If you live outside of the U.S. and need to obtain a F-1 or J-1 student visa, you must also:
- Know that once your CFS, financial documents, and passport biographical page have been received and verified as complete, the International Center will process and mail you your F-1/J-1 visa document.
- Apply for the F-1 student visa. Students without an F-1 visa need to apply for one. After you receive your I-20 visa document, you may apply for an F-1 visa. Visit the U.S. Department of State website.
If you are currently in the U.S. and have an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must also:
- Request an electronic release of your SEVIS record from your current school to UCI. Follow the instructions on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Record Transfer to UCI form. The form is available on your Applicant Portal and on the International Center website. Note: Failure to follow the instructions will delay the processing and mailing of your visa document.
- Once your CFS, financial documents, and passport biographical page have been received and verified as complete and your SEVIS record has been released to UCI from your current school, the International Center will process and mail you your F-1/J-1 visa document.
If you live in the U.S. and plan to change to F-1/J-1 visa status, you must also:
- Plan to travel outside of the U.S. for an F-1/J-1 visa, or you must file a change of status application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).