Visa and Immigration FAQs

Note: Individual situations may vary. Always be sure to provide details about your specific situation, so your advisor can provide the most accurate guidance.

  • What’s an I-20/DS-2019?
  • The I-20 and DS-2019 are official documents that confirm your participation in an academic or research program at an accredited institution in the U.S. Both the I-20 and DS-2019 must remain valid throughout your entire stay in the U.S. If your document will expire in the next three months and you need to extend it, then you need to contact your immigration advisor immediately.
  • How do I apply for the F-1/J-1 visa?
  • In general, the following items are required for an F-1 or J-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate:
    - Current passport valid for travel to the United States. Passport should be valid for at least another 6 months beyond your planned date of arrival in the U.S.
    - Form DS-160 confirmation page
    -     One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last 6 months
    -     Signed Form I-20 or DS-2019
    -     Student and Exchange Visa Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt
    -     Proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses for up to one year in the U.S. for F-1 applicants and for the program duration for J-1 applicants

    You will also need to demonstrate the following during your interview:
    -     Purpose of your travel. Admission letter or letter of invitation may be used as proof of plans to study or do research. You will also be expected to explain how the program will contribute to your academic and career-related goals.
    -     Intent to depart the U.S. after your program. Evidence of employment and/or family ties may be sufficient to show your intent to return to your home country.

    The entire interview will be less than five minutes. It is recommended to bring all documents that could be used to support your visa application, even if you are not asked to present all of them.
  • What if I deferred my admission and I need to change the dates on my I-20/DS-2019?

  • Once the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 has passed, you can no longer use it to apply for the appropriate visa. In this case, you will need to request an admissions deferral and a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a new program start date.

    To request a new I-20 or DS-2019, you will need permission from your program advisor to defer your admission. Once your deferral request is approved, you can forward that written permission to your immigration advisor. (Emailed permission is fine.) Your immigration advisor will then update your program dates and issue a new eligibility document.
  • When can I arrive in Davis? How long can I stay once my program is over?

  • F-1 students traveling with the I-20 may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date and are automatically granted a 60-day “grace period” at the end of their program. Students are not permitted to study or work during this time and may use it to travel in the U.S. and prepare for their departure. If a student leaves the U.S. during the grace period, they will not be able to return even if the 60 days are not yet over.

    J-1 students and scholars traveling with the DS-2019 may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date and are automatically granted a 30-day “grace period” at the end of their study or research program. Students are not permitted to complete any research or work during this time and may use it to travel in the U.S. and prepare for their departure. If a student leaves the U.S. during the grace period, they will not be able to return even if the 30 days are not yet over.
  • What am I required to do to keep my status in good standing as an international student or scholar?
  • - Checking in with your immigration advisor upon arrival in the U.S.
    - Enrolling in the minimum required number of units each term (for F-1 holders)
    -     Waiting to work off-campus until you have received the appropriate authorization
    -     Letting your immigration advisor know within 10 days if you move
    -     Making sure that your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 are always valid
    -     Departing the U.S. within the required time limits

    There are additional aspects to maintaining good status when working, but you will receive more information about this if you receive authorization.
  • Am I eligible for work authorization? If so, how do I apply for that?

  • F-1 students are eligible to work on-campus immediately after the start of their program. While classes are in session, they may work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks.

    F-1 students must apply for prior authorization to work off-campus. There are two types of off-campus work authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both types of practical training must be related to the student’s field of study. Students are only eligible for CPT and OPT after completing at least one year of full-time academic study. Certain graduate programs may require CPT during the first year of study and these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    J-1 scholars may only be authorized for incidental employment, such as guest lecturing.

    J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus immediately after the start of their program, as long as they receive prior authorization from their immigration advisor. Authorization is valid for up to one year for each position. While classes are in session, they can work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks.

    J-1 students may work off-campus using Academic Training, as long as they receive prior authorization from their program advisor. Academic Training must be related to the student’s field of study.
  • I’ve been admitted to another program and I want to transfer. Do I have to get a new I-20 or DS-2019?

  • F-1 students who have already begun their program may request an I-20 transfer as long as they are able to join the next available term at their new school. An I-20 transfer allows the student to keep their same SEVIS ID number, and they are not required to pay a new I-901 SEVIS fee. An I-20 transfer is only available if there are fewer than five months between the last day of class at UC Davis and the first day of class at the new school. If there will be more than five months between these dates, then an I-20 transfer is not an option and a new I-20 with a new SEVIS number from the new school will need to be requested and a new I-901 SEVIS fee paid.

    J-1 students and scholars who have already begun their program may transfer to another institution if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which they were admitted. It is not possible to transfer to a different J-1 category.
  • I already have a visa from a previous program. Do I have to apply for a new one? 

  • If the visa in your passport is still valid, then it is typically still accepted when arriving at the border. If you have transferred programs, the institutions on your I-20 or DS-2019 and on your visa will no longer match. This is typically not an issue, as long as your I-20 or DS-2019, your passport and your visa are all still valid. However, border officials have the authority to deny entry to anyone, even if they have the proper documents.

    If your visa has expired, you will need a new visa in order to travel internationally and return to the U.S.

    Please note that your visa type must match your Certificate of Eligibility. For example, an F-1 visa is only accepted at the U.S. border if you also have a valid I-20. The J-1 visa is only accepted with a valid DS-2019.

Resources

For additional help, contact Immigration Advisor Stephanie Palmer for guidance on specific questions not listed here. 

Learn more about the F-1 Visa and J-1 Visa and visit our Visa and Immigration Glossary.