To study at UCI as an international visiting summer student, you must obtain an F-1 student visa. Follow the steps below to apply for your F-1 visa and prepare for your arrival in the U.S.
Apply for F-1 Visa:
- Review your I-20 Visa Document:
- Contact the International Center at internationalcenter@uci.edu if a correction is needed.
- Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule a visa appointment:
- A list is of consulates is available at www.usembassy.gov.
- Pay SEVIS Fee:
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) www.fmjfee.com.
- Documents you will need to apply for F-1 Visa Interview:
- I-20 Visa Document
- Non-immigrant visa application form DS-160
- Valid passport
- MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee
- I-901 receipt of SEVIS fee
- Summer Session Admissions Letter
- Financial documents
- Make travel arrangements to the U.S. AFTER you receive your F-1 Visa.
- Carry documents with you on the airplane:
- I-20 Visa document
- Valid passport
- F-1 student visa
- Proof of Summer Session Admission
- I-901 receipt of SEVIS fee
- Financial documentation
Do not put these immigration documents in your checked luggage. You will need to present these to a Customs and Border Patrol officer (CBP) when you enter the U.S
Immigration Process at the U.S. Port of Entry:
Upon arrival to the U.S., a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Agent will review your visa documents.
- Documents needed at the port of entry:
- I-20 Visa Document
- Valid Passport
- F-1 student visa
- Financial documents
- Proof of Summer Session Admission
- I-901 receipt of SEVIS fee
- Land borders port of entry: If you enter the U.S. by land, you will receive a paper form of the I-94. The I-94 card records your arrival and departure from the
- Air or sea port of entry: If you enter the U.S. by air or sea your arrival will be recorded electronically, and you can print your I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Traveling without all immigration documents needed to enter the U.S. might be reason to be denied entry. Entry to the U.S. is up to the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry.
- I-515A form: If you are granted entry to the U.S. after coming with insufficient documentation, you may receive an I-515A Form at the time of entry; which allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. If you receive an I-515A form, you MUST come to the International Center to meet with an advisor.
- Biometric procedure: At the Port of Entry you should expect to experience U.S. VISIT’S biometric procedure: a digital, inkless finger scan and digital photograph.