Graduate School of Management students: SISS International Student Orientation does not apply to you. The Graduate School of Management will host SISS Orientation at the Graduate School of Management for international students.
School of Law students: SISS Orientation does not apply to you. Please find your primary contact at the international office at the School of Law.
Welcome new Aggies, and congratulations on your admission!
Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is delighted that you have chosen UC Davis for your graduate degree. Below you will find orientation information*:
SISS International Student Orientation
Required; Virtual
International Student Pre-Arrival Orientation
- Hear from fellow international students and learn about UC Davis and life in the U.S.
- Prepare for coming to UC Davis. Topics include Arriving to the U.S., Life in the U.S. and on Campus, Culture at UCD, and more!
- You must complete Pre-Arrival Orientation to receive your Form I-20/DS-2019.
International Student Arrival Orientation
- Learn about UCD academic policies and international student visa regulations.
- Prepare to be a successful international student UC Davis. Topics include enrollment requirements, reporting requirements, travel, and more.
- You will receive access to the virtual arrival orientation by email after you arrive to the U.S. and complete online check-in.
SISS Workshops and Events
Optional; In-Person
- Fall 2025 schedule coming soon!
UC Davis Campuswide Orientation
Highly Encouraged; Virtual
Aggie 201 Sponsored by Graduate Studies
- Online orientation platform that provides a resource and services overview for new graduate students
- Learn about key areas of the graduate experience and identify the right individuals to answer questions before students arrive on campus
*Please note that your specific graduate program may have its own orientation as well. Contact your Graduate Program Coordinator for details.
When to Arrive
All students coming to the U.S. to study on an initial I-20 or DS-2019 can enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on these documents. We strongly recommend that students take advantage of this early arrival option to have enough time to recover from jet lag, become familiar with the campus and community, and finalize housing before beginning classes.
SEVIS transfer students may travel and re-enter the United States at any time while between school programs. However, transfer students must re-enter with their UC Davis I-20 or DS-2019, and not the previous school's document. They must also have a passport that is valid at least six months into the future, and a visa in their passport that is valid on the date of return to the United States.