Visa and Financial Documentation Information

If you are unable to provide necessary supporting visa documentation by June 15th (Fall students) or November 15th (Spring students), your I-20 will not be ready in time and you will need to request deferred admission to the following semester. If you are transferring your I-20 and SEVIS record to USD, you should submit supporting visa documentation no later than 1 month before your current F-1 program or OPT period ends.

Visa and Financial Documentation Information for F-1 Students

The University of San Diego School of Law is pleased to welcome attorneys, judges, and government officials from around the world to our LLM programs. We also welcome international professionals who are joining the MS in Legal Studies program.

International students should plan to enter the United States on a valid F-1 student visa and must maintain their visa status at all times. F-1 visa applicants are processed through the Student Exchange and Visitor Information (SEVIS) system, which is a web-based program that maintains information on international students (F/M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas), and their dependents. SEVIS helps U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to quickly verify that students presenting themselves at our ports of entry are actual students and exchange visitors.

Note: Please do NOT use a tourist visa to enter the United States to study. You will not be able to enroll in classes with a tourist visa, and will have to return to your country to apply for a student visa.

The F-1 Student Visa Process

How do I obtain an F-1 student visa?

After you are admitted to an LLM or MS in Legal Studies program at the University of San Diego School of Law, please follow these steps to obtain an F-1 student visa:

  • Contact Graduate and International Programs for information on how to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20)
  • Receive an original, signed Form I-20
  • Complete online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
  • Pay your visa application fee (also called MRV fee)
  • Pay your SEVIS fee
  • Use the SEVIS number on Form I-20 to make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
  • Bring the following documents to your visa appointment: passport, Form I-20, proof of SEVIS fee payment, confirmation page of Form DS-160, financial documents, one 2x2 passport-style photograph, and all other supporting documents required by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
  • Receive an F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate

What Documents Are Required to Receive Form I-20?

The following eForms and documents must be completed and/or uploaded to USD's "iTorero" portal in order to receive Form I-20. You will receive instructions on how to use the iTorero portal.

  • eForm - Student Information
  • eForm - Proof of Funding
  • eForm - Mailing Address/Shipping Information
  • eForm - SEVIS Dependents (only if bringing dependents)
  • Copy of your passport (and passports of all dependents who will accompany you) that is valid for at least six months after your program start date
  • Documentation of your ability to cover the estimated cost of attendance for one year. Contact Graduate and International Programs to verify the precise amount.

How Do I Certify and Document My Finances?

Please provide financial certification based on the estimated cost of attendance for one year. If you will be accompanied by dependents, you must also demonstrate your ability cover their expenses. All financial documents must be issued by the financial institution or sponsor not more than six months before your program start date. The following types of documents may be used:

  • Official documentation of scholarships and fellowships
  • Documentation of personal funds on bank statement or official bank letter
  • Documentation of support from an employer on the employer's official letterhead
  • If someone else (such as a spouse, parent, or friend) will support your education, you must submit a Certification of Finances that is accompanied by documentation of funds on bank letterhead

Please note that the University will not issue Form I-20 without appropriate documentation.

When Should I Apply for my F-1 Student Visa?

  • You may apply for your visa up to 120 days prior to your program start date
  • Visa processing times vary among U.S. Embassies/Consulates and some offices experience lengthy delays in visa processing
  • We encourage you to apply for your student visa as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing
  • You may not enter the United States with your F-1 visa more than 30 days prior to the start date of your program

Where Can I Find More Information About Form I-20 and the F-1 Student Visa?

More information about the F-1 student visa is available from the Office of International Students and Scholars.

What is the Cost of Attendance?

Federal regulations require that all international students enrolling at the University of San Diego School of Law provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses during their academic program.

LLM student cost of attendance
LLM Fall 2023–Spring 2024*: Individual Student
Tuition Expenses (25 credits) $51,625
Living Expenses (housing and food) $19,760
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $13,362
Total Expenses (Fall and Spring Semester) $84,747
llm student and spouse cost of attendance
LLM Fall 2023–Spring 2024*: Individual Student + Spouse
Tuition Expenses (25 credits) $51,625
Living Expenses (housing and food) $19,760
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $13,362
Dependent Living Expenses - Spouse ($800.00/month) $  8,000
Total Expenses (Fall and Spring Semester) $92,747
LLM study and family cost of attendance
LLM Fall 2023–Spring 2024*: Individual Student + Spouse and Child
Tuition Expenses (25 credits) $51,625
Living Expenses (housing and food) $19,760
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $13,362
Dependent Living Expenses - Spouse ($800.00/month) $  8,000
Dependent Living Expenses - Child One ($800.00/month)** $  8,000
Total Expenses (Fall and Spring Semester) $100,747
MSLS student cost of attendance
MS in Legal Studies Fall 2023–Spring 2024*: Individual Student
Tuition Expenses (26 credits) $49,140
Living Expenses (housing and food) $19,760
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $13,302
Total Expenses (Fall and Spring Semester) $82,202
jd student cost of attendance
JD Fall 2023–Spring 2024*: Individual Student
Tuition Expenses (full-time) $62,500
Living Expenses (housing and food) $17,784
Other Expenses (including Mandatory Health Insurance) $12,921
Total Expenses (Fall and Spring Semester) $93,205

 

* Estimated expenses based on 9 months for JD program and 10 months for other programs. All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change.
** An additional $8,000 must be demonstrated for each additional dependent child beyond Child One.

