International Student Checklist | Berkeley Summer Sessions

Before You Apply

Determine if you are an international student eligible to temporarily take classes at UCB.
Research courses from the Class Schedule (five-digit Class# from the class description is needed to enroll– be sure to write this number down).
Read the sections on our website on Fees, Refund Policy, Deadlines and Academic Policies.
Read the information regarding the English Proficiency Requirement.
Read the section on Visa Information and review the Summer Visiting International Tutorials.

Applications open February 15, 2023. Visit the application page and follow the submission instructions. Documentations for your visa application are submitted after enrolling in classes. You will need to submit your documentation to meet the English Proficiency Requirement with your application.
All non-UC visiting students will be required to pay a non-refundable $25 Application Fee.
Once your application is processed, use the instructions you receive via email to create your UC Berkeley login (CalNet ID). Please allow 2-3 days to receive email instructions.
Log in to CalCentral and complete all required tasks, including UC COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement and Student Financial Agreement. Certain tasks will be required prior to enrollment.
In CalCentral, enroll in classes and pay the total amount due. Once you've paid for your classes, you will be confirmed as a Summer Sessions student.
Log in to CalCentral and follow instructions to upload your photo for UC Berkeley photo ID (Cal 1 Card) and accept the Clipper Card (your transit pass) agreement.
Set up email forwarding from your berkeley.edu account to an email address you check regularly to ensure you do not miss important communication from UC Berkeley, such as notices regarding housing, billing, or enrollment activity.

Apply for your I-20 visa document by completing the corresponding task in CalCentral and submit a copy of your passport as well as proof of funding.
Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2020) document.
Pay your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee on the SEVIS fee processing website.
Make an appointment with a US Embassy or Consulate in your area to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.
Review the Summer Visiting International Tutorials.

Make housing arrangements as soon as possible after registration.
Secure proof of health insurance.
Review your most up-to-date class schedule in CalCentral.
Research the airport (San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport) and available ground transportation options to Berkeley.
Make sure you have your I-20/DS-2020 and passport in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack these documents in your checked luggage.
Review our Preparation and Safety Tips and Safety Brochure.

Check into your summer housing and obtain the complete address of your local residence.
Complete the mandatory Online Arrival Confirmation process.
Pick up your student ID (Cal 1 Card) when checking in to the On-Campus Residence Hall, or from Summer Sessions. Details on pick up will be emailed to you.
Attend our virtual Orientation presentation. Information will be emailed to you.
Attend your first classes.
Buy textbooks.
Make friends and explore the Bay Area! Attend the Summer Sessions campus events.
For further questions, contact Berkeley Summer Sessions.

Log in to CalCentral and pay any outstanding balance.
Contact visiting-intl@berkeley.edu if you plan to travel after your program at UC Berkeley is finished or transfer to another U.S. institution.
Confirm your grades are assigned in CalCentral before ordering an official transcript. See the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Your CalNet ID expires 120 days after the end of summer. Update your profile information in CalCentral, such as your mailing address, and forward your berkeley.edu account to another email address you check regularly if you haven't already done so.
You will retain access to some of your CalCentral information through the Alumni Homepage.