If you have withdrawn or taken a leave of absence and want to return to UCI to resume your studies at UCI, you must first be readmitted by your academic department. After you have followed the steps for Readmission to UCI, you will need to request a new visa document (I-20/DS-2019) from the International Center.
Reactivation
If you will withdraw or take a leave of absence for one quarter only, you must meet with an international student advisor before your leave begins to understand the effect on your SEVIS record and visa status.
With approval from the International Center may qualify you for a SEVIS Reactivation. SEVIS Reactivation requires 30-60 days for processing and approval* by SEVP (Student Exchange of Visitor Program).
*SEVIS Reactivation, and the approval of your F-1 status is not guaranteed.
You will receive detailed instructions at a meeting with an international student advisor.
Returning Student
If you have been outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will need to request a new visa document at least 3 months before the quarter you plan to resume your studies at UCI. The 5 months is calculated from the date you departed from the U.S. to the date you will return to the U.S. If you have questions about your return and the time you have been outside of the U.S. please email our office for more information at: internationalcenter@uci.edu.
Planning ahead for your return will be important and will allow enough time for the processing of your visa document.
Step 1: Get Readmitted
- Contact your academic department to complete the readmission process to UCI.
Step 2: Submit Your Request for a New I-20/DS-2019
- After you have been readmitted you must request a new I-20/DS-2019 by completing the following forms:
- Student Visa Document Request, select ‘Returning Student’
- Funding Verification form
- Academic Status Verification form, signed by your academic counselor/advisor
- Copy of Passport Biographical Page
- *If you are returning for summer session, you must also provide a copy of your summer session enrollment and be enrolled full time (6 units), unless summer is your final quarter.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
- Submit your request to the International Center for review.
- If your request is complete, processing time will be 10 business days.
Step 4: Receive New I-20/DS-2019
- A new I-20/DS-2019 will be returned to you within 10 business days
- I-20 visa documents will be sent electronically via an email from DocuSign
- DS-2019 visa documents must be mailed via express mailing.
Step 5: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee once you receive your new I-20/DS-2019. You will need the new SEVIS number from your new visa document in order to pay the fee.
Step 6: Determine if you require a new Visa
- Your new I-20/DS-2019, will have a new SEVIS number which will be different than your previous immigration record.
- Apply for a new F-1/J-1 visa if your current visa is expired.
- If you have an unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa, contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate to confirm if you need to apply for a new U.S. Visa. If your visa is not valid, you will need to apply for a new visa.
- You may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status only up to 30 days before start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- You are required to complete iNavigateUCI: International Center Visa Check-In after you arrive to the U.S. to complete mandatory activation of your SEVIS record.
- If you do not complete the check-in process within 5 days of the start date on your new visa document (I-20/DS-2019), your immigration status may be negatively impacted. Please reach out to the International Center by email if you have additional questions about our check-in process.
Step 7: Arriving in Irvine
- You may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status only up to 30 days before start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Step 8: Check-In at the International Center after Arrival
- You are required to complete iNavigateUCI: International Center Visa Check-In after you arrive to the U.S. to complete mandatory activation of your SEVIS record.
- If you do not complete the check-in process within 5 days of the start date on your new visa document (I-20/DS-2019), your immigration status may be negatively impacted. Please reach out to the International Center by email if you have additional questions about our check-in process.
F-1/J-1 Employment Eligibility After Returning to UCI
On-Campus Employment
F-1 or J-1 students are eligible to begin working on campus as early as 30 days prior to your program start date.
Off-Campus Employment
F-1 or J-1 students who have been withdrawn for one or more quarters are not be eligible for off-campus employment until one academic year of enrollment has been completed. If you are uncertain about your employment eligibility schedule an appointment with an IC student advisor to determine your employment eligibility.