Spring 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. 
iTriton on Canvas
The iTriton Orientation on Canvas has been created by the International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) to guide you on your academic journey as an international student here at UC San Diego. 

The information is organized in modules that cover valuable information regarding immigration documents and maintaining your status, getting involved, working in the U.S., and more. Pay close attention as these caution modules demonstrate some of the top issues international students face with their immigration status. 
This training is REQUIRED, the new Fall 2021 students have to complete it by October 20, 2021.

To access iTriton, please make sure to check your ucsd.edu email for an invitation to join the course. You will also need to activate your Canvas account by logging in using Single Sign-On. For any questions about the course, please reach out to iprograms@ucsd.edu. 
Pre-Arrival Webinar Recording: Exchange Students
The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) has put together a Pre-Arrival Webinar Series that cover various relevant topics as you prepare for your time at UC San Diego, such as how to request your visa immigration documents, student health insurance and immunization requirements, housing, and more. To watch all Pre-Arrival Webinar records, click here.   

Watch our most recent Pre-Arrival webinar here or watch the video below:
Visit the iNewStudent Website
This comprehensive site is designed just for new international students to help you understand the different steps you need to follow before you arrive! Go to iNewStudent.ucsd.edu now and click on Exchange Students.     
How to Request a DS-2019
International students requiring a non-immigrant J-1 visa to study in the USA must request and receive a Form DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) to begin their program of study at UC San Diego. The Form DS-2019 is required to apply for the J-1 visa 
 
Submit your DS-2019 request through the iPortal. To access iPortal, you must first set up password for your UC San Diego Personal ID (PID). Follow the instructions on iNewStudent.ucsd.edu to retrieve your PID and create a password. 
 
Processing time for complete iPortal applications is 15 business days. Apply early to avoid visa delays.
DS-2019 Details

  • Funding Requirements for DS-2019 Issuance: J-1 students must show financial support for the entire duration of their program to obtain a DS-2019.
  • Refer to this link for required funding for your program. 

  • DS-2019 standard start dates: All students admitted for the Fall 2021 quarter should expect to receive a Fall 2021 Program Start Date (September 20, 2021) on their DS-2019.  
Pre-Arrival Resources
New Student Zoom Advising Hours

Questions about requesting your immigration documents from UC San Diego? Newly-admitted international students are able to speak to an ISPO Advisor during our designated zoom advising hours for newly-admitted students for Fall 2021.  

For more information, visit iContact.ucsd.edu:
 
  • Mondays: 9 – 10:30 AM PDT  
  • Tuesdays: 4:30 – 5:30 PM PDT 
  • Wednesdays: 9 – 10:30 AM PDT and 4:30 – 5:30 PM PDT 
  • Thursdays: 9 – 10:30 AM PDT and 4:30 – 5:30 PM PDT 
  • Friday – Sunday: NO Advising. Visit iContact.ucsd.edu for other ways to contact ISPO.  
Contacting ISPO

Our friendly and knowledgeable ISPO Staff are here and ready to help you!  

Phone SIM Cards

There are many options available to you in regards to selecting a mobile phone service in the United States. One such option is Campus SIMS. Campus SIMs is offering free SIM cards to students to help connect you with mobile phone service in the U.S. Plans start at $15/month and you can get your U.S phone number before you leave your home country. Click here to get your free SIM card mailed to you, so can use your phone as soon as you arrive in the U.S. For more information, visit campussims.com.   
Follow Us on Social Media!
Congratulations New Triton! We have put together an Instagram Filter Pack to celebrate our new class of international Tritons. Try it out, tag us (@ispo.ucsd), and let everyone know you are our newest iTriton! 
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.