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 Admissions offers may be withdrawn after April 15th if the SIR is not completed.

Complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)

• You should complete the SLR after completing the SIR (see above).
• You will receive an e-mail with a link to complete the SLR. 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.
• Many online services, including Webmail and OIT Mailbox Services, EEE, WebReg and numerous others, require you to use your UCInetID and password in order to log in.
• 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.
• Also see the Housing Tips Sheet 
• Complete and submit application no later than May 1, 2012.

Become familiar with the UCI International Center Services and Programs

•  Click here for more information.

 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 this form which is required in order for the International Center to issue your visa document.
• 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

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 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.

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.
• Complete before applicable deadlines.

• 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.
• For Students from China: Pre-Departure Orientation for Chinese Students. A website developed by NAFSA, Association of International Educators with information on a wide variety of topics including academics in America, American culture and social life, health and safety, and rights and responsibilities. The website is available in both English and Chinese.

 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, if Necessary  

(Although international students are required to receive a passing TOEFL score to be admitted to a graduate program, many 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, ESL classes are offered at UCI to improve language and academic skills.  
• Some newly admitted students may be required to take the Speak test in order to be eligible to become a Teaching Assistant.

Learn about the Graduate InterConnect Program

• The Peer Mentors and Staff Coordinators will provide valuable support during your transition.

Look into UCI Campus Clubs

• International Club
• UCI Chinese Student and Scholar Association
• Surabhi-Indian Students Association
• Other Clubs

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 between June 15 and September 17. 

Register for All-Campus New Graduate Student Orientation and the New International Graduate Student Orientation

• All new graduate students are invited to attend the New International Graduate Student Orientation on Sept. 20 and the Campus-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation on Sept. 21. Both will be held in the UCI Student Center.  NOTE: You must register separately for each orientation.
• These will provide you with an introduction to campus leadership, graduate student policies and resources.
• Students will be notified about these events by means of their admissions letter from Graduate Dean Frances Leslie, and a series of communications from the Graduate Division will follow.
• Register for both Orientations.

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

• Having health insurance is mandatory as a student of UCI.
• If you already have health insurance that is comparable to UCI's health insurance, you may apply for a waiver.
• Complete no later than August 29.

See the "Once You Arrive" Post Arrival 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 #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 17.
• 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 at the International Center

• For detailed information go to Information for New Students.
• Complete as soon as possible after you arrive at UCI.

 Attend New International Graduate Student Orientation (Sept. 20, 2012)

• New international graduate students will be introduced to specialized resources available on campus. 
• You'll also be introduced to your academic program representatives, your Peer Mentors and Staff Coordinators, and you'll meet other new international students. 

Attend All-Campus New Graduate Student Orientation (Sept. 21, 2012)

• Attend this day-long orientation for all new graduate students.
• This event will allow you to meet campus leaders and your fellow new graduate students.
• You will also learn about expectations, policies, and campus resources.
• Information is available at UCI Campuswide Orientation.

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.

Apply for 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.
• Detailed information is available from the International Center.
• 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

OR 

Obtain 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 Drivers License

• If you intend to drive during your stay here, it is recommended that you get a California drivers 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.
• Further information is on the International Center website.