Visas - International Students and Scholars
UC Merced Welcomes International Students, Researchers and Faculty
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is here to assist UC Merced’s international faculty members, researchers and students with their visa and immigration needs. ISSO also is a resource for campus administrators and faculty members, providing support with University-sponsored visa petitions, and helping to create an awareness of immigration issues and procedures.
By assisting with the integration of international scholars into the campus community, ISSO is proud to promote the global exchange of knowledge and enhanced intercultural understanding.
An Introduction to Visa Policies and Resources
The valid immigration status that is required for any foreign national to accept employment, a visiting scholar appointment, or admission to a graduate or undergraduate degree program at UC Merced is dependent on many criteria and requires application to external agencies. These federal and state agencies may include the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the jurisdiction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Obtaining the appropriate visa status requires advance planning and preparation. When appointing or approving an international scholar to study, conduct research or teach at UC Merced, early consultation with ISSO is required to allow sufficient time to complete the appropriate visa arrangements.
International scholars, both current and potential, should contact ISSO for accurate information about government regulations and procedures for obtaining immigrant and non-immigrant visa status, which are complex and subject to change.
International scholars, campus administrators and faculty members are requested to contact Sheryl Lichtig Wyan at (209) 228-4025 or swyan@ucmerced.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss any visa-related and immigration issues. You may also go to the International Students & Scholars Office website or contact them at internationaloffice@ucmerced.edu.
Primary University-Sponsored Visa Classifications
Please look below for general guidance on which visa classifications are most appropriate for specific types of appointment titles and for students. Also, please click on the links to learn more about UC Merced policies and procedures for university-sponsored visas.
| Faculty appointments | |
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| Research appointments | |
Professional Researchers, Postdoctoral Scholars and Project Scientist series: J-1,*NOTE: Only full-time positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship | |
| Students | |
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General Processing Timelines
| Following are general guidelines for processing timelines by visa classification. Please note that many factors can influence the total processing time for a specific case and always allow as much lead time as possible. |
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