New International Graduate Student: Pre Arrival Checklist

Complete Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Online

• When the Graduate Division admits you officially, you will receive a link to complete the SIR online. This must be completed before registration can occur.
• Complete as soon as possible after you are admitted. Admissions offers may be withdrawn after April 15, 2021, if the SIR is not completed.

Complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)

• You should complete the Statement of Legal Residence after completing the SIR (see above).
• It is used to calculate your tuition and fees based on residency status.

Activate Your UCInetID 

• What is the UCInetID? Your UCInetID is your key to online services at UC Irvine.
• Review information on UCInetIDs for Applicants and how to activate your electronic identification.
• Many online services, including UCI Google (Gmail), EEE, WebReg, ZotPortal and numerous others, require you to use your UCInetID and password in order to log in.
• Your UCI Email will be activated in late-May/early-June, after you have activated your UCInetID
• Complete as soon as possible after being admitted.

Complete On-Campus Housing Application Form

• You must complete the Online Housing Application to confirm your place within Graduate and Family Housing.
• Please read all Housing information carefully on the UCI Student Housing website. 
• Complete and submit an application no later than May 1, 2021.
• Considering living off-campus? Contact Student Housing Advisors, use the Anteater Housing Network, and reference the Living Around UC Irvine guide.

Become Familiar with the UCI International Center Services and Programs

• Review the services and programs on the International Center website. 
• Reference the 2020-21 New International Student Handbook. 

Complete the I-20/DS-2019 Request for New Graduate Students Form

• After receiving admission to UCI, your department will give you information about the process for completing and submitting the New Graduate Student Request Form to begin your request for visa documentation (I-20/DS-2019) from UC Irvine.
• Contact your department if you have questions about getting the I-20 or DS-2019.

Pay the SEVIS fee after you receive I-20 or DS-2019

• The SEVIS fee is paid by F-1/J-1 students and scholars to cover the cost of operation of SEVIS and is paid directly to the U.S. government.

Schedule Your Visa Interview and Apply for a Visa

• Start the process as early as possible after receiving the I-20/DS-2019.
• The timeline for issuance of the I-20 or DS-2019 will vary depending on the receipt of complete documentation.
• Note: You should not make your travel reservations until you have received your U.S. visa.
• You are not allowed to enter the United States earlier than 30 days prior to the beginning date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• Complete as soon as possible after being admitted and submitting a positive SIR.

MAY

Apply for Financial Support

• Although different types of support may be offered throughout the school year, many assistantships have May, June, or July deadlines.
• Check academic and department websites for specific deadlines.

Review Resources for Studying in the USA

• Education USA:  A website developed by the U.S. Department of State with useful information about graduate study and pre-departure resources. Look into pre-departure orientation programs in your country sponsored by Education USA.

Begin Exploring Various Types of Financial Resources

•  You may make a funding request on your online application. Additionally, the following types of funding may be  available to graduate students:
  • Fellowships
  • Grants
  • Teaching & Research Assistantships  
  • Grader positions
• Check with your academic department for more information.

Practice Your English Language Skills

• In preparation for academics, professional development, and social interactions, it is important to practice English. While international students are required to receive a passing TOEFL score to be admitted to a graduate program, some students find when they arrive on campus that their English proficiency needs to be improved.
• UCI Resources (Practice in pronunciation and speaking, listening comprehension, etc.)
• UC Berkeley Resources (Practice in pronunciation, listening comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.)
• Once you are on campus, enroll in the School of Humanities Academic English courses to improve language and academic skills for all disciplines.  
• Some newly admitted students may be required to take the SPEAK or TOEP exam in order to be eligible to become a Teaching Assistant.

Learn about the Graduate InterConnect Program

• The Peer Mentors and Graduate Division staff will provide valuable support during your transition.
• Visit the Graduate InterConnect Blog for information and resources from a graduate student's perspective. 

Look into UCI Campus Clubs

• Associated Graduate Students
• Other Clubs

JUNE

UC TB Screening and Immunization Requirements

It is the policy of the University of California that all new, incoming undergraduate and graduate students must obtain four required vaccines (or provide evidence of compliance) and complete a TB Risk Screening Questionnaire. Students are strongly encouraged to complete these health requirements prior to arrival on campus for the Fall term. The final deadline date for incoming Freshman, Transfer and Graduate students to comply with these requirements is Friday, October 30, 2021. For further information go to https://shc.uci.edu/new-student-information/immunization-requirements 

Register for Classes

• Use WebReg to enroll in classes. 
• Consult with your graduate advisor or coordinator (titles vary by department) before registering for classes.
• Graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time in at least 12 units. 
• Please note that you must activate your UCInetID and file an SLR prior to enrolling in classes.
• Complete no later than September 15. 

