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.

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.

College/Professional Summer Institutes

cityLAB Summer Institute

Film and Television Summer Institute

• Film Production Track (Session A and C)
• Traditional Animation

Jumpstart Summer Institute: Introduction to Architecture

Managing Enterprise in Media, Entertainment, and Sports Summer Institute

Technology Leadership Summer Institute

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.

Yes, however, they will not count toward the minimum unit requirement for the F-1 student visa..

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.

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:

• Copy of Passport Photo page – This must be a clear legible photocopy of the photo and biographical information page of your passport
• Proof of Sufficient Funds – Download and print the Confidential Financial Statement Form and submit proof of sufficient funding that can cover your tuition and cost of living while studying abroad at UCLA.
• Proof of English Proficiency – Please see registration requirements for detailed English proficiency information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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). 

For your protection, the health insurance offered through UCLA is mandatory for all students and may not be waived.

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.

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.