-1 or J-1 Visiting Students

Departments that wish to host non-degree international students to pursue studies at UC San Diego must complete the following forms in conjunction with the student.

A complete application packet including department forms and applicable student forms must be submitted to ISEO for processing. Please also include a receipt of the Visa Services Online payment (see below).

Department Request Form

Departments are responsible for completing Form A: DS-2019/ I-20 Request by Sponsoring Department

Student Request Form

Students are responsible for completing Form B: DS-2019/ I-20 Request by Prospective Student

Health Insurance Requirement

As the sponsoring department, please ensure that your prospective J-1 students understand the minimum J-1 Health Insurnace Requirements.

Note the following important points:
- Purchasing insurance coverage or applying for a waiver via the portal prior to 31 days from their program start date is permitted; however, be aware that it may lead to minor processing delays.
- The insurance carrier does not offer refunds. Thus, if the student pays for insurance more than 31 days prior to arrival and – due to unforeseen circumstances they are unable to participate in their program (e.g., visa delays) – a refund cannot be issued.

J-1 Health Insurance Coverage Options

To comply with J-1 health insurance requirements, students should proceed with one of the following options.
NOTE: You will notice terminology like, “visiting scholar,” and “waive the UC San Diego Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan.” This waiver process is primarily used for visiting scholars. However, the use of this service as a "non-degree student" is permitted.

Option 1: Students may purchase a Gallagher Benefit Services Plan.

To do so, follow these steps:

Go to the UCSD Visiting Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan Portal.
Select "Begin Enrollment."
After applying for insurance, Gallagher will directly contact ISEO to confirm that they are a J-1 non-degree student.
After receiving ISEO confirmation, Gallagher will email the student confirmation of their insurance coverage. The student should save a copy of this document, as they must submit this document to ISEO after they have arrived in the U.S.

Option 2: Students may purchase insurance from a different provider, but must have the plan reviewed by Gallagher and receive a 'waiver' to make sure it meets the Department of States' minimum insurance requirements.

To do so, follow these steps:

Go to the UCSD Visiting Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan Portal.
Select "Waive Coverage."
Complete the checklist. If their insurance meets the requirements, they will be directed to "Create Waiver Login Account."
Create their Waiver Login Account and follow instructions for submitting their insurance policy for review.
They will receive a "Waiver Application" email with a confirmation of satisfactory coverage. The student should save a copy of this document, as they must submit this document to ISEO after they have arrived in the U.S.

Visa Services Online Payment [Department Only]

ISEO at UC San Diego charges fees to departments for its services in issuing documentation for non-degree international students to pursue studies at UC San Diego (the Form DS-2019 or I-20).

NOTE: These fees do not cover the cost of any visa application or visa appointment fees (DS-160 Fee and SEVIS Fee). These are expected to be paid for by the J-1 or F-1 visa applicant.

F-1/J-1 Visa Services Online Payment:

The online payment process allows departments to pay the service fee and/or RUSH fee by index numbers on behalf of F-1/J-1 students. At this time, payment can only be accepted via department recharge.

Regular processing time for J-1/F-1 student applications by ISEO is 15 business days, provided all required information/documentation has been submitted by the sponsoring department; "RUSH" fee service reduces processing time to 5 days (often fewer).

F-1/J-1 Non-degree Student Initial: $657
F-1/J-1 Non-degree Student Extension: $437
F-1/J-1 Rush Fee - this is in ADDITION to other applicable F-1/J-1 fees: $437

Special Programs Check-In Form

Within 10 days of arriving to the US to begin their program, special program students must submit the Special Programs Check-In Form in order for ISEO to activate their J or F status.

Special Programs Check-In Form

Employing F-1 Students

Find information about employing F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Learn more

Employing J-1 Students

Find information about employing J-1 students on post-completion Academic Training (AT).