Winter  | International Students & Programs Office @ UC San Diego

Dear Incoming Triton,

Welcome to UC San Diego!

The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is here to support you as you begin your journey as a new exchange student at UC San Diego and to help you navigate the ins and outs of your program as an international student. Please review important information below about mandatory trainings, orientation and ways to get involved at UC San Diego. 

There are several upcoming deadlines for you to meet, so make sure to note all these important dates. 

Do You Have Your Winter 2023 I-20 or DS-2019? Apply Now!

International students requiring a non-immigrant F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the USA must request and receive a Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) to begin their program of study at UC San Diego. This application process applies to readmitted students for Winter 2023 as well. 

Processing time for complete iPortal applications is 15 business days. Apply early to avoid visa delays.

Visa Document Details

• Instructions to apply can be found on iNewStudent.ucsd.edu 
• Funding Requirements for I-20/DS-2019 Issuance: Refer to this link for required funding for your program.  
• I-20/DS-2019 standard start dates: All students admitted for the Winter 2023 quarter should expect to receive a Winter 2023 Program Start Date (January 4, 2023) on their I-20 or DS-2019.  
• Students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to this start date (December 5, 2022) 

NOTE: If you were originally admitted for Fall 2022 and already received a Fall 2022 I-20/DS-2019, it still needs to be updated with a Winter 2023 start date to allow entry into the U.S. If this is the case, follow these amendment request instructions here. 

Registration Open for Winter 2023 New International Student Orientation!

The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is so excited to welcome you to UC San Diego!  

As a newly admitted international student, you are required to attend New International Student Orientation on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 5pm PST.  This live, virtual orientation will feature previous and current EAPR students who studied at UC San Diego and is designed to help orient you to the UC San Diego campus community, inform you of your J-1 rights & responsibilities, and give you an opportunity to connect with other new international students! 

Steps to Register:

1. Click HERE and register for the January 11, 2023 session.
2. Complete the iTriton Online Training by January 4, 2023. This is needed to participate in orientation!   

Due January 4: iTriton Online Orientation

To help guide you through the adventure ahead, we have created an 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 arranged these modules in the order you may encounter them during your program. However, you can explore the modules in any order you'd like!  

All new Winter 2023 students will have until January 4, 2023, to complete this required training. You will need this information in order to participate in the Winter 2023 New International Student Orientation! 

ISPO has created a checklist for you to make sure you have everything you need to travel to the U.S. this winter: 

• Review your Form I-20 and ensure you are entering no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed 
• Pay your required SEVIS fee (this is different from your visa fee!) 
• Be aware of vaccination requirements for travel 
• Confirm housing arrangements 
• *NOTE: On-campus housing is not available for move-in until January 7, 2023 
• Apply for your UC San Diego Student ID Card online NOW and pick it up when you arrive 
• Arrange transportation to San Diego/campus 
• Gather all documents needed for entry  

If you have questions or concerns, contact ISPO at icontact.ucsd.edu. 

Questions?

If you have additional questions, please complete the Winter Orientation Questions Google Form.