New Exchange Students

Create your UC San Diego Triton Login

1. Go to the sign-in page to retrieve your Personal ID number (PID) and create your password. Both your PID and password will be required to access WebReg and TritonLink.
2. You will be asked for your 7-digit UC Application Identification Number, which you received when you applied (EAP students: this is also provided to you in an email from the UCEAP Reciprocal Programs office).
3. Enter your email address, date of birth and city of birth exactly as you entered it on your UC Application.
4. Follow the prompts to the TritonLink portal. 

NOTE: Follow the Step 1 instructions exactly in the order given  to set up all of your accounts. There is no “accept your offer” for EAP Reciprocity or Global Exchange students.   

Understanding your PID vs. Active Directory Username:

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

• Personal Identification Number (PID) is provided in the form of A00000000. 
• Active Directory username 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).

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 log on username unless it is explicitly stated to enter username or PID.

For more information regarding the set-up of your Active Directory account, see here. 

Create your DUO Account

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 iPortal (to request your DS-2019).  

DUO is required for all UC San Diego affiliates, including new students. DUO Two-step login is a security feature that requires verification of identity when logging into UC San Diego protected systems. 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 Service Desk provides full support for DUO if needed. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Using 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.

International students requiring a non-immigrant  J-1 visa to study in the USA must request and receive a  Form DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) to begin their program of study at UC San Diego. The Form DS-2019 is required to apply for the J-1 visa. 

Requesting your Form DS-2019 (J-1) in iPortal:

1. Log into iPortal (iPortal.ucsd.edu/) using your Active Directory username and password.
   
   
2. Click on Services in the menu bar. From the list of service request forms, start the NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 REQUEST.
   
   
3. COMPLETE YOUR REQUEST by filling out the questionnaire, uploading required documents, and then SUBMITTING the request. Note that after completing the questionnaire portion of the request, you will need to find the Saved reqeust under “My Requests” in the menu bar; open the request and upload the required documents; and then SUBMIT the request. Your request is only completed AFTER you have uploaded the required documents and SUBMITTED it.

How much funding do I need to show?

• J-1 students (including EAP students) must show financial support for the entire duration of their program of study to obtain a DS-2019.
• For exact figures for your specific program of study, see our Funding Requirements Page.

How Long Will It Take to Receive My Document & When Should I Apply in iPortal? 

The processing time for your Form DS-2019 document is 15 business days from the date of a complete submission; incomplete requests will cause a delay in processing. Please keep in mind processing times affected by office closures and holidays. If your application is incomplete or invalid, you will be contacted via email directly after an advisor has thoroughly reviewed your request. Remember, you can check the status of your request by logging in to the iPortal at any time! 

IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A  J-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the United States: Please check Travel.state.gov for Visa Appointment Wait Times. You will need the original Form DS-2019 at your visa interview. For this reason, ensure you apply for your documents in iPortal as soon as possible! 

When Is My Program Start Date?

The first date of the quarter will be the program start date listed on your DS-2019. 

Students who wish to partake in campus activities such as orientation, research, or other events in the 30 days PRIOR to the program start date listed on their DS-2019 may do so without adjusting the program start date.

When Can I Enter the U.S. with My Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego?

J-1 Students who receive a new Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a new SEVIS ID Number may enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on the Form DS-2019.

Understand your Earliest and Latest Date of Entry to the U.S.

J-1 students may use their Form DS-2019 to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on their Form DS-2019, but no later than Friday of Week 2 of your admit term, which is the final day to add courses.

If your date of entry to the U.S. is after the Friday of Week 2 of your admit term, your must submit a NEW ADMIT: DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint request within the iPortal to receive an updated DS-2019 with a future program start date reflecting the next available term.

 *Note that students must consult with their home university, exchange program coordinators (UCEAP or Global Exchange) for permission to arrive in a later term.

Can I Start Working or Research Upon Arrival to the U.S.?

Note that J-1 Exchange Visitors must obtain work authorization for any type of employment under their program dates in the United States. 

• J-1 On-Campus Employment: J-1 Students must obtain work authorization PRIOR to starting any type of on-campus employment such as Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research, or work on school premise that is not related to their program of study. 
• J-1 Off-Campus Employment: J-1 Students must wait a minimum of one academic quarter in order to apply for off-campus work authorization known as Academic Training. Students must obtain work authorization through Academic Training PRIOR to starting any type of paid off-campus employment that is not on school premise. All off-campus employment must be directly related to their program of study. 

After receiving your DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors), you must pay your SEVIS fee to activate your document. This fee is paid each time you receive a new SEVIS ID Number. Students transferring their SEVIS record to UC San Diego are NOT required to pay the SEVIS fee again since their SEVIS ID Number remains the same.

• Keep the Form I-797 receipt in a safe place.
• Review the FMJ Fee Page for details.

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 Visa Application 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 right of your DS-2019) to complete this. J-1 students will need to provide UCSD’s J-1 Program Number 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

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

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

Pre-Arrival Webinars 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. 

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.

Vector Online Training:

Vector 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.

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.

Visit iOrientation.ucsd.edu to see the schedule from last Fall and get a sense of what to expect. This website will be updated during the summer with the Fall 2024 iOrientation schedule. 

Triton Weeks of Welcome (TWOW) and required College Orientation:

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 academic year – designed to engage, inform, and welcome all students to the Triton community. 

Required College Orientation:

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

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

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. 

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!  

• UC San Diego Enrollment and Registration Calendar 
• Understand the Undergraduate Enrollment Process through WebReg! 
• Enrollment Guide for Exchange Students

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.