Step 6: New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist

ISSS looks forward to new scholars starting their Emory program/employment. To help new scholars settle in and transition smoothly to life in the US, ISSS provides a post-arrival checklist, oversees the international scholar check-in process, and hosts a mandatory international scholar orientation.

Note: New Scholars should not try to apply for a Social Security Number until after they have completed check-in (i.e. reported their arrival electronically using the "Scholar Arrival" e-form in ISSS Link) and have attended a scholar orientation session.

Once a scholar has arrived in Atlanta, they should complete the following tasks:

1. Complete International Scholar Check-in
   • International Scholar Check-in consists of submitting the appropriate "Scholar Arrival" e-form in ISSS Link and attending an ISSS New Scholar Orientation.
     • J-1 Scholars:
       • Submit the "J-1 Scholar Arrival" form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu).
       • Scholars must complete it within 10 days of their start date and before attending the scholar orientation session at ISSS.
       • In the final section of the e-form, scholars will be required to choose a Scholar Orientation session to attend.
     • H-1Bs, E-3s, O-1s, and TNs:
       • Submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu).
       • Scholars must complete it within 10 days of their start date.  
       • At the end of the e-form, scholars will be directed to schedule a one-on-one orientation with their ISSS Advisor.
     • All Scholars: Click here for assistance with logging into ISSS Link to complete the e-form.
        

2. Complete the Hiring Department's Onboarding Process

   When a new international scholar arrives in Atlanta, they should first check in with their supervisor and Human Resources (HR) representative. If employed by Emory, the scholar will be onboarded by their department, and they will follow the same procedures typically required of any employee. Tasks new scholars are asked to complete may include, but not limited to, the following:

   • Complete Form I-9: If employed by Emory, a new scholar will need to fill out an I-9 form. The scholar's department administrator or HR can help with this.
   • Complete the E-verify Process: All new employees are screened through E-Verify, an online identity and immigration status verification system. HR will let a new scholar know if there are any problems getting E-Verify approval.
   • Fill out Tax Forms: If paid by Emory, a new scholar will need to complete tax forms. International scholars will need to log into the Foreign National Information System (“FNIS”) so that their US tax status can be determined and the necessary forms can be generated. This is required for all nonresident alien employees.
     • Emory's Finance Division website provides information for international employees about tax treaty exemptions, accessing the FNIS system and completing the FNIS questionnaire.
     • Contact Emory's Nonresident Tax Services at nonresident.tax@emory.edu with questions regarding tax withholdings and any tax treaties that may apply.
        

3. Get an EmoryCard

   Emory employees will upload a photo for their EmoryCard as part of their online orientation. They can then pick up their Emory Card at the B. Jones Center.

4. Review ISSS' New International Scholar/Employee Resources
   • Visit ISSS' Life in the US page to learn about housing, banking, getting a mobile phone, driver's licenses, SSNs, and much more!
   • Check out the J-1 Scholar's Guide to Emory. Although some of the information in this guide is only relevant to exchange visitors in J status, all international scholars and employees may find the guide helpful and informative. 
      
5. Find Housing
   • Emory has an Off-Campus Housing website to help students, faculty and staff find off-campus housing and roommates.
   • ISSS' Housing page also contains helpful information about finding housing, setting up utilities and obtaining furniture. 
      
6. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
   • A  new scholar can apply for a SSN if they do not already have one and will be paid by Emory.
   • Once a new scholar has entered the US, they should wait at least 10 business days before applying for a SSN.
   • J-1 Exchange Visitors Only:
     • Must have active SEVIS record when they apply for an SSN. If they apply for an SSN before their record is active, their SSN application will be rejected, and they will need to reapply.
     • Complete the first item on this checklist (Submit the "J-1 New Scholar Arrival" form in ISSS Link) as soon as possible to have the SEVIS record activated. Once the new J-1 scholar receives an email from ISSS letting them know that their e-form was approved and their immigration record is active in SEVIS, it is suggested they wait 5 business days before applying for an SSN. 
        
7. Apply for a Driver's License (optional)
    
8. Attend ISSS Events and Programs.
    
9. Explore Atlanta 
    
10. Contact an ISSS advisor with any questions.