Summer 2021 | 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 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. 
Deadlines, Reminders and Updates
Support for Delayed Visa Appointments & Arrivals to the U.S. 
 
ISPO recognizes that many students requiring visas (a new visa or a renewal) are experiencing long delays in obtaining their visa appointments to arrive to campus this fall. It may be possible for F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors to request an emergency or expedited visa appointment if there are no regular visa appointments available before their program start date. 
To help facilitate these requests, ISPO has provided a letter of support available for students to download and provide to your local U.S. embassy/consulate.
 
Please visit ISPO's Applying for an F-1/J-1 Visa page for more information. 
Complete Check-In for I-20/ DS-2019 Activation
 
Have you recently arrived to the U.S. with an initial I-20 or DS-2019? Complete your document check-in with ISPO here!

Who is required to submit this form?

If you meet all of the following, you are required to submit this form: 

  • Initial I-20 from UC San Diego: "Form Issue Reason" on page 1 of your most recently issued I-20 states 'Initial Attendance', Transfer Pending', or 'Change of Educational Level' 
  • Program Start Date: Your program start date listed on the first page of your I-20/DS-2019 is in the future or is within the first 2 weeks of the quarter of entry. 
  • Location: You are physically located inside of the U.S. If you have not yet entered, wait to submit this form until after you enter the U.S. 
  • Arrival Record: You are able to show proof of last entry into the U.S. by uploading an Electronic Form I-94.

What if I'm not entering the U.S. this fall?
 
  • If you have an I-20 or DS-2019 with a Fall 2021 start date but do not plan to enter the U.S. to begin classes in person at UC San Diego this fall, you must submit a NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint request within the iPortal to receive an updated I-20/DS-2019 with a future program start date reflecting the next available term, Winter 2022.
  • You can then use the Form I-20/DS-2019 issued with a Winter 2022 program start date to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of classes for Winter 2022.
UPDATE- Fall 2021 Arrivals: Understand Your Earliest/ Latest Date of Entry into the U.S.
 
Students may use their Form I-20/DS-2019 issued with a Fall 2021 program start date to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before but no later than 2 weeks after the program start date listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019 ( October 8, 2021 - the add/drop enrollment deadline). Delayed arrival to UC San Diego is at the discretion of the student's academic department. 
 
You may download a travel support letter from ISPO, which explains UC San Diego's instructions plans and allowance of delayed entry. Please note that entry after the start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019 us at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection officer at the Port of Entry. 
 
Fall 2021 Starts: If your date of entry to the U.S. is after October 8th, which is more than 2 weeks after the Fall 2021 program start date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019, you must submit a NEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint request within the iPortal to receive an updated I-20/DS-2019 with a future program start date reflecting the next available term, Winter 2022. You can then use the Form I-20/DS-2019 issued with a Winter 2022 program start date to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of classes for Winter 2022. 
Download Your 2021 Welcome Packet Today!
The ISPO Welcome Packet and Digital Swag Bag are now available! This packet covers important topics for international students both before and after arrival. Whether you are studying in-person or remotely this Fall, the Welcome Packet has checklists, tips, tricks, links and resources to help you every step of the way! The Packet includes:

  • ISPO Welcome Packet 2021 PDF Guide
  • A coupon for free surprise swag
  • 3 "Keep With You Always" images with important information to save on your phone
  • A fun UC San Diego Zoom background
  • A digital daily gratitude journal
  • A flyer about a fun ISPO Instagram AR filter designed especially for international students at UC San Diego!
International Student Association (ISA) New Student Question & Answer (Q&A) 
Thursday, August 26 | 8 PM PDT
Stop by for some fun online games and a chance to ask current international students all the questions you have about life at UCSD and ISA!
 
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.