What We Do
Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) within Global Affairs is here to help you on your journey to achieve your academic or career goals. SISS staff members assist international students, postdocs, staff, researchers, faculty and their families with:
- Preparing documents needed to apply for a U.S. entry visa
- Providing information about arrival in the U.S. and at UC Davis, including visa and immigration orientation
- Helping to explain the legal requirements for maintaining valid immigration status while in the U.S.
- Assisting with questions involving U.S.-based employment, international travel, and more
- Providing information, advice and resources regarding financial, personal, cultural, and academic concerns
International Student Services Team
The SISS International Student Services team serves more than 8,000 UC Davis international students from all over the world by issuing Form I-20 (for F-1 students) and Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students), and advising students about their U.S. immigration requirements, such as maintaining valid legal status, and seeking benefits such as employment authorization.
The team works closely with other offices across the university to ensure that the UC Davis international student experience is successful and fulfilling.
Scheduling an Appointment with an International Student Advisor
Schedule in-person or virtual Zoom appointments. Advisors are assigned by the first letter of your surname and/or area of professional study. Please find your advisor by visiting our staff directory, or email us with questions.
International Scholar Services Team
The SISS International Scholar Services team provides visa and immigration services to UC Davis’s international scholars and employees, including visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, staff and their family members.
In addition to assisting with a variety of scholar-related visa categories (including J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, and lawful permanent residence), our team serves as a point of referral to support scholars on a broad range of issues, including arrival, campus resources, cross-cultural adjustment, employment eligibility, and more.
SISS can assist campus colleagues, including faculty or staff, with questions regarding international students and scholars, immigration issues, cross-cultural issues, and other matters. We act as a point of referral for departments for many other support services on campus, as well as many agencies off campus, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Scheduling an Appointment with an International Scholar Advisor
You may schedule an appointment with a member of the International Scholar Services team. To do so, contact the appropriate advisor as listed in our staff directory, or email us with questions.
More information for visiting scholars, professors and researchers
More information for departments and department contacts
Campus Resources for International Students and Scholars
SISS is part of a campus community that supports international students and scholars. SISS has developed a list of resources for international students and scholars that prioritizes services that staff agree are most helpful to the community.
Find campus resources for international students and scholars
UC Davis Principles of Community
In the late 1980s, seeds of student activism planted the foundation for something extraordinary: the Principles of Community.
Learn more about the Principles of Community and their importance to the UC Davis community