Step 1 - Request Immigration Documents (2024)

UC San Diego is committed to the use of technology for communication and student services. You will be able to complete university business and access many of your student records with the same PID number throughout your enrollment at UC San Diego.

Create UC San Diego Triton Login

1. Go to the sign-in page at https://www-act.ucsd.edu/manage-sso/applicant to retrieve your Personal ID number (PID) and create your password. Both your PID and password will be required to access WebReg and TritonLink.
2. You will be asked for your 7-digit UC Application Identification Number you received when you applied (EAP students: this is also provided to you in an email from the UCEAP Reciprocal Programs office).
3. You will also need to enter your email address, date of birth and city of birthexactlyas you entered it on your UC Application.
4. Follow the prompts to get to the TritonLink portal at https://mytritonlink.ucsd.edu.

NOTE: Follow the Step 1 instructions exactly in the order given to set up all of your accounts. There is no “accept your offer” for EAP Reciprocity or Global Exchange students. 

PID vs. Active Directory

Please note the difference between yourPersonal Identification Number (PID)and yourActive Directory username.

• Personal Identification Number (PID)is provided in the form of A00000000.
• Active Directory usernameconsists of your name or initials (for example, if your name is John Jacob Smith, you may have an AD username of jsmith, jjsmith, jjs001, etc).

Using Active Directory Username for Single Sign-On (SSO):Your Active Directory username is used as your email address and as your username to log into any UC San Diego site that requires Single Sign On. Your PID willnotwork as a log on username unless it is explicitly stated to enter username or PID.

The TritonLink pageprovides further information regarding the Active Directory account lookup tool (under Set Up an Account), which allows students to look up their Active Directory username by inputting their PID and last name. From there, students can go topassword.ucsd.eduto set the password for their Active Directory account.

Creating a DUO Account

DUO is required for all UC San Diego affiliates, including new students. DUO Two-step login is a security feature that requires verification of identity when logging into UC San Diego protected systems. After setting up your Active Directory credentials, you mustregister for Duobeforeyou can access any UC San Diego Single-Sign On (SSO) based site or application, such as iPortal.

The DUO app is accessible through the Apple App Store and the Google Play store. For further support, please reference the primaryDUO information pageand the Service Desk provides full support for DUO if needed.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Using Correct Credentials: Please make sure you are using your correct AD credentials (not PID) and are registered with DUO to access UC San Diego Single Sign-On sites.
• VPN: If there are additional issues connecting to UC San Diego sites, please use the UC San Diego VPN. Instructions for installing the VPN can be foundhere. The VPN also uses DUO, so the student must be registered with DUO BEFORE using the VPN. Instructions

International students requiring a non-immigrant J-1 visa to study in the USA must request and receiveaForm DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) to begin their program of study at UC San Diego.The Form DS-2019 is required to apply for theJ-1 visa.

The deadline for Fall 2024 UCEAP and Global Exchange students to apply for a Form I-20 or DS-2019 in the iPortal is August 1, 2024.

Requesting your Form DS-2019 (J-1) in iPortal:

1. LOG INTO iPORTAL.
   You can log into iPortalusing yourUC San Diego Personal ID(PID).
2. SELECT AN iPORTAL SERVICE.
   Under the Services Tab, start theNEW ADMIT: I-20 or DS-2019 REQUEST.
3. COMPLETE YOUR REQUEST.
   The iPortal will help you determine what is the appropriate status and visa for you. Note,UCEAP Students are required to apply for the J-1 Visa. (see:F-1 or J-1: Selection of Visa Classification).

How much funding do I need to show?

• J-1 students (including EAP students) must show financial support for the entire duration of their program of study to obtain a DS-2019.
• For exact figures for your specific program of study, see our Funding Requirements Page.

How Long Will It Take to Receive My Document & When Should I Apply in iPortal?

The processing time for your Form DS-2019 document is15 business days from the date of a complete submission; incomplete requests will cause a delay in processing. Please keep in mind processing times affected by office closures and holidays. If your application is incomplete or invalid, you will be contacted via email directly after an advisor has thoroughly reviewed your request.Remember, you can check the status of your request by logging in to theiPortalat any time!

IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A J-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the United States, please check Travel.state.gov for Visa Appointment Wait Times. You will need the original Form DS-2019 at your visa interview. For this reason, ensure you apply for your documents in iPortal as soon as possible!

When Is My Program Start Date?

The first date of the quarter will be the program start date listed on your DS-2019.

Students who wish to partake in campus activities such as orientation, research, or other events in the 30 days PRIOR to the program start date listed on their DS-2019 may do so without adjusting the program start date.

When Can I Enter the U.S. with My Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego?

J-1 Students who receive a new Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a new SEVIS ID Number may enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on the Form DS-2019.

Understand your Earliest and Latest Date of Entry to the U.S.

J-1 students may use their Form DS-2019to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on their Form DS-2019, but no later than Friday of Week 2 of your admit term, which is the final day to add courses.

If your date of entry to the U.S. is after the Friday of Week 2 of your admit term,your must submit a NEW ADMIT: DS-2019 Amendment/Reprint request within the iPortal to receive an updated DS-2019 with a future program start date reflecting the next available term.

*Note that students must consult with their home university, exchange program coordinators (UCEAP or Global Exchange) for permission to arrive in a later term.

Can I Start Working or Research Upon Arrival to the U.S.?

Note that J-1 Exchange Visitors must obtain work authorization for any type of employment under their program dates in the United States.

• J-1 On-Campus Employment: J-1 Students must obtain work authorization PRIOR to starting any type of on-campus employment such as Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research, or work on school premise that is not related to their program of study.
• J-1 Off-Campus Employment: J-1 Students must wait a minimum of one academic quarter in order to apply for off-campus work authorization known as Academic Training. Students must obtain work authorization through Academic Training PRIOR to starting any type of paid off-campus employment that is not on school premise. All off-campus employment must bedirectly related to their program of study.

After receiving your DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors), you must pay your SEVIS fee to activate your document. This fee is paid each time you receive a new SEVIS ID Number.

Students transferring their SEVIS record to UC San Diego areNOTrequired to pay the SEVIS fee again since their SEVIS ID Number remains the same.

• Pay via Internet, via Western Union, or by mail.
• Keep the Form I-797 receipt in a safe place.
• Review theFMJ Fee Pagefor details.