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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Student Services
  3. Travel and Visa Application
  4. I-20/DS-2019 Activation

New I-20/DS-2019 Activation
(formerly Check-In)

 (This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: iCheckin.ucsd.edu) 

In order for international F-1 and J-1 students to comply with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations, ISEO needs to activate their new SEVIS records after their initial arrival at UC San Diego. Activation of the SEVIS record allows students to remain in the U.S. and continue to maintain F-1 or J-1 status. 

Previously, students were required to submit the "Check-In for I-20 or DS-2019 Activation Request" in iServices. However, effective for students with I-20/DS-2019 program start date in Fall 2026 (September 21 or later), ISEO will be following a new process for SEVIS record activation.

ISEO will automatically activate the SEVIS record of any students who meet ALL of the following criteria:

  1. Have paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee for the SEVIS record being activated.
    • It is a requirement for students to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee for each new SEVIS ID.
    • Students can make the payment or check the status of their payment on the fmjfee.com website.
  2. Have entered the U.S.
    • Students must have entered the U.S. using the I-20/DS-2019 associated with the SEVIS record being activated.
  3. Have a valid U.S. address and phone number reported in Triton Student System (TSS)
    • Students can click here to find instructions on how to update their address in TSS.
  4. Have enrolled in the current academic term.

Students with SEVIS records that we are unable to active will receive an invitation email from no-reply-iservices@ucsd.edu instructing them to submit an I-20/DS-2019 Activation Request in iServices.

When will my I-20/DS-2019 be activated?

ISEO gradually activates SEVIS records that meet the activation criteria OR sends an invitation email for the I-20/DS-2019 Activation Request throughout the first 30 days from the I-20/DS-2019 program start date.

After your SEVIS record has been activated, you will NOT receive a confirmation email or an updated I-20/DS-2019, but you can confirm your Active SEVIS status on the RECORD SELF-CHECK page in iServices.

If it has been more than 30 days from your I-20/DS-2019 program start date, AND your SEVIS Status is not Active, AND you have not received the invitation email for the I-20/DS-2019 Activation Request, please click on this link to send us a message about this (please do NOT change the subject line of the email).

If you notice a different type of error on your RECORD SELF-CHECK page, please click on this link to send us a message about this (please do NOT change the subject line of the email).

What happens if I do not meet activation criteria?

ISEO will attempt to activate all SEVIS records meeting the activation criteria outlined above. However, if for some reason we are unable to activate your SEVIS record, you will receive an invitation email from no-reply-iservices@ucsd.edu within the first 30 days from your I-20/DS-2019 program start date instructing you to submit the I-20/DS-2019 Activation Request in iServices.

The I-20/DS-2019 Activation Request will allow you to address the activation criteria, and/or to explain any changes to your travel and study plans at UC San Diego.

Once you receive this email, you will be required to complete and submit this request within 1 week. Failure to do so may result in your SEVIS record being canceled/terminated, and your I-20/DS-2019 becoming invalid for any travel, study or employment purposes.