Step 1: New Scholar Pre-Arrival Checklist
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- Make sure the scholar's passport is valid for at least 6 months after the start date.
- If the scholar will be bringing dependents, their passports should be valid for 6 months, too.
- If the scholar will be bringing dependents, their passports should be valid for 6 months, too.
- Verify that all information on the immigration documents provided by ISSS (and dependent documents if applicable) is accurate. Scholars should contact their ISSS advisor with any typos, errors, or concerns.
- J-1 Exchange Visitors: Make sure the personal information on the DS-2019 form is correct. If the scholar is bringing dependents (spouse and/or children), each of them should have their own DS-2019.
- H-1B/O-1 Scholars: Check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
- TN Scholars:
- Review the TN employment letter provided by ISSS.
- Although rare, if a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf, check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
- E-3 Scholars:
- Review the copy of the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- Although rare, if a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf, check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
- Apply for a US visa at a US embassy or consulate, if required.
- Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are visa exempt.
- Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are visa exempt.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Review ISSS' Consular Interview Tips before the visa appointment.
- Follow the consulate's instructions for waiting for the visa.
- After receiving the visa, make travel arrangements.
- Review ISSS' Entering the US & Arriving to Campus page to help the scholar decide when to travel to the US, prepare for immigration inspection at the port of entry, and directions to campus.
- Scholars should let their department and ISSS know what day they will get here. If a scholar is are unable to enter the US by the start date, they should contact their ISSS advisor as soon as possible.
- Gather important documents:
- Copies of medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions written in generic terms for the scholar and any accompanying dependents.
- Financial documents that show how the scholar will be supported while at Emory. Scholars might be asked for these at the US port of entry.
- Documents the scholar will need to present at the port-of-entry.
- Review ISSS' Entering the US & Arriving to Campus page for a full list of immigration and supporting documents.
- Review ISSS' Entering the US & Arriving to Campus page for a full list of immigration and supporting documents.
- Arrange for finances to cover the scholar's costs during their first month in the US.
- We recommend that scholars have ready access to at least $2,500.
- We recommend that scholars have ready access to at least $2,500.
- Prepare for Life in the US including:
- Review ISSS Life in the US page to learn about housing, banking, getting a mobile phone, Social Security Numbers (SSNS), healthcare, and much more.
- Arrange for housing or temporary housing. Scholars who have not secured housing prior to arrival should be prepared to stay in a hotel for a few nights.
- Follow ISSS on Facebook and Instagram.
- Contact an ISSS Advisor with any questions.