All students and J-1 scholars coming to the US to study on an I-20 or DS-2019 can enter the United States up to 30 days before their start date for their program listed on these documents.  We strongly recommend that students use this early arrival option to not only have enough time to overcome jet lag, but finalize their housing arrangements.

J-1 status is used for professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists for temporary participation in approved programs of teaching, research, observation and consultation. The two most common types of J-1 visitors to UCD are research scholars and professors.

Welcome to the University of California, Davis as a J-1 International Scholar. These are some resources and information to help you with getting settled into living and working as part of our campus community.

When first arriving at UC Davis, J-1 scholars must check-in with SISS by completing our iGlobal check-in eForm at https://iglobal.ucdavis.edu. Scholars should refer to instructions provided to you with your SISS welcome packet. 

Regulations governing the J-1 status require that SISS be notified of any change of address for J-1 scholars within 10 days of the address change.  It is also important to notify SISS of any change in phone or email contact information.

J-1 scholars are required to maintain health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents throughout their J-1 exchange visitor program in the U.S.  Failure to maintain such health insurance while in the United States will be considered a violation of J-1 status and may lead to termination of the J-1’s legal status.