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
          ○ Graduate Students: Filing Fee & Immigration Status
○ 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