Getting Your Student Visa
Getting a U.S. student visa is a complex task, but Berkeley has many resources to help support you! We ask for your patience and cooperation as we go through the necessary steps to process your documentation through the federal immigration system.
The central resource for all UC Berkeley immigration related matters is the Berkeley International Office (BIO).
General visa information for all admitted Berkeley students is available at BIO’s New Students page. The information below outlines the steps that admits to the LL.M. professional track must take in order to complete their enrollment documentation and receive the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Berkeley.
If you are confused about any stage of the process, have a special situation or questions about the visa process, you can contact them at nif@berkeley.edu
Steps to Getting Your Certificate of Eligibility (F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019)
The certificate of eligibility is the document that UC Berkeley provides to confirm to the U.S. government that you are admitted and eligible to attend our institution. Most LL.M. students will come on an F-1 I-20. You must have the original, hard copy with you at your visa interview and while traveling to the United States.
This page provides a general overview of the steps you must complete in order to get your certificate of eligibility from Berkeley and make your visa appointment at the American embassy. If you have a special situation, please contact nif@berkeley.edu for assistance.
Step 1: Accept your offer of admission and pay tuition deposit.
10 days processing time from receipt of tuition deposit until:
Step 2: Advanced Degree Programs office sends instructions for creating a CalNet ID and accessing the Non-Immigrant Information Form (NIF) online.
3 days processing time from creation of CalNet ID until:
Step 3: Access and complete the online NIF. You will not have NIF access until the CalNet ID is created. Upload supporting documents as instructed on the NIF site.
10 days processing time from Berkeley receipt of comlete supporting documents until:
Step 4: The certificate of eligibility is created by BIO. Optional: return to NIF site at this time to see your SEVIS number and program school code. You can use this information to pay your SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com and to set up a visa appointment at your nearest American embassy or consulate.
3-5 days mailing time (depending on your shipping choices) until:
Step 5. Receive the certificate of eligbility from BIO. If you haven’t made your visa appointment yet, pay your SEVIS fee and make the appointment immediately. Take the certificate of eligibility to your visa interview, along with your admissions letter and any supporting documents required by the American embassy.
Please note, Canadian nationals are not required to obtain a student visa stamp in their passports. Canadian nationals obtain F-1 or J-1 student status at the port of entry by presenting their certificate of eligibility and sevis fee payment receipt.