The University of California

UC student ID number:

To complete many important steps in your preparations for your programme, you first need to have received your UC student ID number. This is provided directly by UC, usually in April-May before your departure.

Please refer to your assigned campus-specific instructions for more information on course enrolment and orientation.

Obtaining a visa:

The GO LSE team is not legally permitted to give you advice on obtaining a visa to enter the USA.

The information below provides a broad overview of the steps you need to complete in order to succesfully obtain your visa.

For further information and support, please visit the UCEAP webpages.

The process:

• Once you have received your UCB student ID number, you should request a DS-2019 certificate of eligibility. The DS-2019 provides prove that you have the funds available to cover your living costs while in the US. For further information, please visit the BridgeUSA DS-2019 webpage.
• Once you have received your DS-2019, you should begin the application process by paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee on the US Immigration and Customs website.
• You can then complete the nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160). This includes an additional fee. You can read more about the application form on the US Department of State webpage.
• You should then book a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate of your choosing. The list of eligible embassies and consulates and their associated interview wait times can be viewed here.
• The list of documents that you will need to take with you to your interview can be viewed here.
• Interview procedures and necessary documentation may vary between locations, so ensure that you have thoroughly researched what you need to take with you before the day of the interview.
• At the end of your interview the interviewing officer will inform you of the outcome of your application. You can then start to finalise your travel and housing arrangements.

You can arrive in the US up to 30 days prior to the programme start date listed on your DS-2019 certificate.

We strongly urge you to delay purchasing airline tickets until after you have obtained your visa. When you do purchase a ticket, ensure that it is refundable / exchangeable in case your plans need to change.

Please refer to the UCEAP travel page for more information.

UCB offers a range of accommodation options to visiting students. Please note:

• University housing is not guaranteed.
• You should not lock yourself into a housing contract until your visa and flight arrangements have been finalised.

For further information, please visit the UCEAP housing page and check your assigned campus-specific instructions.

LSE Notification of Travel:

All students undertaking travel as part of their studies must complete the Travel Notification Form. You will need to have confirmed your proposed departure and return date before completing the form (these can be amended later).

After you have submitted the form, it will be reviewed by LSE's Health and Safety team. Once approved, you will receive confirmation via email.

LSE Travel Insurance:

By completing the mandatory Travel Notification Form, you will automatically be covered under LSE's Travel Insurance policy.

• The insurance will cover you for losses sustained during your period of cover, including against lost, stolen, and accidentally damaged property.
• It will also cover you for medical emergencies. However, please note that this is not comprehensive medical cover.
• The insurance will not cover travel that is taken outside the scope of your exchange programme. For instance, if you choose to travel outside of California on holiday.

For further details visit the LSE Travel Insurance webpage and contact the Health and Safety Teamif you have any questions.

Student Health Insurance Plan:

All students attending UC are required to have health insurance and are automatically enrolled in their UC campus plan.

Find out more on UC's Insurance website.

You can arrive in the US up to 30 days before the programme start date printed on your DS-2019.

Please check your assigned campus-specific arrival and orientation instructions:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC San Diego

All exchange students are required to confirm their arrival in the United States and provide their US address and phone information in order to activate their immigration records. You must complete these checks before the first day of class.