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Visa Policies

An Introduction to Visa Policies and Resources

The valid immigration status that is required for any foreign national to accept employment, a visiting scholar appointment, or admission to a graduate or undergraduate degree program at UC Merced is dependent on many criteria and requires application to external agencies. These federal and state agencies may include the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the jurisdiction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Obtaining the appropriate visa status requires advance planning and preparation. When appointing or approving an international scholar to study, conduct research or teach at UC Merced, early consultation with ISSO is required to allow sufficient time to complete the appropriate visa arrangements.

International scholars, both current and potential, should contact ISSO for accurate information about government regulations and procedures for obtaining immigrant and non-immigrant visa status, which are complex and subject to change.

International scholars, campus administrators and faculty members are requested to contact Suki Nawaz at (209) 228-4736 or international@ucmerced.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss any visa-related and immigration issues.  

Primary University-Sponsored Visa Classifications

 Please look below for general guidance on which visa classifications are most appropriate for specific types of appointment titles and for students.

Faculty appointments
  1. Permanent faculty: H-1B* and Permanent Residence
  2. Instructional non-Senate faculty: J-1 and H-1B*
  3. Visiting faculty: J-1 and H-1B*

 

Research appointments
Professional Researchers, Postdoctoral Scholars and Project Scientist series: J-1,
H-1B* and Permanent Residence

*NOTE: Only full-time positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship
Students
  1. UC Merced graduate and undergraduate students: F-1
  2. Visiting students (will require an academic appointment): J-1

 

General Processing Timelines

 

Following are general guidelines for processing timelines by visa classification. Please note that many factors can influence the total processing time for a specific case and always allow as much lead time as possible.
  1. F-1 Student Visas: Allow three months
  2. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: Allow three months or more
  3. H-1B Employment-Based Visa: Allow six months or more
  4. Permanent Residence: Contact ISSO advisors

 

More Information

Information from UC Merced Academic Personnel.

Information from UC International Students and Scholars.

 

 

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