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 or Norma de la Torre at (209) 228-4344 or ndelatorre@ucmerced.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss any visa-related and immigration issues. You may also contact the International Students & Scholars Office 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
  1. Permanent faculty: H-1B* and Permanent Residence
  2. Instructional non-Senate faculty: J-1 and H-1B*
  3. Visiting faculty: J-1 and H-1B*
Research appointments
Professional Researchers, Postdoctoral Scholars and Project Scientist series: J-1,
H-1B* and Permanent Residence
*NOTE: Only full-time positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship
Students
  1. UC Merced graduate and undergraduate students: F-1
  2. Visiting students (will require an academic appointment): J-1

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.
  1. F-1 Student Visas: Allow three months
  2. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: Allow three months or more
  3. H-1B Employment-Based Visa: Allow six months or more
  4. Permanent Residence: Contact ISSO advisors

Page updated 08/31/2007