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Contact Information for Student and Scholar Advisors

Our Mission

The Office of International Affairs supports UC Merced’s vision of becoming a leading international research institution. Through visa services, study abroad and internationalization efforts, OIA aims to position UC Merced to take a prominent place in global higher education and research.

The Office of International Affairs

The Office of International Affairs in Room 101 of the Kolligian Library is your one-stop shop for immigration and study abroad advising. Stop by the office to make an appointment with an advisor, grab a cup of tea or use a computer available to students and scholars. Our entrance is the KL-101 external door, located immediately next to the CARE Office and near Social Justice Plaza:

Summer 2025 semester Office Hours are below:

Monday–Thursday
• Open: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Closed for lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Open: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Fridays: Main Office Closed (Kassity & Becky on campus — available by appointment only).

Services

  • Advising support for nonimmigrant students, scholars and staff and faculty members.
  • Visa document production for nonimmigrant students and scholars.
  • A wide variety of programs and workshops.
  • Training and support for campus department administrators.
  • Permanent resident petitions for international faculty members.

Meet Your Advisors

ISS staff are on a hybrid work schedule; on-campus three days per week and remote two days. You can reach an advisor as noted below:

 

Kassity Veloz

Kassity Veloz 

International Student Visa Specialist (F-1/F-2/J-1/J-2 Students)
Email: kveloz@ucmerced.edu
Phone: (209) 413-5929
Walk-in Hours: Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
(On-campus Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays)

Book an Appointment

More information for Students

Rico Johnson

Rico Johnson 

International Scholar Visa Specialist (J-1 Exchange Visitors and Visiting Scholars)
Email: rjohnson26@ucmerced.edu
Phone: (209) 355-1018
(On-campus Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays)

Book an Appointment

More information for Scholars

Becky Mirza

Becky Mirza

Associate Director for International Students and Scholars
(e.g. H-1B, E-3, O-1, TN, UCM sponsored Permanent Residents)
Email: bmirza@ucmerced.edu
Phone: (209) 355-0913
(On-campus Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays)

Book an Appointment

More information for Employees