International Scholar Orientation

The U.S. Department of State requires all J-1 Exchange Visitors beginning a new program or transferring their program to UC San Diego to receive orientation from their program sponsor. J-1 scholars must complete this orientation before registering with ISEO.

How to Complete J-1 Orientation:

• Step 1: Wait for your DS-2019
  • Wait for your DS-2019 to be issued by ISEO. Once ISEO issues your DS-2019, you will receive instructions to complete orientation.
• Step 2: Enroll through iServices (required first step)
  • Log in to iServices and click on “J-1 Scholar Services” and open the eform titled “Mandatory J-1 Scholar Orientation.”
  • This step is required to enroll yourself in the orientation course.
• Step 3: Access the Homebase course
  • After submitting the Orientation eform in iServices, you will be automatically enrolled and routed to the J-1 Orientation course in Homebase.
  • You will be automatically prompted to create your Homebase login credentials.
• Step 4: Complete the course
  • The orientation is self-paced and can be completed in multiple sessions.
  • After your initial enrollment through iServices, you do not need to submit the eform again to access the orientation.
  • You may access the course at any time by:
    • Logging in directly through the Homebase website with the login credentials you created, or
    • Using the orientation course access link sent to your email by Homebase
• Step 5: Receive your certificate
  • Once the course is completed, you will receive a certificate of completion, and ISEO will automatically be notified.

H-1B scholars are expected to comply with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations in order to maintain valid H-1B status. ISEO provides orientation to help scholars understand these requirements and access resources that support maintaining status while working at UC San Diego.

• Step 1: Wait for your H-1B to be sent to USCIS
  • Once ISEO submits your H-1B petition to USCIS, you will receive instructions to begin the orientation process, including a direct link to the iServices eform titled “H-1B Scholar Orientation.”
  • After your H-1B is approved, you will receive a follow-up email with important information about maintaining H-1B status, employment requirements, reporting responsibilities, and a reminder to complete the orientation.
• Step 2: Enroll through iServices (required first step)
  • Log in to iServices and complete complete the H-1B Scholar Orientation eform.
  • This step is required to enroll yourself in the orientation course.
• Step 3: Access the Homebase course
  • After submitting the eform in iServices, you will be automatically be enrolled and routed to the H-1B orientation in Homebase. 
  • You will be prompted to create your Homebase login credentials. If you do not already have Homebase login credentials proceed to create new credentials.
• Step 4: Complete the course
  • The orientation is self-paced and may be completed in multiple sessions.
  • After your initial enrollment through iServices, you do not need to submit the eform again to access the orientation.
  • You may access the course at any time by:
    • Logging in directly through the Homebase website with the login credentials you created, or
    • Using the orientation course access link sent to your email by Homebase
• Step 5: Receive your certificate
  • Once the course is completed, you will receive a certificate of completion, and ISEO will automatically be notified.