Student Support

Frequently Asked Questions

International Student Information

 

Find answers to commonly asked questions to assist you in the application process.

Study in Los Angeles

Find your status below to learn how you can study in Los Angeles this Spring 2022.

Students without an F-1 visa who wish to study in the U.S. 

For the Spring 2022 quarter, UCLA Extension Certificate and Study Abroad programs will be offered in a hybrid (online and in-person) format. Students without an F-1 visa, who wish to study in the U.S. and enroll in one of our hybrid format programs, will meet U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) eligibility requirements for an I-20 form to obtain an F-1 visa. UCLA Extension American Language Center programs will be conducted entirely in-person and are eligible for an I-20 form to obtain an F-1 visa.

How does it work?

Our hybrid programs will require students to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course during the quarter. These can be supplemented with online and remote instruction courses that use real-time using video web-conferencing tools. 

The American Language Center requires students to be in person for their studies.

How to enroll.

To enroll in one of our programs, please visit the How to Apply pages for our Certificate, Study Abroad, or American Language Center programs at UCLA Extension. All new international F-1 students who arrive in the U.S. for Spring 2022 will be required to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course for the Spring quarter.

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Transfer Students
Students who are already in the U.S. with an F-1 visa can transfer to UCLA Extension and maintain F-1 status. Transfer certificate and study abroad students are not required to participate in an in-person class to maintain their visa status at this time.

Continuing Students in the U.S with F-1 visa
Current UCLA Extension certificate and study abroad students living in the U.S. with an F-1 visa are not required to participate in an in-person class at this time. You may enroll in fully online courses for the Spring quarter.

Continuing Students Outside of the U.S. with F-1 visa
Current UCLA Extension students living outside the U.S. may enroll in fully online courses for the Spring quarter and maintain F-1 status. If you wish to re-enter the U.S., please contact us for instruction at 310-825-9351 or iso@uclaextension.edu. When in-person classes resume in full, you may be required to re-enter the U.S. to maintain F-1 status.

Q: Are international students required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
Yes. Currently, all students at UCLA and UCLA Extension must be fully vaccinated two weeks before attending any UCLA or UCLA Extension in-person events, including classes, program orientation, campus tour, etc.

Q: How do students provide proof of vaccination?
UCLA Extension students studying in-person during the spring quarter will be required to verify their vaccination status

Students should be ready to provide an original, unaltered, complete series COVID-19 vaccination card bearing their name and also have a digital image file of the card ready to upload before their first in-person event or class.
At this time, there is no need to provide an English translation of the card. 

Q: Which vaccines does UCLA accept? 
University of California accepts vaccinations approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of 3 June 2021, WHO has evaluated that the following vaccines against COVIDQ: 19 have met the necessary criteria for safety and efficacy:

  • AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine
  • Johnson and Johnson
  • Moderna
  • Pfizer/BioNTech
  • Sinopharm
  • Sinovac
     

Q: What other COVID-19 safety protocols are required?
Currently, all students, instructors, and staff are required to wear face masks indoors, as well as monitor and report any COVID-19 related symptoms. Student should be prepared to monitor and report any COVID-19 related symptoms online prior to appearing in person.

As the situation with COVID-19 changes, these protocols will change to reflect the directives from our state and local public health departments. Our highest priority is to keep our students safe. Since UCLA Extension is currently finalizing the procedures, we recommend regularly checking the UCLA Extension Alerts page for updated information. We will also keep students informed of changes to these protocols as they happen.

Q. How do I complete the COVID-19 Online Symptom Check Survey?

Please watch this short video to walk through the online survey process.

Q: Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling to the US?

Starting January 26, 2021, all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country are required to get tested for COVID-19 no more than 1 day before their flight departs and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. They are also required to provide proof of the negative test result or documentation from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Please see the CDC website for more information.

Q: Do I need to self-quarantine after arriving in the US?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health does not currently have any requirements to self-quarantine upon arrival. Please visit their website for additional information.

Q: What happens if I am a new international student coming from overseas and I do not attend the in-person class meeting that is part of my hybrid program?
Your I-20 could be terminated for failing to enroll. Please contact the International Student Office immediately if you are unable to enroll in and attend an in-person course.

Q: If UCLA Extension has to cancel in-person instruction, due to COVID-19, and my program becomes 100% online, can I get a refund if I’ve already started my program?
No, students will be able to complete the program online and will not be eligible for refunds.

Q: What safety measures UCLA Extension is taking to ensure in-person class meetings are safe to attend? 

UCLA Extension will follow policies set by UCLA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for all in-person classes. Currently students are required to complete a daily symptom check survey, wear masks on campus, and take COVID-19 tests regularly. These requirements are subject to change.

Q. How do I complete the COVID-19 Online Symptom Check Survey?

Visit the UCLA Extension COVID-19 and Return to Campus page for more information. 

Q: Will the U.S. Embassy issue an F-1 visa for me to attend UCLA Extension?

Yes, the U.S. Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as global conditions improve, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are now offering a phased resumption of routine visa services. Please see the individual website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your region for information regarding its operating status and the services currently offered. To find embassy or consulate websites, go to www.usembassy.gov. Each embassy or consulate website will have information related to COVID-19, visa wait times, and other relevant information.

