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Newly Admitted International Students

Welcome New International Students!

Congratulations on your admission to UC Merced! We’re so excited to welcome you to our global Bobcat community! Starting your studies in a new country is a big adventure, and our office is here to support you every step of the way.

Your main point of contact along this journey will be your International Student Visa Specialist, Kassity Veloz. She'll be your advisor when it comes to everything F-1/J-1 visa and immigration related. Please contact her for any of your questions along the way!

Below are the key steps you’ll need to complete before arriving at UC Merced:

 Step 1: Request Your Immigration Document

Newly admitted students will need a Form I-20/DS-2019 in order to apply for their F-1/J-1 student visa.

Most international students at UC Merced are on an F-1 visa, however you're welcome to review our webpage on the Differences between F-1 and J-1 Visas to help you understand the differences and which status might be right for you.

If you are a Prospective F-1 Visa Student:

New students granted admission will receive an email with detailed instructions and a link to complete an online request for their Form I-20 (F-1). If you haven't claimed your UCMNetID, visit mercedid.ucmerced.edu and select "CLAIM ACCOUNT".

You may also request your form I-20 by email, in order to do so please submit the following documents to kveloz@ucmerced.edu:

  1. Please fill out and submit the Request for Form I-20
  2. A copy of the information page on your Passport
    • Your passport expiration date must show that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the start of your program.
  3. Proof of Financial Support that shows enough funds to cover the first year for your program.
  4. (If applicable) Please fill out and submit the Gaurentee of Financial Support Form
    • This is required if your bank statements are in any other name than your own. For example, your parents, family members, government sponsor, ect.
    • This is not required if you are submitting scholarships/grants/Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher(GSR) funding proof.
  5. (If applicable)  If you plan to have your spouse and/or children under the age of 21 accompany you to the United States on an F-2 dependent visa, please fill out our F-2 Dependent I-20 Request as well as a picture of their passport information page.

Please allow 3-5 business days for processing of your Form I-20 documents.

If you are a Prospective J-1 Visa Student:

If you are a prospective student looking to apply for a J-1 visa and need apply for your DS-2019, please email kveloz@ucmerced.edu about the forms you need to submit.​

If you are a UCEAP Reciprocity student, please take a look at our UCEAP Reciprocity student wepage.

If you are a Prospective International Transfer Student:

Please take a look at our International Transfer Student webpage for your instructions.

 Step 2: Apply for your Visa

Once you receive your Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) from UC Merced, you can begin the visa application process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
    • This fee is required for all F-1 and J-1 students before applying for your visa. 
    • Keep your receipt! You will need it for your visa interview and when entering the U.S.
  2. Complete the Online Visa Application (Form DS-160)
    • Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center to fill out the DS-160 form
    • After completing the form, print the DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode) to bring to your interview.
  3. Schedule Your Visa Interview
    • You should make an appointment to attend a visa interview at the nearest US Consulate or Embassy. It is recommended that you try to apply within your country of citizenship or permanent residence, but not required. 
    • Please check with the specific embassy or consulate that you will apply at for their procedures and policies. 
  4. After Your Visa is Approved
    • Once your visa is approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp inside within several days.
    • You can then make your travel arrangements to arrive at UC Merced in time for International Student Orientation.

Please Note: You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019.

 Step 3: Plan Your Arrival

 Step 4: Register for Classes

  • Register for your courses. You can email your academic or faculty advisor if you are unable to attend the campus-wide orientation. You can also visit the Registrar's website for instructions on how to register for courses. 

 Step 5: Review the International Student Handbook