iNewStudents: Important Pre-Arrival and Travel Information

Summer 2022 | International Students & Programs Office @ UC San Diego

Printed Copy of I-20 Required for Travel!

If you received an electronic copy of your I-20, remember that you still need to print this out when using it for travel purposes. Customs and Border Protection will not accept digital copies shown on phones or laptops.

Note: J-1 students with a DS-2019 should only have a hard copy of their DS-2019 and should use this for travel.

Here are tips for what documents you need to enter the U.S.

Getting Started at UC San Diego: Resource Page for New Arrivals

ISPO created a comprehensive website with answers to international students' most commonly asked questions when they first arrive to the U.S. Getting Started at UC San Diego is a central resource page with information on academic and non-academic matters such as getting your campus email and student ID, enrolling in courses, using public transportation, getting a cell phone plan, applying for a driver's license, opening a bank account, and more!

CHECK OUT "GETTING STARTED AT UC SAN DIEGO" HERE!

Arrived in the U.S.? Check In Now!

All students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to check in with ISPO online once you have arrived in the U.S. Without this step, we cannot activate your F-1 or J-1 record, and you will have issues with your visa status!

Once you have arrived in the U.S., submit your I-20/ DS-2019 Activation Form within 10 days of your arrival!

Beware of Scams!

International students are a common target of financial scams.

If you receive unusual calls, emails, or texts asking to make payments or provide confidential information for tuition, housing, or immigration purposes, it could be a scam!

DO NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION!

Instead, hang up and report the incident to authorities.

ISPO's iSafety.ucsd.edu page details common scams for you to be aware of, how to report them, and what to do if you fall victim to a scam.

International Orientation Welcome Programming is happening now!

Welcome programming will be take place in-person and virtually and attendance is strongly recommended.
Welcome programming includes our workshops and social events!
Did you know that almost all iOrientation welcome programming is eligible for GET CCR credit? That's right! Get involved and get credit for it! Learn more about GET CCR here.
Check out our iOrientation Events like Coffee Hour, the International Mixer, and more!

Questions? Email iprograms@ucsd.edu

Check Out Our ISPO Guides!

In addition to the Getting Started at UC San Diego page, review these guides for helpful details on how to acclimate to life on campus and in San Diego.

ACCESS THE GUIDE HERE

ISPO Front Desk and Virtual Drop-In Hours

Front Desk:

Open for in-person services Monday through Friday: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Please note that the Front Desk will be closed between 12pm-1pm for lunch

Virtual Drop-In Advising

Available via Zoom Monday through Friday: 1pm –4pm

For more information, please visit icontact.ucsd.edu.

WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?

You have been identified as an F-1 or J-1 International Student. To ensure you receive important regulatory information to maintain your immigration status while studying at UC San Diego, you have been automatically added to this newsletter to receive updates. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by clicking 'Unsubscribe...." at the bottom of this email block. If you are NOT in F1 or J1 status and believe you have been subscribed in error, please email iStudents@ucsd.edu.