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F-1 Student Information

Information for Current F-1 Visa Students

The following information is compiled to assist current F-1 students maintain their immigration and academic status at UC Merced. Many of your questions will be answered in the following links.

If you still have questions after reading the information below, please contact your DSO and International Student Visa Specialist, Kassity Veloz at kveloz@ucmerced.edu or book an appointment here


 F-1 Student Essentials

○ Maintaining Your Visa Status
○ Self Document Check 
Updating Your Physical Address
Adding F-2 Dependents

 Changes to Enrollment

Reduced Course Load (RCL)
Major Change
Change in Degree Level
Program Extension

 Travel and Visa Information

Traveling Domestically
Traveling Internationally
Passport Renewal Information
Visa Renewal Information

 Leaving UC Merced

Program Completion & Graduation
Planned Leave of Absense
Transfer Out
Withdrawl or Cancellation
Changing to Another Visa Status or Permanent Residency

 Employment

On-Campus Employment
○ Off-Campus Employment
          ○ Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
          ○ Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
          ○ STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Completing or Ending STEM/OPT

 Essential U.S. Documents

○ Social Security Card/Number
California ID & Driver's License
Banking & Taxes

 

 


 Status Violations

Visa Status Violations
Academic Disqualification and Suspension

 Forms and Documents

List of Request Forms
International Student Handbook
Arrival Guide