Congratulations to all international students who have been offered graduate admission to UC Merced! Our campus is proud to welcome the growing number of students from all over the world who are choosing to make UC Merced their home away from home.

To ensure your successful entry to the United States, assist with your adjustment to life on campus and offer support throughout your stay, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is here for you. More specifically, ISSO is your resource for visa and immigration matters from the time we prepare the documents you need to apply for a student visa to the day you complete your academic program at UC Merced – and, perhaps, even after you graduate.

Two major roles of ISSO are to help you remain in legal status and to serve as a liaison with U.S. government agencies concerned with international students. In that capacity, ISSO advisors will keep you aware of special rules and regulations that apply to you as international students, and provide you with important information about issues including employment, finances and travel. International students are encouraged to contact ISSO with all visa and immigrations questions, as well as for assistance or referrals regarding academic, cultural and personal concerns.

After arriving at UC Merced, all international students are required to check in with an ISSO advisor. Please bring your I-20 or DS-2019 form, passport with visa stamp, I-94 card, and your address and contact information.

You also are strongly encouraged to attend the International Student Orientation that ISSO presents at the start of each semester. More details about this program will be sent to you before you arrive on campus. The orientation provides an opportunity for you to learn about the services ISSO has to offer, get practical information you will need to maintain your visa status and get comfortable in your new environment, and meet other international students. ISSO wishes you all the very best throughout your experiences as an international student at UC Merced!

To reach the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at UC Merced, please contact:

Sheryl Lichtig Wyan, (209) 228-4025

For more information please visit http://international.ucmerced.edu/

ISSO can be located by going to the Student First Center on the first floor of Kolligian Library.