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J-1 Scholar Check-In & Orientation

J-1 Scholar Overview
Arrival Checklist
Categories and Bars
Health Insurance
J-1 Employment
Residence Requirement
Current J-1 Scholars
Departure

How to Get Started

When first arriving at UC Davis, J-1 scholars must check-in with SISS by completing our iGlobal check-in eForm. Scholars should refer to instructions provided to you with your SISS welcome packet. Timely check-in is required for SEVIS record validation and new J scholar orientation sign up. If you have questions, please email [email protected]. 

Orientation Agenda

Attendance at a scholar orientation is required to validate the stay of all new J-1 international scholars.  At orientation, scholars will learn about:

  • The International Scholar Advisors at SISS and more information about SISS's services and resources
  • Health Insurance Requirements for Scholars
  • J-1 Rules and Regulations, Including:
    • International Travel
    • Two Year Home Residency Requirement (212e)
    • Incidental Employment Restrictions and J-2 Employment
  • The City of Davis and the UC Davis Community
  • Recreational Opportunities
  • International House
  • Transportation
  • California Driver’s License
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Tax Information
  • UC Davis Identification (ID) Card (“Aggie Card”)
  • And more!

Orientation Locations

All new J-1 scholars and undergraduate researchers must participate in the orientation by Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS). There are two options for attending a new J-1 scholar orientation. Scholars will be able to select an orientation option when completing the iGlobal check-in eForm. SISS strongly advises that you sign up for the in-person orientation. Even if scholars attend the orientation in person, they can additionally review our orientation course in Homebase at any time afterward.

  1. Davis Main Campus: Orientation for scholars working at the main campus in Davis is held in the Conference Room 3119 on the 3rd Floor at the International Center. In general, these orientations take place every month on a Thursday morning. Scholars will be given information on the precise location, day and time of the next orientation after they register for orientation in iGlobal.
  2. Orientation Online: If you are unable to attend the in-person orientation, you can take our online orientation course, “UC Davis J-1 Scholar Orientation” in Homebase. Scholars who choose to complete the online orientation must do so within the first two weeks of their arrival in the United States. It is strongly advised that you do not travel or attempt to get a Social Security Number or a California Driver's License before reviewing the information in the orientation course.

Required Documents

All new J-1 scholars will be asked to upload the following documents with submission of their completed iGlobal check-in eForm.

  • Copy of current Visa Stamp for scholar and any J-2 dependents
  • Copy of DS-2019 document for scholar and any J-2 dependents
  • Copy of I-94 record online for scholar and any J-2 dependents
  • If the scholar or J-2 dependent used a new passport to enter the US, please include a copy of the passport ID page (this is not necessary if the scholar has already sent current passport copies to SISS prior to arrival).

I-94: Arrival/Departure Record

You can now check your record online and print an I-94. If there is an error on the electronic I-94, please contact your SISS international scholar advisor immediately for help.

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J-1 Scholar Visa Orientation