New International Graduate Student: Pre Arrival Checklist

April

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 admission. Admissions offers may be withdrawn after April 15 if the SIR is not completed.

Complete On-Campus Housing Application Form

• You must complete the Online Housing Application (opens in new tab) to confirm your place in Graduate and Family Housing.
• Please review all housing information on the UC Irvine Student Housing website (opens in new tab).
• Submit your application no later than 4:00 PM (Pacific Time) on May 2.
• Considering off-campus housing? Use the Anteater Housing Network (opens in new tab).

Become Familiar with UC Irvine International Center Services and Programs

• Review services and programs on the International Center website (opens in new tab).
• Reference the 2026–27 New International Student Handbook (opens in new tab).

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

• After admission, your department will provide instructions for completing the New Graduate Student Request Form to initiate your visa document (I-20/DS-2019).
• Contact your department if you have questions about the I-20 or DS-2019 process.

Pay the SEVIS Fee After Receiving Your I-20 or DS-2019

• The SEVIS fee is required for F-1/J-1 students and is paid directly to the U.S. government.

Schedule Your Visa Interview and Apply for a Visa

• Begin the process as soon as possible after receiving your I-20/DS-2019.
• Processing times vary depending on receipt of complete documentation.
• You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• Complete this step as soon as possible after admission and submission of a positive SIR.
• Note: Do not make travel arrangements until your visa is issued.

Register for Graduate International Connection

• Connect with a current graduate student mentor for support during your transition to UC Irvine.
• Apply here: Graduate International Connection Application (opens in new tab).
• Follow updates on Instagram: @uci_gic (opens in new tab).
• Students in the School of Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Paul Merage School of Business master’s programs are not currently eligible.

May

Activate Your UCInetID

• Your UCInetID provides access to UC Irvine online systems.
• Learn more at UCInetID activation information (opens in new tab).
• Services include UC Irvine Gmail, EEE, WebReg, ZotPortal, and more.
• Your UC Irvine email activates after UCInetID activation (late May/early June).
• Set up your UCInetID as soon as possible.

Apply for Financial Support

• Assistantship deadlines may fall in May, June, or July depending on department.
• Check departmental websites for details.

Begin Exploring Financial Resources

• Possible funding sources include:
  • Fellowships
  • Grants
  • Teaching and research assistantships
  • Grader positions
• Consult your academic department for guidance.

Practice Your English Language Skills

• English proficiency is important for academic and professional success.
• Resources: UC Berkeley Language Resources (opens in new tab)
  
• UC Irvine Academic English courses: Academic English Program (opens in new tab)
• Some students may be required to take the TOEP exam (opens in new tab) for Teaching Assistant eligibility.

Explore UC Irvine Campus Organizations

• Associated Graduate Students (opens in new tab)
  
• Office of Campus Organizations (opens in new tab)
  

Complete Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)

• Complete the Statement of Legal Residence (opens in new tab) after submitting the SIR.
• Used to determine tuition and residency classification.

June

UC TB Screening and Immunization Requirements

All incoming students must complete required vaccinations and a TB risk screening. Students are strongly encouraged to complete requirements before arrival. Final deadline is September 24.

Immunization Requirements (opens in new tab)

Register for Classes

• Use WebReg (opens in new tab) to enroll in courses.
• Consult your graduate advisor before registering.
• Full-time enrollment requires at least 12 units.
• UCInetID and SLR must be completed before enrollment.
• Complete no later than September 15.

July

Complete Misconduct Disclosure Questionnaire

• Complete the Misconduct Disclosure Questionnaire after submitting your SIR.

New Graduate Student Orientation

• Attend the Graduate Welcome and Orientation.
• Review Canvas modules throughout the summer and academic year.

Submit Official Transcripts

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

• Official transcripts may also be delivered in person.
• Some departments may require additional records.
• Submitted records become property of the university.

Check UC Irvine Email and Enroll in DUO

• Getting started: Student Email Setup (opens in new tab)
  
• DUO authentication: DUO Security Setup (opens in new tab)
  

August

Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (GSHIP) Waiver

• Health insurance is mandatory for all UC Irvine students.
• Review: GSHIP Benefits (opens in new tab)
  
• Waiver information: Insurance Waiver (opens in new tab)
• Student Health Center: Health Services (opens in new tab)
  

September

Post-Arrival Checklist

New International Graduate Student Post-Arrival Checklist

Pay Tuition & Fees

• Pay via ZotAccount / ZotPay (opens in new tab), cashier, or mail.
• No credit cards are accepted.
• Fees must be paid by September 15.
• Students are responsible for timely payment even if funded.

Orientation Modules

• Complete online orientation in Canvas.

Department Orientation

• Attend program-specific orientation sessions.
• Find your program: Graduate Degree Programs