- Berkeley International Office
- New Student Orientation
- When to Contact the Office
- Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Berkeley International Office
The Berkeley International Office offers a variety of services and special programs for international students and scholars at Berkeley. Located at International House, guidance on immigration problems, help in resolving financial aid concerns, advising on personal difficulties, or information on almost any topic of special interest to international students.
New Student Orientation
Because the role of the Berkeley International Office is to facilitate international students’ adjustment into the academic community and to provide support while successfully completing graduate studies, the Office runs a comprehensive Orientation Program, which prepares students for a successful stay at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, the office offers a series of Scholar Information Meetings (SIMs) at International House.
When to Contact the Office
Frequent contact with the Berkeley International Office is extremely important. Failure to keep the office up to date may result in penalty fees or revoking the student’s visa. Contact the office for the following: cancellation of registration or withdrawal; change of major change of degree goal; early completion of the student’s program; requiring more time to complete the student’s program; and travel outside of the U.S. while a student at Berkeley.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
As of January 2003, any institution or organization certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of State (DOS) to admit non-immigrant students or exchange visitors to their programs must use SEVIS. A computerized process, SEVIS collects, maintains and manages information about international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. To cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS, compliance activities, and the establishment of additional DHS support personnel positions, international students must pay a one-time fee of $200.. The SEVIS fee is a U.S. Government fee paid to DHS. It is not a University fee and provides no funds or services to the University. Additional information is available at the Berkeley International Office website and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website .