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Summer Bruin Guide – International Students

Students walking to class on a bright and sunny day.

We are thrilled to have you join us in an environment that is welcoming and appreciative of international cultures and perspectives—in a city that is truly a global gateway. This International Student Guide is designed to help international students understand additional requirements and policies that apply to those who require an F-1 visa to study at UCLA this summer. Please note, Precollege Summer Institutes are NOT F-1 visa eligible, and international students must obtain the appropriate tourist visa.

In addition to the International Student Guide, please be sure to review the Summer Bruin Guide that’s applicable to you. The Summer Bruin Guides include information on fees, refunds, enrollment changes, and many more to help you take the right steps towards a successful summer.

If you need further assistance or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at international@summer.ucla.edu. We hope you enjoy your time at UCLA Summer Sessions!

Obtaining an I-20

After enrolling in UCLA Summer Sessions full-time, you will be sent an email with a link to the online I-20 portal. This online portal will allow you to upload your documents and communicate with Dashew Center regarding your I-20. Please note that it can take 2-3 business days to receive this email, and you will not be able to access the link until the email has been sent to you directly.

You are required to upload electronic copies of the following required documents via the online I-20 request portal:

  • Copy of Valid Passport
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Confidential Financial Statement

Please note, Precollege Summer Institutes are NOT F-1 visa eligible, and international students must obtain the appropriate tourist visa.

Summer Courses, Summer Intensives, and Summer College Immersion Program

In order to achieve the full-time student status, international students must:

  • Enroll in at least the same number of units as the number of weeks in a session, e.g., minimum 6 units if enrolling in Session A6 or minimum 3 units if enrolling in Session A3; and
  • Enroll in the next available session if enrolling in more than one session to avoid a gap between sessions, e.g., Session A3 and B, not Session A3 and C3.
  • Note that only “in-person” and “hybrid” courses count towards the unit requirement.  Purely online courses do not count towards fulfilling the minimum unit count.

To avoid gaps students must avoid the following combinations of sessions:

  • Session A3 & Session C3/C6
  • Session A3 & Session D
  • Session A6 & Session D
  • Session B & Session D

College/Professional Summer Institutes

Enrollment in F-1 eligible College/Professional Summer Institutes automatically satisfies the full-time student status.

A scanned copy of a valid passport that shows the student’s full name, passport number, birth date, expiration date, and photograph.

If you are from a country in which the official language is not English, you are required to submit proof of English proficiency. All students must meet the English proficiency requirement, unless:

  • You are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.
  • You are currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English (you must submit an official transcript or verification of enrollment from your current school as part of your I-20 request).
  • You are enrolled in English Language courses only, i.e., Communication 1A, 1B, or English as a Second Language Courses only (you will need to submit a Statement of Intent to enroll only in English Language courses in lieu of English proficiency test scores as part of your I-20 request).

Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

  • TOEFL: 60 (revised PT) or 80 (iBT)
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • iTEP: 5.0
  • CAE: B (CEFR C1)
  • CPE: C (CEFR C2)
  • TOEIC: 685
  • DUOLINGO (DET): 105

While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.

International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.

You must provide proof of financial ability to adequately cover both tuition, fees, and living expenses during their participation in UCLA Summer Sessions in the form of:

  • Confidential Financial Statement (CFS)– This form should be printed from the I-20 Request Portal, signed, and uploaded when complete, AND
  • Supporting Bank Statement – A bank statement dated within the last three months or a letter from the bank showing available funds. Financial verifications must state at least the cost of your tuition and fees plus $1,000 per month. Please estimate $1,000 for 3 weeks, $2,000 for 6-8 weeks, and $3,000 for 9-12 weeks for living expenses.
  • Note that the estimated living expenses represents the very minimum amount required to fulfill F-1 visa requirements.  Choosing on-campus living arrangements may significantly increase your actual costs of living.

