Important Information for our Incoming International Students
Welcome New International Toreros!
Please reference the materials found on this page for mandatory international orientation details and helpful information, videos and resources to help you prepare for your arrival and as you settle in at USD. Be sure to follow @usdoiss on Instagram for the latest updates, events and activities from our office!
International Orientation Information
Arrival
International Orientation Activities and Resources
Health Insurance
All USD full-time undergraduate, graduate, law students and visiting scholars are required to have health insurance. At the beginning of every academic year, students need to decide to enroll in or waive the USD Health Insurance Plan. This requirement ensures that students in need of health and/or mental health care beyond the scope of services provided by USD Student Wellness Services can access the appropriate care and resources in the community. Details can be found on our health insurance webpage.
What to Expect Once You Have Confirmed your Enrollment.
Once you have confirmed your enrollment to the University of San Diego, you will be provided with instructions by the Admissions Office on how to obtain your Form I-20. Your Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) student, will be issued by the USD Admissions Office once you have submitted all pertinent requirements.
- F-1 Students
- J-1 Students
Getting Your Student Visa
Once you have received your Form I-20, the next step is to apply for an F-1 visa. You will need to make an appointment for an interview with a Consular Officer at an American Embassy or Consulate in the city where you reside. Please refer to the checklist below for documents that you would need to prepare before going on your interview. Please take note that, depending on the specific embassy or consulate you are applying to, you may be required to provide additional documents in support of your application.
For guidance, please refer to information found on your embassy or consulate's website.
Checklist
Here are items to bring to your interview:
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student
- Proof of Payment of SEVIS Fee
- Documentation of Financial Ability to Meet Expenses
- Evidence of English Ability
- Passport Valid for At Least 6 Months Into the Future and With Available Empty Pages
- Confirmation Page of Application Form DS-160 (to complete the Form DS-160)
- Proof of Payment of the Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Visa Reciprocity Fee, If Applicable
- School Transcripts, If You Are a Transfer Student Applying for a New Visa
- Color Photographs