All international (non-immigrant) students coming to the United States with the primary intention of studying are required to obtain the F-1 Student Visa, and must maintain full-time enrollment of at least eight (8) units per session throughout the entire program.

In order to apply for the F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, you need to receive the Form I-20 (also known as Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) from UCLA Summer Sessions.

Enroll in a minimum of 8 units for the session(s) you will be attending;
Receive an email from DCISS within 48 hours with the link to the I-20 portal;

Complete the I-20 request and upload the following documents:
• Passport Copy
• Confidential Financial Statement (CFS)
• Proof of Sufficient Funds
• Proof of English Proficiency

I-20 Request Deadlines:
• Session A: May 3rd
• Session C: June 3rd

If you will be transferring your I-20 to UCLA, please contact the F-1 advisor at your current school and request the release of your SEVIS record to UCLA.

The presentation below will walk you through the steps on how to request the Form I-20.

After receiving the Form I-20 from UCLA Summer Sessions, you can:
• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160);
• Schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate;
• Pay the application fee and gather the required documents;
• Pay the SEVIS Fee at www.fmjfee.com at least 3 days before your visa interview.

Canadian citizens are NOT required to visit the U.S. Embassy, but ARE required to complete the I-20 request, pay the SEVIS fee and have it recorded before arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry.

For up-to-date information, please visit the Department of State website.

To maintain legal F-1 student status at UCLA, you are required to:
• Complete the mandatory visa check-in within one week upon your arrival to the United States;
• Maintain full-time enrollment (8 units per session) and earn a passing grade in all your courses;
• Have health insurance for the duration of your studies;
• Maintain a valid passport;
• Get DCISS approval for any temporary travel outside of the U.S;
• Accept no employment without consulting with an F-1 advisor at DCISS;
• Notify DCISS before you transfer to another U.S. school;
• Leave the U.S. or transfer to another U.S. school within sixty (60) days after the completion of your program.