Welcome to the University of California, Merced!
We are thrilled that you have decided to join our community of scholars from around the world. As the Office of International Students & Scholars, we are here to support you throughout your journey at UC Merced.
Here are the next steps you need to take to make sure you are ready to start your academic journey:
1.
Newly admitted students applying for their F-1 student visa must submit a Request for Form I-20. This form must be submitted to obtain your Form I-20 which enables you to apply for your student visa. Submit this form, a copy of your passport and proof of financial support to the International Student and Scholars (ISS) office at iss@ucmerced.edu. Your Form I-20 will be created and emailed to you. J-1 visa students have a separate process to obtain their Form DS-2019. If you are eligible for a J-1 student visa, please request the appropriate forms by email (iss@ucmerced.edu). (If your financial support is provided by a sponsor, you must submit the Guarantee of Financial Support for Private Sponsor form in addition to the Request for Form I-20.)
2.
After you receive your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, you are ready to complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) to apply for your U.S. student visa. Visit our website for instructions on how to apply for your F-1 or J-1 student visa. In addition to the DS-160 visa application fee, you will also be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you make your visa appointment.
3.
After receiving your visa approval, reserve your airfare in time to arrive for the mandatory international student orientation and arrange for your housing. The UC Merced Housing and Residence Life website and our Arrival Guide provide help with your pre-arrival planning.
4.
Register for your courses. You can email your academic advisor if you are unable to attend the campus-wide orientation. You can also visit the Registrar's website for instructions on how to register for courses.
5.
Put our mandatory New International Student Orientation on your calendar. No registration is required for the international orientation, but you must register for the university-wide orientation. Both the university-wide orientation and the OIA international student orientation are essential to a successful beginning at UC Merced. Further information on our orientations can be found on our orientation web page by clicking here.
6.
Be sure to review the International Student Handbook for other important information.
