New Undergraduate and Graduate
Degree Students

Undergraduates (Bachelor's students):

Once you’ve been admitted, please log into your applicant portal and complete your Enrollment Checklist. This includes: 

• Accepting your offer of admission  
• Completing the California Residency for Tuition Purposes Questionnaire (if required) 
• Submitting your transcripts from all institutions attended 
• You must Accept your offer of admission in order to move forward with any other UC San Diego processes for newly admitted students, as well as the visa process. 

Set up your Active Directory and Duo Accounts:

1. TritonLink Active Directory
   • Approximately 2-3 days after accepting your offer of admission, you should receive an email asking you to create your TritonLink Active Directory account. Set up your account as quickly as possible. You must create your TritonLink Active Directory account in order to begin the visa process, as well as other important tasks such as applying for housing or registering for classes. 
     • If you do not receive the TritonLink Active Directory Account Setup email within a few days of accepting your offer of admission, please check your SPAM or Junk folder. If you still have not received it, email processing@ucsd.edu to have it resent.
   • When you create your TritonLink Active Directory account, you will receive your UC San Diego student email and your PID (Personal Identification Number). The TritonLink page  provides further information regarding the Active Directory account lookup tool (under Set Up an Account), which allows students to look up their Active Directory username by inputting their PID and last name. From there, students can go to password.ucsd.edu to set the password for their Active Directory account.
2. Duo Account
   • Once you have set up your TritonLink Active Directory account, you should also be able to log into the Duo Registration Portal. All UC San Diego students are required to use Duo two-step authentication, a security feature that requires verification of identity when logging into UC San Diego protected systems. After setting up your Active Directory credentials, you must register for Duo before you can access any UC San Diego Single-Sign On (SSO) based site or application, such as iServices.ucsd.edu.
     • The DUO app is accessible through the Apple App Store and the Google Play store. For further support, please reference the primary DUO information page  and the UC San Diego Service Desk provides full support for DUO if needed.
3.  Things to Keep in Mind
   • Use Correct Credentials: Please make sure you are using your correct AD credentials (not PID) and are registered with DUO to access UC San Diego Single Sign-On sites.
   • VPN: If there are additional issues connecting to UC San Diego sites, please use the UC San Diego VPN. Instructions for installing the VPN can be found here . The VPN also uses DUO, so the student must be registered with DUO before using the VPN. Instructions for logging into the VPN using DUO can be found here . 

Graduates (Master's and PhD students):

To accept admission, 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 PID and Active Directory Accounts:

1. UCSD Password for Personal Identification number (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. 
   • 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. 
2. UCSD E-Mail (Active Directory) 
   • For steps on activating and accessing your UCSD e-mail account, please refer to the IT Services web page.
3. Statement of Legal Residence. 
   • Applicants who accept an offer of admission must complete the Statement of Legal Residence form within 2 weeks of accepting admission. 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. 
     • 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.
     • If after accepting admission you decide not to enroll, notify your department immediately in writing or by email.
   • This step is NOT required for: MAS, MCEPA, MF, MSBA, MPAc, or Flex MBA students, or joint doctoral students in the following programs: JDP-AUD, JDP-BENG, JDP-ECE, JDP-LCD, JDP-MSED, JDP-MAE, or JDP-SE.

[FAQ] Accept Admission and Complete Required Account Set Up:

• What is the difference between a PID and an Active Directory Account?

iServices

iServices is an online portal which serves as ISEO's document request system for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars. Through iServices, students are able to request immigration documents, such as the F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019 from ISEO, in addition to reporting certain changes to their visa status or obtaining other support documents. ISEO's iServices Instructions for Students page contains helpful information and troubleshooting guides for users accessing and submitting requests through iServices. 

Preparing to submit your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 Request: 

All newly admitted students to a UC San Diego degree program are REQUIRED to request and obtain a Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) reflecting their intentions to enroll in a program of study with UC San Diego. This is true for all students who wish to study in the U.S. under the F-1 or J-1 visa status, even if they already hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp. To prepare to submit this form, you must clearly understand what you are requesting from ISEO: 

1. Which Visa Classification, F-1 or J-1?: Review our F-1 or J-1: Selection of Visa Classification page to help determine which visa status is the appropriate status for you.
   
2. SEVIS Transfer Eligibility: Understand if you are eligible to transfer your current SEVIS Record to UC San Diego! 
   
   • NOTE: A SEVIS transfer is the transfer of the SEVIS ID listed on forms I-20 and DS-2019; it IS NOT an academic transfer. If you currently have a SEVIS ID, ensure that you have reviewed the link above to determine if you are eligible for a SEVIS transfer. 
3. Required Funding Documents: To receive the Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must prove that you meet the minimum funding requirements for the F or J visa category. Review our Funding Requirements webpage to learn:
   • What minimum amount of funding you are required to show based on your program and level.
   • Which financial documents you can use to prove that you meet the funding requirements.
     
