Welcome New Spring 2024 International Students!
F-1 and J-1 students are required by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the UC Merced Office of International Affairs (OIA) to attend the New International Student Orientation (NISO). Your arrival is validated/registered in the Department of Homeland Security database SEVIS after attending NISO. This orientation is separate to the university-wide orientation. Both orientations are mandatory for an international student attending UC Merced on a F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Mandatory Check-In
Upon arrival to UC Merced, please check-in by emailing International Students & Scholars (ISS) office at iss@ucmerced.edu, and attach the following documents:
Copy of your I-94 Admission Record (you can access and print your I-94 from the Customs webpage after your arrival to the US)
F-1 or J-1 Student Visa (Canadian citizens exempt)
Completed New Student Check-In Form
Mandatory New International Student Orientation
The International Student Orientation is an opportunity for you to meet your International Student Advisors and also meet other new international students. You will learn about important immigration regulations related to your F-1 or J-1 student visa, campus policies, procedures and resources. This orientation is mandatory for all Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate and UCEAP Reciprocity students on an F or J visa.
The Spring 2024 new international graduate student orientation is scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2024 from 10:00am - 12:00pm in Classroom and Office Building 2, Room 290. Please check-in with the Office of International Affairs upon your arrival (before orientation) by emailing iss@ucmerced.edu. Please attach a copy of your visa, I-94 and New Student Check-In Form to the email.
Please direct any questions to ISS at iss@ucmerced.edu or Office of International Affairs at international@ucmerced.edu.
