Welcome New Fall 2025 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. Your arrival is validated/registered in the Department of Homeland Security database SEVIS after attending orientation. 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 your required documents listed below to your DSO, Kassity Veloz (kveloz@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
- Your Certificate of Completion for our Homebase Course; International Student Orientation Part 2: Post-Arrival (Release date in early August)
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. No registration is required for this mandatory Office of International Affairs orientation.
During the Fall semester, there are two separate new international student orientations: One for graduate students and one for undergraduate students.
New International Student Orientation for Graduate Students (Master's and Doctorate degree level)
Date: Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Time: 8am to 4:30pm (We will be providing breakfast & GROW will be providing lunch!)
Location: COB2 - 140
New International Student Orientation for Undergraduate Students (Bachelor's degree level) & UCEAP Reciprocity
Date: Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
Time: 10am to 1pm (Lunch will be provided!)
Location: COB2 - 140