4. Supporting Documents: All documents must be in English. If additional documents are needed, you will be directed to upload them with the iServices request or by an ISEO Student Advisor upon review of your NEW ADMIT request.
   • Valid Passport. Submit a 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.
   • Copy of current Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you will be transferring your active SEVIS record from another U.S. institution, upload a copy of your most recently issued Form I-20 or DS-2019.
   • 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:
     • Valid Passport.
     • Note, while ISEO does not require proof of your relationship to each dependent, we highly recommend you prepare official marriage certificate or birth certificates which may be requested at the time of the visa interview. 

The F-1 or J-1 Visa

A visa is a legal document that grants you permission to seek entry to a particular country for a specific reason (for example, study or tourism). All international students, except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda, must have a valid F-1 Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 in addition to a valid F-1 or J-1 visa to seek entry to the U.S.

For students who have successfully receieved a UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019 and are in need of a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp to enter the United States, follow steps below to understand the steps needed to apply and interview for your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. Note, a U.S. Visa cannot be obtained within the U.S.

A list of all U.S. embassies/consulates by country can be found at https://www.usembassy.gov/. 

Pay the SEVIS Fee:

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

SEVIS Transfer Students: 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 use 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.

Prepare for your Visa Interview:

Make sure to thoroughly review our Visa Application 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 

Receive 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.

Ensure that you are up to date with the deadlines to pay your tuition and student fees. Review deadlines and learn how to pay your bill.

If you have not yet taken action to submit your pending Admission Documents, please make sure you do so. Failure to complete your Admissions package can adversely affect your admission offer.

Undergraduates (Bachelor's students):

JULY 1: Deadline to Submit Your Final Transcripts 

• Submit final, official transcripts: high school(s) plus any college/university transcripts. 
• Refer to Undergraduate Admissions’ Required Documents from Schools Outside the United States if any of your coursework was taken outside the U.S. 

JULY 15: AP and IB Exam Results Due 

• Please request results be sent to UC San Diego, school code: 004836. 
• For more information, please refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Advanced Placement FAQs. 

If you have questions regarding your pending Admissions Documents, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Graduates (Master's and PhD students):

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.  

International students need to complete and submit a WES Course-by-Course evaluation in order to finalize 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. 

The University of California is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students. All the UC campuses, including UC San Diego, require that students be 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 may result in the student receiving registration holds.  

Information on these requirements as well as important deadlines for meeting them can be found on the Student Health Services website.

ISEO Pre-Arrival Webinars:

Pre-Arrival Webinars will be presented by the UC San Diego International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) and cover the following topics for newly admitted international students: the visa application process, programs and services, review of immigration documentation, arriving in the U.S., housing and health insurance, campus resources, frequently asked questions, and more. 

Visit iNewStudentWebinars.ucsd.edu and look under “2024 Pre-Arrival Webinars” to RSVP, attend, or review recordings of our Pre-Arrival Webinars. 

Vector Online Training:

Vector Training is an online program that introduces you to our student community and your role in maintaining a welcoming campus environment. Undergraduate students are 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. 

ISEO iTriton Online Training:

To help guide you through the adventure ahead, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) has created iTriton 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 arrangeed these modules in the order you may encounter them during your program. Pay close attention as these modules demonstrate some of the top issues international students face with their immigration status. All newly admitted Fall 2024 students must complete this REQUIRED training before September 1, 2024. 

ISEO iOrientation: New International Student Orientation Series:

The UC San Diego International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) is excited to meet you! ISEO’s iOrientation 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.  

iOrientation sessions and welcoming programming will be in September 2024. It is open to ALL new international students, and it is free of cost. Certain sessions during ISEO’s iOrientation program are required of all new international students in addition to your College or department orientation.

Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs Orientation (Graduate Students):

The UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) hosts an orientation program (both online and on-campus) designed to support incoming graduate students at UC San Diego and facilitate a successful transition to graduate school. Visit the New Graduate Student Orientation website to see the schedule.

Triton Weeks of Welcome (TWOW) and College Orientation (Undergraduate Students):

Get excited for Triton Weeks of Welcome (TWOW)! Your student experience at UC San Diego begins with Triton Weeks of Welcome (TWOW), a campus-wide series of introductory activities, special programs, and signature events at the start of each acacademic year – designed to engage, inform, and welcome all students to the Triton community. 

Required College Orientation: All degree-seeking students must attend their undergraduate Ccollege’s mandatory orientation program. For questions about orientation programs and registration deadlines, visit your Ccollege’s orientation website: 

• Revelle College
• Muir College
• Marshall College
• Warren College
• Eleanor Roosevelt College
• Sixth College
• Seventh College
• Eighth College

Per federal regulations, all international students are required to enroll full-time during the academic school year. At UC San Diego, the academic school year is the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Full-time enrollment is considered 12 units or more each academic quarter. Ensure that by the end of each quarter's add/drop deadline, you are enrolled in at least 12 units!   