Please Note: F-1 visa issuance is not guaranteed, and each I-20 form/visa application is subject to embassy/consulate review and approval.

Q: I have been admitted to UCLA Extension as an international student, but now I am concerned about traveling. Can I defer my program start date? If so, do I need a new I-20?
Yes, your attendance can be deferred to a future start date at no cost. You will need an updated I-20 to reflect the new program dates. Please contact our office at iso@uclaextension.edu for instructions.

Q: I am concerned about traveling. If I decide to cancel my trip to Los Angeles, can I get a refund?

  • Certificate Programs: Yes, your application can be cancelled, and you will be issued a full refund of the international student application fee if you decide not to attend the certificate program. Please contact the International Student Office at iso@uclaextension.edu as soon as possible if you decide to cancel your plans. In order to receive the refund, you may not have entered the U.S. before the program start date. If you have already enrolled in courses, please check your receipts to determine the refund deadlines for each course. 

Q: Which documents will I need with me when I travel to Los Angeles?
If you are a new student, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Valid I-20
  • Form I-901 (Receipt for the SEVIS fee)
  • Welcome Letter
  • Copies of your financial certification
  • Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test

 

Q: Are courses at UCLA Extension going to be online or in-person in Spring 2022?

Courses will be offered in both in-person and online formats. New international F-1 students in Certificate and Study Abroad programs who arrive in the U.S. for Spring 2022 will be required to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course.

Q: Do I need an I-20 to enroll and study online from my home country?
No, an I-20 and F-1 visa is not required if studying from your home country. However, if you are a continuing student with an active SEVIS* record and F-1 status, you may maintain status by studying online from your home country.

*The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information regarding: Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified schools.

Q: Do I need an I-20 form or F-1 visa to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Yes, you must have an F-1 visa to be eligible for OPT and CPT. Please visit the OPT, CPT, and Internships webpage for more information on eligibility and requirements.

Q: If my classes are fully online, will that affect my F-1 visa status?

It depends. Current U.S. immigration guidelines permit a fully online schedule of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic if:

· You are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and studying in a UCLA Extension program.

or

· You are transferring from another U.S. educational institution with a current F-1 visa

*Please note: Guidance from U.S. immigration authorities is subject to change.

If you are a student newly arriving in the U.S. in Spring 2022 with a newly issued F1 visa, you are required to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course during your first quarter of study. If, during your course of study at UCLA Extension, COVID-19 conditions require the school to switch to a fully online format, you can remain in the U.S. and maintain your F-1 status as you continue to study online.

Q: How many academic units am I required to enroll in as an international student?

International students attending a certificate program or study abroad program at UCLA Extension must enroll in at least 12 units to maintain F-1 status.

Q: Can I use an electronic form I-20 to apply for a visa and travel to the U.S., or do I need a hard copy?

A digitally signed I-20 is accepted for travel and visa interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When you receive the digitally signed I-20, you are responsible for printing it out and signing it with a blue pen. You cannot sign the I-20 digitally; only your International Student Services advisor can digitally sign. The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are currently allowing digitally signed I-20s.

Q: Are there any travel restrictions when coming to the US?

Please check the following websites for information about any travel restrictions to the U.S.:

Q: Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling to the US?

Starting January 26, 2021, all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country are required to get tested for COVID-19 no more than 1 day before their flight departs and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. They are also required to provide proof of the negative test result or documentation from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Please see the CDC website for more information.

Q: Do I need to self-quarantine after arriving in the US?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health does not currently have any requirements to self-quarantine upon arrival. Please visit their website for additional information.

Q: What happens if I get COVID-19 while studying at UCLA Extension?

Students who are covered by UCLA Extension’s Anthem health insurance policies have access to COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Q: Can I get testing or the vaccine for COVID-19 in Los Angeles?

Students who are covered by UCLA Extension’s Anthem Health Insurance can receive the COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 testing at no additional cost during this national public health emergency.

Q: Does UCLA Extension offer COVID-19 tests?

No, but there are specific locations in Los Angeles to get a free COVID-19 test. Please visit LA County’s COVID-19 website for more information.

Q: What safety measures UCLA Extension is taking to ensure in-person class meetings are safe to attend?

UCLA Extension will follow policies set by UCLA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for all in-person classes. Currently students are required to complete a daily symptom check survey, wear masks on campus, and take COVID-19 tests regularly. These requirements are subject to change.

Q. How do I complete the COVID-19 Online Symptom Check Survey?

Please watch this short video to walk through the online survey process.

Q: Which documents will I need with me when I travel to Los Angeles?
If you are a new student, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Valid I-20
  • Form I-901 (Receipt for the SEVIS fee)
  • Welcome Letter
  • Copies of your financial certification
  • Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test

If you are a continuing student or transfer student, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature
  • Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test

If you are an OPT student, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • I-20 with a recent valid travel signature
  • EAD Card and employment verification (i.e., work paystub, job acceptance letter, etc.).
  • Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test

Q: What if COVID-19 numbers rise and it becomes unsafe in Los Angeles? Can I travel back to my home country and continue my studies from there?

Yes. International students who are in the U.S. with F-1 status will be permitted to leave the U.S. and maintain their F-1 status by enrolling in a fully online course load.

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