Readmission after absence

Readmission after Absence for International Students (F-1)

If you wish to return to UCSB after a break in enrollment, and you are in good academic standing, you must go through a process called Readmission several months in advance of the term in which you would like to return. In addition, you must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for your I-20.  The following are the Readmission procedures depending on which term you would like to return.

Return for Fall, Winter, or Spring terms

  1. Obtain an Application for Readmission from the Office of the Registrar or download a copy from the Registrar's website www.registrar.sa.ucsb.edu. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible and note that readmission is subject to closure without notice. All applications must be submitted no later than the deadlines listed below.

    Absolute deadlines for applications are as follows:

    Fall quarter - second Monday in May

    Winter quarter- second Monday in August

    Spring quarter- third Tuesday in January

  2. Submit the following to the Office of the Registrar:
    1. A completed application for Readmission after Absence
    2. Application fee as set by the Registrar
    3. Official transcripts from all academic institutions you have attended during your absence
  3. When a decision has been made, log into GOLD to check your pass times and register for courses.
  4. Contact OISS at least a full quarter prior to your return and request your I-20.

Return for Summer Term and continue for the Fall Term

  1. Apply for Summer Sessions at www.summer.ucsb.edu by mid-April.  It takes about 2-3 days for your GOLD account to be activated.
  2. Log into GOLD to check your pass times and register for summer courses.
  3. Contact OISS in mid-April and request your I-20 for summer and inform them you will be applying for fall readmission.
  4. Follow the procedure to be readmitted for the fall quarter as listed in the box above. 
  5. Log into GOLD to check your pass times and register for fall courses during your assigned pass times.

Return for Summer Term Only

  1. Apply for Summer Sessions at www.summer.ucsb.edu by mid-April.  It takes about 2-3 days for your GOLD account to be activated.
  2. Log into GOLD to check your pass times and register for courses.
  3. Contact OISS in mid-April and request your I-20.

Transferable work completed at another institution while away from UCSB will affect your unit totals and time granted to complete your degree upon return. To determine how much time you have to complete your degree after returning, consult with an Advisor in the College of Letters and Science.

For questions about the application for readmission, consult the Office of the Registrar, 805-893-3592.