International students are also required to enroll full-time during their FIRST quarter. If you will be starting your graduate program during the Summer quarter, then you must enroll full-time for the Summer. Full-time enrollment requirements for the Summer term is defined as:  

Summer 1 Program Start Date 

• Summer Session 1 (6 units minimum) and Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum) OR 
• Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum) 

Summer 2 Program Start Date 

• Summer Session 2 (6 units minimum) OR 
• Summer Session 3 (6 units minimum)  

Summer start students: If you are unsure which Summer Session your program is beginning in, please check with your academic department for enrollment guidance. 

Required Documents for Entry to the U.S.:

Ensure that you understand your Earliest Date of Admission/Arrival into the United States and that you have your immigration documents in-hand and ready to present to Customs 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 and ready to present at the Port of Entry:

• 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 profile 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 F-1 or J-1 Visa: Your F-1 or J-1 Visa page is inside of your passport. Ensure your visa is valid. Sometimes students who have two passports may need to carry both if their valid F-1 or 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 I-20 or Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego: Ensure you use the most recent Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued to you by UC San Diego, printed, and signed by both ISEO (electronic or digital signature is OK) and by YOU (student signature must be a hand-signature/wet signature). You may only use an ORIGINAL Form I-20/DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a valid travel signature; photocopies of Form I-20 or DS-2019s will not be accepted. Additionally, you may not show an electronic version of your document; you must carry the original printed document with you.

• 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. 

Transportation Upon Arriving to the U.S.:

The closest airports to UC San Diego are the: 

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) (30-minute drive from UC San Diego, with no traffic) 
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (2.5-hour drive from UC San Diego, with no traffic)
  

Important reminders for booking your travel: 

• We strongly recommend you book your travel to the United States AFTER you have obtained both your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.
  • If you must book travel prior to obtaining both immigration documents (which are required for U.S. entry), please consider booking travel that is easily changeable and/or fully refundable. 

• 30-day entry rule: F-1 and J-1 students who hold an Initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 (a new SEVIS ID number) may seek entry to the U.S. no more than 30 days in advance of the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019. 
  • This is known as your 30-day grace period. 
  • F-1 and J-1 students with an Initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 may seek entry to the U.S. during this time, but should not plan travel into and out of and back into the U.S. during this time. 

• Plan for time at Customs: We strongly recommend students schedule at least 2-3 hours between connecting flights, or when crossing a land border, for SEVIS status verification processing at U.S. Ports of Entry. 
  • The place you first enter the United States (cross the U.S. border) will be your Port of Entry. Depending on where you are coming from, your Port of Entry may be an airport other than the two listed above. 
  • At the Port of Entry, your first entry into the United States, you will be required to go through Customs Inspection to verify your SEVIS status as an international F-1 or J-1 student. When booking your flights, please plan accordingly for this processing time. Note the 2-3 hours listed above is a standard processing time—actual experience at Customs may be shorter or longer for some students. 

Review Transportation Upon Arriving in the USA: U.S. Airline and Airport Guidelines (U.S. Transportation Security Administration).

Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):

 UC San Diego is located 112 miles (180 kilometers) south of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you are arriving at LAX, you will need to take a commuter flight, bus, train, or shuttle to San Diego.  

Bus service:

• Greyhound
  

Commuter flights:

• Alaska Commuter 
• American Airlines 
• Continental Express 
• Delta Connection 
• United Express 
• US Airways Express

Shuttle & Ride Share Services:

Shuttle service from LAX to UCSD costs may vary. We strongly encourage you to make a reservation in advance. 

• reLAXsan 
• Super Shuttle 
• Terramoto Transportation 
• Flyaway Bus: LAX to Union Station 
• Uber (Ride Share) 
• Lyft (Ride Share) 
  • For Lyft UCSD-affiliate discounts ($15 credit for Lyft Business Profile, and $5 credit every 5 rides), see details here. 

Train:

• Amtrak (departures from LA Union Station) 
• Metrolink (departures from LA Union Station) 

Arrival at San Diego International Airport (SAN):

UC San Diego is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Cost for a taxi or rideshare to the UCSD area will vary.

Shuttle & Ride Share Services:

• Shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center (Free)  
  • Be sure to check out the newest extension of San Diego's MTS trolley line (the Blue Line) that takes passengers directly into La Jolla and the UC San Diego campus as well. 
• Super Shuttle 
• EZ Ride 
• Prime Time Shuttle  
• Uber (Ride Share) 
• Lyft (Ride Share)
  • For Lyft UCSD-affiliate discounts ($15 credit for Lyft Business Profile, and $5 credit every 5 rides), see details here.