Visa Related

• Change of Status to F-1/J-1

  If you are currently in the US on another visa and plan to change to F1 or J1 status

  Before requesting an I-20 or DS-2019, we highly advise that you speak with an International Student Advisor regarding your plans to change status. There are two ways to change status, by travel and re-entry or by filing a change of status application in the United States. The best option for you depends on a variety of personal factors, and an advisor can help you determine which option may be best for you in your situation.

• Studying on Other Visa Types

  If you plan to study at UCR on a visa status other than F-1 or J-1:

  Any individual who holds a visa with non-immigrant intent  will be classified as an international student (non-resident) for immigration purposes. This is determined separately from your residency status for tuition purposes.

  Before starting classes, make sure your current visa status allows for full-time study. Some dependent statuses, such as F2, only allow part-time study but not full time.

  Please check-in with our office by completing the International Student Personal Record Form.

I-20/DS-2019 Related

• F-1 Students – How to Request an I-20

  I-20 requests for new students are processed completely online through the application form. Please do not send any I-20 forms, passport or bank documents to our office via email or regular mail as this may result in a processing delay. An I-20 will be issued after you are admitted to UCR and have submitted a complete I-20 application form.

  To apply for the I-20, please prepare and submit the following items:

  1. Complete the Electronic I-20 Application Form

  This link has been emailed to the email address on file from your admissions application. It has been prefilled with some of your personal information. Please check this form carefully and complete all required fields, as missing information or errors will cause delays in processing.

  2. Upload a Copy of the Biographical Page of Your Passport

  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from program start date. If needed, please renew your passport prior to requesting the I-20. We do not require copies of your visa.

  
  3. Upload a recent bank statement or bank letter that shows the minimum funds required
  for your program

  For program amounts and financial requirements, please visit the Estimated Cost of Attendance page.

   

  Once all required documents are received and complete, please allow 10-12 business days for I-20 processing. You will receive an email when your I-20 is issued.

  
  [Note: If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another school, we cannot issue your I-20 until the record is transferred to UCR. For more information on the transfer process, please visit the SEVIS Transfer to UCR page.]

• Current F-1 UCR Students Starting a New Program

  If you have been accepted into a higher program level (ie: bachelor's to masters or masters to Ph.D.) you must apply for and receive a program level change I-20 or DS-2019 prior to beginning your higher level program of study.  Please follow these instructions:

  1. Fill out the New I-20/DS request form
  2. Attach your admissions letter and financial documents
  3. Submit documents to the International Affairs front desk
  4. Within 3-5 business days, you will receive an updated I-20 with a new degree level
• J-1 Students – How to Request a DS-2019
  Education Abroad Reciprocity Students
  All UCEAP reciprocity Exchange students will be issued Form DS-2019.
  1. The central UCEAP office will collect your financial documentation and send it to us for DS-2019 issuance.
  2. Once your DS-2019 is complete we will email you shipping instructions.

   

  Graduate and Undergraduate Students

  Please email internationalstudents@ucr.edu to request information about obtaining a DS-2019 for J status.

   

  To apply for the DS-2019, please prepare the following items:

  1.  A copy of the identity page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from program start date. If needed, please renew your passport prior to requesting the DS-2019. We do not require copies of your visa.
  2. A recent bank statement or bank letter that shows the funds required for the length of your program at UCR. For program amounts and financial requirements, please visit the Estimated Cost of Attendance page.
  3. Once all required documents are received and complete, please allow 5 business days for DS-2019 processing. You will receive an email when your DS-2019 is issued.

  Note: If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another school, we cannot issue your DS-2019 until the record is transferred to UCR. For more information on the transfer process, please visit the SEVIS Transfer to UCR page.

   

• I-20 Mailing/Pickup Options

  I-20 Mailing/Pickup Options

  “As of March 25^th, SEVP has temporarily allowed DSOs to send digital copies of I-20s for the duration of the COVID emergency. DOS and CBP have been advised to accept electronic I-20s for visa appointments and entry to the U.S. Your electronic I-20 form will be emailed to you as soon as the document is issued.

  **Please note that the ISS office is not currently open due to the campus closure. Physical I-20 pickup is unavailable at this time.

   

  I-20 Options for Graduate Students:

  1. Print and sign your electronic I-20 which was emailed to you and use it in accordance with the current guidance.
  2. If you require a physical I-20, please contact your academic department and request that they submit a mailing request for you.

  I-20 Options for Undergraduate Students:

  1. Print and sign your electronic I-20 which was emailed to you and use it in accordance with the current guidance.
  2. If you require a physical I-20, please create an Eship order using the instructions posted online.

SEVIS Related

• Transferring Your SEVIS Record to UCR

  What is a SEVIS Transfer?
  As an F-1 student, the school that you are currently attending maintains your SEVIS record.
  When you transfer to a new university, your current school will need to transfer (or “release”) your SEVIS record to the new school in order to issue your I-20. This transfer process must be initiated and scheduled by the International Advisor (DSO) at your current school, it is not automatic. Your SEVIS transfer date should be between your graduation date/end of term at your current school and your term start date at the new school. To transfer, your DSO will need a copy of your admission letter to UC Riverside and the school code, which is LOS214F00177000.

  
  SEVIS Transfer Process
  Please see the following chart which shows the F-1 SEVIS transfer process in detail.
  J-1 students who are currently in the United States should email
  internationalstudents@ucr.edu
  for information about transferring to UCR.

• Paying the SEVIS Fee

  What is SEVIS?
  The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an electronic database of international students in the United States. Your I-20 or DS-2019 is generated from this system and is like a “snapshot” of your SEVIS record at that moment. SEVIS is used by Designated School Officials (DSOs) to manage your F-1 student record, and it’s also used by other government agencies to check your legal status in the United States.

  
  Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
  -If you are a new incoming student with an initial attendance I-20 or DS-2019 form you are required to pay the SEVIS fee before you apply for your visa or before you enter the United States (if a visa is not required).
  -If you are a SEVIS transfer student with a transfer pending I-20 form, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.
  -If you are changing levels from one- degree level to another (e.g. Bachelors to Masters) at UCR, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.
  -If you are changing status to F1 or J1, you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee.
  -If you are out-of status and reentering the United States with an initial attendance I-20 form, you will be required to pay the fee.

  Please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee for more details.

  
  How Much is the SEVIS Fee?
  For F-1 - $350
  For J-1 - $220
  For F-2 and J-2: None

  
  When Do New Students Pay the SEVIS Fee?

  • Before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for the visa interview
  • Before arriving at the U.S. Port-of-Entry
  • Before filing a change of status application while in the U.S.

  
  Where Do I Pay the SEVIS Fee?
  [Please Note: You cannot pay upon arrival to the U.S.]
  Pay online at www.FMJfee.com: use a credit card and complete Form I-901 (recommended method)

  Certain countries require payment by money order or Western Union

  For more information on payment requirements, please visit

  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee. 

  If you need assistance with fee payment, please contact the SEVP Response Center 1-703-603-3400.

  You will need your SEVIS number, which is listed at the top of your document and begins with the letter “N.”

  Once you have paid, please print your confirmation receipt and bring it to your visa interview as proof of payment. If you would like to request corrections to your I-901, would like to go to a different school, or would like to transfer your payment to a new SEVIS record, you must either email a detailed request to FMJfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov or follow the step-by-step FAQ to submit online.