F-1 Visa Students
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student Visa) allows a non-immigrant to enter the U. S. as a full-time student to attend the U.S. government approved school listed on their Form I-20. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government database used by designated university school officials, U.S. Department of of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Embassies and other government agencies to monitor international students.
UC Merced international students in F-1 Visa status may work on campus without DHS authorization up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during holiday and vacation periods. The student must be enrolled in a full course of study at UC Merced during the fall and spring semesters. If a student wants to engage in off-campus employment, the employment requires approval by their sponsoring school listed on their Form I-20 and/or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) | ![]() |
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
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Degree Completion | ![]() |
Degree Extensions |
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Social Security Card |