FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
I am a Canadian citizen. Do I need to get an F-1 visa?
No, Canadian citizens must apply as international students and receive the Form I-20 from UCLA, but do not need to go to a U.S. Embassy to request the F-1 visa. However, you must pay the SEVIS fee and present the Form I-20 when entering the United States, so you can get the F-1 stamp in your passport at the port of entry.
I am a U.S. citizen living abroad. Am I considered an international student?
No, if you are a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or green card holder you will not be considered an international student. On the registration form, please answer "no" to the question," are you an international student."
I recently applied or am in the process of applying for a green card; am I an international student?
No, if you have already begun the green card process you will not be able to apply for a visa. You will need to register as a regular visiting student. On the registration form, please answer "no" to the question, "are you an international student."
I am an international high school student. Am I eligible to attend? Do I need an I-20 or F-1 visa?
Yes, you can enroll in Academic Courses or Summer Institutes. The F-1 Visa will be required for all full-time course work in academic courses or college summer institutes. Precollege Summer Institutes do not qualify for the F-1 Visa.
How many classes can I take during the summer?
As an international student, you must enroll in a minimum of 1 unit per week of attendance. You may enroll in a maximum of 18 units per summer. Most courses are valued at 4 or 5 units each, so depending on the courses you choose; you can enroll in up to 5 classes per summer, Session A-D combined.
We recommend taking no more than 5 units for a 3-week session and no more than 12 units for a 6-week session due to the intensive course format.
What is the F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa. This is an entry visa issued to "bona fide students qualified to pursue a full course of study" at an academic or language institution.
F-1 visas cannot be obtained or renewed within the United States. They are issued at an internationally located U.S. embassy or consulate.
Am I required to get the F-1 visa?
Yes, all international students enrolling in Academic Courses or F-1 eligible Summer Institutes must obtain the F-1 visa prior to entering the United States.
If you are studying in the U.S. and have a valid I-20 but the F-1 visa has already expired, you do not have to renew the visa unless you leave the U.S. and plan to return.
Which Summer Institutes are eligible for an F-1 visa?
College/Professional Summer Institutes
cityLAB Summer Institute
Film and Television Summer Institute
Jumpstart Summer Institute: Introduction to Architecture
Managing Enterprise in Media, Entertainment, and Sports Summer Institute
Technology Leadership Summer Institute
Can I enroll part-time and take only one course?
No, to be eligible for the F-1 visa you must enroll full-time in at least 1 unit per week of attendance (for example, if enrolled in a 6-week session, the minimum unit requirement is 6 units). UCLA does not admit international students without an F-1 visa. This is a mandatory policy and no exceptions will be made.
Can I take online courses?
Yes, however, they will not count toward the minimum unit requirement for the F-1 student visa..
What is an I-20?
The Form I-20 (also known as Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status) is a legal document and evidence of your acceptance to the school which issued the I-20. It is required when applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Your I-20 is proof of your status and should be kept with your passport.
What are the requirements to get an I-20?
To be eligible for the I-20 you will need to enroll in at least 8 units (approximately two courses) and submit the I-20 request with the following supplemental documents:
When will I get my I-20?
Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for the I-20 processing after uploading all required documents and submitting the I-20 request. When ready, your Form I-20 will be shipped via FedEx International Priority Mail. An e-mail with a tracking number will be sent directly to you from FedEx.
I already have an I-20 from another school. Do I need to transfer to UCLA Summer Sessions?
If you are returning to the same school after the summer, you do not need to transfer your I-20 to UCLA.
If you are graduating, or your program is ending, you must transfer your SEVIS record to UCLA. You will need to register as an international student, upload all required documents and complete the I-20 request in order to transfer. You must also contact your International Advisor to request the transfer.
How do I apply for the F-1 visa?
Once you have your Form I-20, you will need to schedule an appointment with your local U.S. embassy or consulate and pay the SEVIS fee. Please visit usembassy.gov for the U.S. State Department’s list of embassies worldwide.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an Internet-based system developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students. You should pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before your visa interview. SEVIS fee information is available at www.fmjfee.com.
Where can I find out more about the F-1 Visa?
You can visit the U.S. State department’s website here. For more region or country specific information visit your local EducationUSA office www.educationusa.state.gov.
Do I have to purchase health insurance?
Yes. Health insurance is a federal requirement for all international students – no exceptions. Due to the high cost of health care in the United States, international students who receive the Form I-20 from UCLA are automatically enrolled in a two-part health insurance plan - BruinCare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO).
What if I already have travel insurance, can I waive the UCLA health insurance?
For your protection, the health insurance offered through UCLA is mandatory for all students and may not be waived.
What is BruinCare? Can I waive this fee?
BruinCare offers student pre-paid access to the Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center on campus. The cost is $90 and cannot be waived. Services include doctor and nurse visits, lab testing, filling of pharmaceutical prescriptions, X-rays. For more information on the services available, please click here.
Will there be an orientation meeting?
Prior to your arrival at UCLA, you will be prompted to complete the iSTART online orientation. iSTART will not only answer many of your questions about housing, enrollment, and life at UCLA, it will offer useful advice for getting around Los Angeles and adjusting to American Culture.
Can I travel to Canada or Mexico?
Yes, BUT if you plan to travel outside of the U.S., you must meet with a DCISS advisor two weeks before you plan to leave, in order to have your I-20 signed. The advisor will review your enrollment, I-20, and passport to make sure that you will be allowed to re-enter the U.S. Travel signatures will not be given after the end of the session. All traveling outside of the United States should be done prior to completion of study.
Do I need to submit my transcript, SAT, and TOEFL scores to UCLA Summer Sessions?
Transcripts and SAT scores are not required. Citizens from non-English speaking countries must provide proof of their English proficiency. If you are planning on enrolling in academic courses you will have to satisfy the following English requirements:
* Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and Canada are exempted from English Proficiency requirements.
I have not taken the English proficiency exam, can I still attend UCLA Summer Sessions?
Yes. If you haven’t met the minimum English proficiency requirements, you may choose from a variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that will help improve your English language and writing skills.
I am an International Baccalaureate (ID) student; do I need to take the TOEFL?
No. A copy of your transcript or a verification of enrollment from your school will be sufficient proof of your English proficiency.
UCLA Summer Sessions 2021 will be remote. Learn More.