Newly Admitted Students
Welcome to UC Davis!
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you in achieving your academic goals at UC Davis. You can use this page to prepare to arrive on campus and begin your studies.
Please refer to the resources below on this page regarding your requirements as a new international student:
Pre-Arrival Orientation and Webinars
As a new international student, your first requirement with SISS is to complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation in Homebase (the SISS learning platform), which is designed to help you prepare to begin your studies at UC Davis. After you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and set up your UC Davis computing account, please wait three days before logging into iGlobal to begin the Pre-Arrival Orientation.
A Pre-Arrival Webinar series is hosted by SISS prior to the start of the Fall term to provide additional support to students, such as reviewing important dates and deadlines, explaining the I-20/DS-2019 request and visa application process, and providing information on campus resources. You can access the webinar recordings and presentation slides through the Pre-Arrival Orientation in iGlobal.
I-20 and DS-2019 Document Request
After you complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation, you will have access to the e-forms to request an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa or request a DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa. To determine which visa is right for you and for visa application information, visit the Student Visa and Entry into the U.S. webpage.
After receiving your document, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee through the United States Department of Homeland Security. Be sure to keep a copy of the payment receipt for your records. This is not required if you are transferring your SEVIS record from another school or program at UC Davis.
SEVIS Transfer Information
If you are attending or have recently attended another school in the U.S., you may need to transfer your SEVIS record to UC Davis. Contact your previous school for instructions on how to request a transfer, and be prepared to provide a copy of your UC Davis admission letter as well as the UC Davis school code:
- F-1 Students: SFR214F00614000
- J-1 Students: P-1-02538
Check-In and Arrival Orientation
Shortly after arriving in the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status and no later than the tenth day of instruction, you must report to SISS by completing the Student Check-in through iGlobal. This ensures your F-1 or J-1 student status is activated. You will be required to upload your visa, I-94, I-901 fee receipt, and report your U.S. address.
Next, complete the Arrival Orientation in Homebase* by the end of the fourth week of class. The Arrival Orientation is designed to help solidify your understanding of immigration regulations and UC Davis institutional policy. This is an important tool to successfully manage your immigration and academic statuses.
*Graduate School of Management (including MBA Exchange) and School of Law (including JD exchange) students must attend the in-person orientation hosted by their program instead of completing the Arrival Orientation in Homebase. Check with your program for more information.
Global Aggies Welcome Week
We are excited that you have chosen UC Davis, and we are committed to making you feel welcome and at home in Davis. During Global Aggies Welcome Week, you will have the opportunity to join information sessions, attend an international student social, take a tour, and meet your SISS Advisor.
Details are coming soon on the International Student Welcome Week webpage for details.
Additional Orientation Information
Refer to your academic program for additional orientation information:
Check your UC Davis Email Account Regularly
It is essential to check your UC Davis email regularly for important emails from SISS and other departments. If you are not able to access your UC Davis email account, consider forwarding your email or using the UC Davis Library's off-campus connection service.