You will need to request a transfer I-20 if you are currently in the U.S. with an F-1 visa and:

  • You will be graduating from your school before attending Summer Sessions and you will not apply for OPT
  • You will be permanently leaving the U.S. following the summer at UCLA
  • Your I-20 has a program end date that expires before or during your summer at UCLA
  • Your current program is ending and you will start at a new school in the fall

Upon completing the registration form and enrolling in the minimum unit requirement, you will receive an email prompting you to complete the I-20 request form. You will need to provide your SEVIS number and program end date. You will also need to contact your F-1 advisor or DSO at your current school and request that they release your SEVIS record to UCLA Summer Sessions. Your transfer I-20 will not be issued until after your current program has ended, and your advisor has released your record to UCLA

Obtaining an F-1 Visa

Once you receive your Form I-20 from UCLA, you are ready to apply for the F-1 visa. Your next steps are to:

  1. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application(Form DS-160) and schedule an appointment at a S. Embassy/Consulate.
  2. Pay the application fee and gather the required documents.
  3. Pay the SEVIS fee. SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Go to com and pay the fee at least three days before your visa interview. You will need your SEVIS number—printed on the top left-hand corner of your I-20— to process the payment. You should take a printed receipt of your SEVIS payment with you to your visa interview appointment. Failure to make the payment may delay the processing of your F-1 visa.
  4. Attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate*.
  5. Arrive in the U.S. and clear customs at a U.S. Port of Entry with the following documents:
  • Original Form I-20
  • F-1 student visa stamp in passport*
  • Valid passport**
  • Financial documents consistent with I-20

*Canadian students are exempt from obtaining an F-1 visa and therefore DO NOT need to go to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate; however, they must obtain an I-20 form from UCLA, pay the SEVIS fee before entry in the U.S., and abide by all F-1 regulations.

**It is recommended that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the visa application and entry in the United States.

iStart@UCLA is an online orientation program sponsored by the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars (DCISS). It will help you adjust to life at UCLA and in the U.S. The online modules cover a range of topics such as:

  • Getting Started in Los Angeles
  • Getting Started at UCLA
  • Cultural Adjustment
  • F-1 Visa Workshop
  • Academic Integrity

You will be required to complete all mandatory iSTART modules before arriving on campus. We encourage you to complete it as soon as possible, as it will answer many of your questions about UCLA and Los Angeles. A $59 non-refundable fee will be charged to your BruinBill account. The fee includes:

  • Pre-Arrival Online Orientation
  • Access to DCISS Social Programs
  • iSTART Welcome Pack

For more information on iStart, visit https://www.internationalcenter.ucla.edu/istart-ucla

To maintain legal F-1 student status at UCLA, you are required to:

  • Complete the mandatory visa check-in and iSTART pre-arrival orientation.
  • Maintain full-time status (1 unit per week of attendance)
  • Earn a passing grade in all courses.
  • Conform to regulations for travel outside of the U.S. and keep your passport valid for six months beyond your summer program.
  • Accept no off-campus employment without prior authorization from the DCISS.
  • Meet with an F-1 advisor at DCISS if you plan to transfer to another U.S. school.
  • Either leave the U.S. or transfer to another U.S. school within sixty days after completing your program.

If you are unable to attend full-time for some medical or emergency reason, you must contact an advisor at the Dashew Center. In exceptional and rare circumstances, an advisor can approve a course load of fewer than 1 unit per week of attendance. If you have an illness or other medical condition (substantiated by a physician’s statement).

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a federal requirement for all international students in the U.S. To protect you from the high cost of health care in the U.S., UCLA will enroll you in a two-part health insurance plan – BruinCare and Anthem Blue Cross (PPO). You will not have the option to waive this health insurance plan from UCLA.

Coverage Dates: June 24 – September 13

BruinCare

BruinCare provides access to the Arthur Ashe Center Student Health and Wellness Center, conveniently located right on the UCLA Campus. Your BruinCard is all you need to access medical services at the Ashe Center. Although most general services are included, some services may incur additional fees. These fees will be added to your BruinBill account on MyUCLA and are payable directly online or in person at the Main Cashier in 1125 Murphy Hall. BruinCare is mandatory for all visiting international students and cannot be declined. Except in the case of a severe emergency, you should always visit the Arthur Ashe Student Health Center on campus first. If it is necessary to go to the hospital, an Ashe Center representative will refer you for further treatment.”

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (PPO), provided by Relation Insurance Services, provides coverage for off-campus doctor’s visits and emergency care anywhere in the United States.”

Health Insurance Cards

Insurance cards will be sent to you via email before your session start date. After receiving the email from the insurance company, you will be able to print your health insurance card and log in to the insurance provider website.