Register for both New Graduate Student Orientation Events (Modules will be released starting August 23rd)

• All new graduate students are invited to register for the Campuswide Graduate Welcome and Orientation, which will be virtual.
• These will provide you with an introduction to graduate student policies and resources.
• Webinars will also be held to allow you to learn more about the campus resources and ask questions.
• Students will be notified about these events via email, with online registration beginning in July.

Submit official transcript(s) with the degree certificate

• Your original and official transcript(s) with degree certificate should be sent to:

           University of California, Irvine
           Graduate Division - Transcripts
           120 Aldrich Hall
           Irvine, CA 92697-3180

• Or you may bring your documents to campus with you and deliver them to the address above. 
• Additional documents may be required so please visit our website for details. 
• Your department may also require official records if you earned an advanced degree (i.e. Master's).  Please check with your department.
• All records submitted to our office become the property of the University and will not be returned to the student.  If your academic records cannot be replaced, please bring them directly to our office and we will photocopy and return them to you.

Check your UCI Email Account and enroll in DUO

• Review the Office of Information Technology's Getting Started with Email for Students.  
• Also, enroll in DUO multi-factor authentication to protect your UCI accounts. Sign-up and learn more here: https://duo.oit.uci.edu/.

AUGUST

Apply for the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Waiver (if applicable)

• Having health insurance is mandatory as a student of UCI. Review the GSHIP benefits for yourself and voluntary and dependent enrollment. 
• If you already have health insurance that is comparable to UCI's health insurance, you may apply for a waiver. 
• Please visit the Student Health Center for detailed information regarding medical services, psychiatry & mental health services, health insurance, and health and wellness resources.

SEPTEMBER

See the "Once You Arrive" Post Arrival New International Graduate Student Checklist

Pay Your Tuition & Fees

• There are many ways to pay your fees. Some students' departments pay fees on their behalf; other students self-pay:
  • Online: Use ZotPay, a feature within ZotAccount. This debits your bank account.
  • In-person: Central Cashier's Office 228 Aldrich Hall (UCI map Building #111)
  • Mail: Make check out to UC Regents and include ID #. Send to Cashiers Office.
• Please note that UC Irvine does not accept credit cards for payment of fees or tuition.
• Complete as soon as possible and before September 15, 2021.
• Fees MUST BE PAID on or before the established fee payment deadline.
• It is the student's responsibility to see that their fees are paid on time, even when fees are being paid with departmental support.
• Students must also enroll in classes by this date.

Check-in with the International Center

• F-1/J-1 international students must complete the International Center's visa check-in process - iNavigateUCI
• For detailed information review Information for New Students.
• Must be completed within 3 days after your arrival to the U.S.

Review the Campuswide Graduate Welcome and Orientation online modules in Canvas (Modules released starting August 23rd)

• The online orientation modules will allow you to earn about expectations, policies, and campus resources.
• You will be able to access the modules throughout the year.

Attend Your School or Department's New Graduate Student Orientation

• Most departments or schools conduct new student orientation for students in their own programs.
• The Graduate Division website lists all graduate degree programs and their websites. Use it to find orientation information for your program or to contact your program directly.

Conditions for Applying for a Social Security Number

• If you have received an employment offer, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to work.
• Go to your department to initiate the process for the Social Security Verification Letter.
• The International Center has detailed information regarding Social Security Number application process and eligibility.
• Bring the following items when going to the Social Security Office:
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94 card
  • Visa document
  • Job offer letter
  • Proof of full-time enrollment
  • Verification letter

Conditions for Obtaining an Individual Tax Identification Number

• If you are not eligible to get a Social Security Number, international students who have received a fellowship or scholarship must apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to receive a stipend.  
• Students who will not be employed by their department or the University are generally ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
• Complete before the disbursement of stipends.

Apply for a California Driver License

• If you intend to drive during your stay here, it is recommended that you get a California driver's license within 30 days of your arrival in California.
• To start the application and make an appointment visit the DMV website.
• The closest DMV offices to Irvine are located in Laguna Hills and Costa Mesa.
• The International Center has additional information about the California Driver License application process.