Starting a New Program
- Visa Process Overview
- Request the Form I-20
- Request the Form DS-2019
- Advising Resources
- Immigration Resources
- Additional Resources
F-1 and J-1 Visa Process Overview
Understand the entire F-1 and J-1 visa process, from the time you are admitted to UC San Diego, until the start of the school year. ISEO strongly recommends you follow the steps in this process exactly as they are outlined below.
The steps on this page are most applicable for brand new international students who are outside of the United States and need to obtain a Form I-20/DS-2019 and F-1/J-1 visa in order to study at UC San Diego. If you are a newly admitted student who is currently in F-1 or J-1 status inside the U.S. and want to transfer your SEVIS Record to UC San Diego, please make sure to review our Frequently Asked Questions for information on the SEVIS Transfer process.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- Do NOT schedule your visa interview appointment until you have received your UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- ISEO strongly recommends you wait to invest financially in your U.S. flights and accommodations until after you have obtained your F-1 or J-1 visa. Your ability to seek entry to the U.S. is dependent on having obtained both your Form I-20/DS-2019 and your F-1/J-1 visa stamp.
Step 1: Request and receive your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)
After you have accepted an offer of admission to UC San Diego, you can begin the visa process by requesting the Form I-20 (F-1 Certificate of Eligibility) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 Certificate of Eligibility) from UC San Diego. Make sure you understand which Form you are eligible to request.
It can take up to approximately three weeks for ISEO to issue your Form I‑20/DS-2019 once we receive a complete request. ISEO does not provide expedites under any circumstances.
Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
All international students are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee to the U.S. government when they are issued a new SEVIS ID#. Once you receive your UC San Diego Form I-20 or DS-2019, visit the SEVIS I-901 FMJ Fee website and use the information on your I-20/DS-2019 to pay the fee. Make sure to keep a copy of the I-901 Fee receipt for your records.
ISEO recommends you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least one week in advance of your visa interview appointment.
Step 3: Submit your visa application (DS-160), and schedule and attend your visa interview
Once you have received your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and have paid the SEVIS I-901 Fee (if applicable), apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa by submitting the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and scheduling and attending a visa interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
DO NOT apply for your visa until you have received your UC San Diego Form I-20/DS-2019.
Step 4: After visa approval, book your U.S. travel and accommodations
You are not eligible to seek entry to the U.S. until you have all documents required for entry (passport, Form I-20/DS-2019, F-1/J-1 visa). Because visa issuance is at the sole discretion of the U.S. consulate, ISEO strongly recommends you wait to invest in your U.S. flights and accommodations until after you have received your F-1 or J-1 visa.
New F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. within the 30 days leading up to the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019.
Step 5: Arrive to the U.S. by your Program Start Date, and gain entry from Customs
F-1 and J-1 students are expected to arrive to UC San Diego by the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. There is no grace period for late arrival. At the Port of Entry, students must gain admission to the U.S. by presenting themselves and their documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. Learn more about Arriving to the United States.
Step 6: Download your Form I-94 and begin your life at UC San Diego!
Once you have been granted entry by Customs, arrive to UC San Diego and start settling into your life as a new Triton!
Within 10 days of your U.S. arrival, complete your visa application process by downloading your Form I-94 Arrival/Entry record, and making sure that Customs recorded your U.S. arrival accurately. Keep a copy of your Form I-94 for your records.
Advising for New F-1 and J-1 Students
ISEO’s Pre-Arrival Webinars are your go-to resource for all your questions about becoming an F-1 or J-1 student and beginning your journey at UC San Diego!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about your F-1 or J-1 immigration process and arriving to the U.S.? Check out these frequently asked questions.