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Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before Arriving at UC Davis

Once you have been admitted, you will work with many departments on campus to meet all the requirements necessary to study here at UC Davis. Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is here to help! Please use this Pre-Arrival Checklist to meet requirements at SISS which are mandatory for you to maintain your lawful immigration status while you are in the U.S.

1. Submit Statement of Intent to Register

  • Once you have received your letter of acceptance, you will need to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
  • Undergraduate Students
    • Follow the steps outlined for admitted students in MyAdmissions. Log in to the portal to learn more.
    • For any questions you have about admissions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
  • Graduate students
    • Submit your SIR as directed by the Office of Graduate Studies
      • Telling your new graduate program that you are coming to UC Davis won't activate you as a student. Please follow Graduate Studies' directions for submitting your SIR. 
    • Students admitted to professional school programs should follow the instructions provided by their school.
    • Students admitted to the following programs should contact Stephanie Palmer at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, International 
      • International English and Professional Programs, Forensic Science, Global Study, GREAT Summer Research, Maternal and Child Nutrition, Global University Access Program, and other custom programs. 

2. Request an I-20 or DS-2019 from SISS

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee or Request a SEVIS Record Transfer

  • You must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to obtain a visa. Learn more.
  • Students already studying in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status must request that their current school transfer the SEVIS record to UC Davis. The UC Davis SEVIS school code is SFR214F00614000.

4. Apply for your Visa

  • Plan ahead! Find information about the visa process and what you need to come to UC Davis.

5. Look at Housing Options

  • First-year undergraduate students and first-year transfer students are guaranteed housing on campus, but other incoming students need to secure housing on their own. 
  • Start searching early!
  • Learn more about housing

6. Learn About Orientation

  • It is important to know about all scheduled orientation events prior to making travel plans. SISS orientation includes both in-person and virtual events. In addition to SISS orientation, students should be aware of campuswide and department orientation.
  • Learn more about orientation for international students 

7. Make Flight and Ground Transportation Arrangements

  • Plan to arrive in Davis with enough time to recover from jet lag before your mandatory SISS International Student Orientation
  • For more information about how to get to Davis once you have arrived in the country, visit the airport transportation section of our website
  • Prepare your required entry documents prior to your flight.

8. Pay your International Student Administration Fee

9. Proof of Immunizations

  • You will need to show proof of immunizations and tuberculosis testing by submitting immunization records by the first day of class.
    • If you cannot obtain required immunizations or testing in your home country, Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) can administer them once you get to campus.
  • While students will be able to register for courses for their first quarter and can attend those classes, delays in completing your required immunizations may result in holds on course registration for future quarters. Please complete your immunizations and tuberculosis testing urgently.
  • Learn more
  • To make an appointment with SHCS, please call (530) 752-2349

10. Connect with your International Academic Advisor with Questions

  • Do you have questions about registration for academic courses? There are international academic advisors in each college and school who are here to help you with:
    • Degree and general education requirements
    • Course planning for your first year
    • How to change majors
    • Academic policies, regulations, and petitions
    • Options if you are having academic difficulty
    • Advising holds that prevent course registration
    • How the university grading system works and American classroom expectations
    • Transfer credit for out-of-state courses, IB credit, A-level exams, et.
    • Resources on campus
  • You can reach out to academic advisors with any academic questions before coming to campus
  • If you have an urgent question related to visa or travel, contact SISS