The University of San Diego School of Law is pleased to welcome Exchange Students, U.S. Law & Policy Program scholars, and Visiting Professors from around the world. Exchange visitors should enter the United States on a valid J-1 exchange visitor visa.

J-1 visa applicants are processed through the Student Exchange and Visitor Information (SEVIS) system, which is a web-based program that maintains information on international students (F/M visas), exchange visitors (J visas), and their dependents. SEVIS helps U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to quickly verify that students presenting themselves at our ports of entry are actual students and exchange visitors.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Process

Students and scholars who visit the University of San Diego School of Law as an Exchange Student, U.S. Law & Policy Program Scholar, or Visiting Professor need to request Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status) to obtain the J-1 visa.

In order to receive Form DS-2019, you must submit required biographic information to the Designated School Official. The Designated School Official will create your portal profile and send you login credentials to access the iTorero portal.

The iTorero portal is where you will upload required information and documentation about yourself and any dependents (if applicable). You will be requested to provide items such as a copy of your passport, detailed biographic information, financial documents that show sufficient funds to cover the cost of your program, and your intentions regarding health insurance (choosing the USD plan or providing proof of your own health insurance plan). Once you have completed the necessary steps in iTorero, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will process your DS-2019. After OISS issues your DS-2019, it will be shipped to you along with further information and instructions.

How do I obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa?

If you are visiting the University of San Diego School of Law through an approved agreement, please follow these steps to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa:

  • Provide the required biographic information to the Designated School Official
  • After receiving iTorero instructions from the Designated School Official, complete the required steps in iTorero
  • Receive an original, signed DS-2019 from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
  • Pay the SEVIS fee online (J-1 applicants only; J-2 dependents do not pay SEVIS fee)
  • Apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa for yourself and your dependents, if applicable, by completing the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
  • Pay your visa application fee (also called MRV fee)
  • Schedule a visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate and bring the following documents with you to the appointment:
    • Form DS-2019
    • Form DS-160 confirmation page
    • Proof of Nonimmigrant Visa Application (MRV) fee payment
    • Proof of SEVIS fee payment
    • One (1) 2x2 passport-style photograph
    • A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
    • Any other supporting documents required by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
  • Receive a J-1 exchange visitor visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate

When Should I Apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?

  • Once you obtain a Form DS-2019, you may apply for your visa up to 120 days prior to your program start date
  • Visa processing times vary among U.S. Consulate Offices, and some offices experience frequent delays in visa processing
  • We encourage you to apply for your exchange visitor visa as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing
  • You may not enter the United States with your J-1 visa more than 30 days prior to the start date of your program

Where Can I Find More Information about the Form DS-2019 and the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?

More information about the J-1 student visa is available from the Office of International Students and Scholars.

What is the Cost of Attendance?

Federal regulations require that all J-1 Exchange Visitors at the University of San Diego School of Law provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition (if applicable) and living expenses during their stay in the United States. Please note that the minimum required financial amounts that will need to be documented may be different depending on the individual's requirements.

Semester Exchange Cost of Attendance
Fall 2023-Spring 2024*: Individual Semester Exchange Student
Living Expenses (housing and food) $  9,880
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $  6,441
Total Expenses (per Semester) $16,321

*Estimated expenses are based on 5 months. All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change.

Visiting Professor or Research Associate Cost of Attendance
Fall 2023-Spring 2024*: Visiting Professor or Research Associate
Living Expenses (housing and food) $ 3,100
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $ 1,090
Total Expenses (per Month) $ 4,190

*Estimated expenses are based on 1 month. The minimum required financial amount will be calculated based on the duration of the visitor's stay in the United States. All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change.

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you may bring J-2 dependents with you if you submit proof of sufficient funding for their expenses and health insurance.

J-1 Dependent Expenses
Fall 2023-Spring 2024*: Dependent Expenses
Dependent Living Expenses - Spouse $800
Dependent Living Expenses - Child One** $800

*Estimated expenses are based on 1 month. The minimum required financial amount will be calculated on the number of dependents visiting and on the duration of the visitor's stay in the United States. All fees are in U.S. dollars are are subject to change.

**An additional $800 per month must be demonstrated for each additional dependent child beyond Child One.

International Visiting Student Cost of Attendance
Fall 2023-Spring 2024*: International Visiting Student
Tuition Expenses and Fees** (per credit) $2,065 per credit
Living Expenses (housing and food**) $9,880 per semester
Other Expenses (including mandatory health insurance) $6,441 per semester

*Estimated Living and Other Expenses are based on 5 months. All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change

**Tuition amount quoted is the per credit rate. Depending on the applicant's home education level, visiting international students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 or 12 credits in order to comply with federal visa regulations for J-1 exchange visitor visas. Students will also be assessed mandatory students fees, depending on the duration of their stay. Fees may range from $150-175 per semester and are subject to change.