Requirements:
- Submit your online NIF
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Apply for your visa
- Complete Pre-Arrival Orientation
- Undergraduates - Golden Bear Prep
- Graduates - iStart 101 course
- - Complete Online Arrival Confirmation
Pre-Arrival Online Webinars
These online webinars, presented by advisors at Berkeley International Office, are designed to help you make a smooth transition to UC Berkeley.
Register for the webinars by following the links below. All times are in Pacific Standard Time. Links to recordings of the webinars will be posted below after they have taken place.
Spring 2025
- Preparing for Your Study Abroad at UC Berkeley: November 5, 2024, 4 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Applying for Your Student Visa: November 27, 2024, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (register)
Fall 2024
- Applying for Your Student Visa: April 24, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Housing in the Bay Area: May 1, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Applying for Your Student Visa: May 15, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (recording, slides)
- Preparing for Your Study Abroad at UC Berkeley: May 23, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (recording, slides)
- Preparing for Your First Year Experience: June 12, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Undergrad Academic Success and Culture: June 18, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (event cancelled due to low attendance--recording from previous year, slides)
- Grad Academic Success and Culture: June 20, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
- New International Transfer Students: June 26, 1 - 2 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Financial Planning for Life in the Bay Area: July 2, 1:30 - 3 p.m. (recording, slides)
- Applying for Your Student Visa: July 12, 3:30 - 5 p.m. (recording, slides)
Accessing UC Berkeley resources from abroad
Berkeley International Office recommends that students who are physically in China access bMail and other UC Berkeley resources using the campus VPN, which allows anyone with a CalNet login access to any needed internet resources, whether those resources are on- or off-campus. The UC Berkeley Libraries website has instructions for accessing the Campus VPN. For access to off-campus internet resources that are inaccessible in China, we recommend connecting with Full Tunnel VPN, rather than Split Tunnel.
Arrival Guide 2024 - 2025
BIO Web Series
Stay tuned to this spot for the BIO Web Series where international students show you how to navigate situations like finding housing, choosing course and social settings.
Youku/Tudou users may access the Web Series here.
Packing Tips
Click image for full infographic
U.S. Department of State Resources
- The Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
- Know Your Rights: An information pamphlet describing your rights while working in the United States.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Resources
Social Media
Join us on social media for quick updates and useful information.
