Step 6: New Student Post-Arrival Checklist

ISSS looks forward to supporting new international students as they start their Emory program. To help new students settle in and transition smoothly to life in the US, ISSS provides a post-arrival checklist, oversees the international student check-in process, and provides international student orientation sessions.

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

1. Complete International Student Check-in in ISSS Link by Submitting the "Arrival Confirmation" E-Form.
   • This mandatory e-form must be completed before ISSS can activate a new student's SEVIS record.
   • Completion of this form is required in order to maintain a student's immigration status, apply for certain benefits (i.e. SSN or driver's license), and complete the on-campus employment onboarding process. 
   • How to access the "Arrival Confirmation" e-form:
     • After logging into ISSS Link, students should navigate to the left side of the screen and select "New Students."
     • Under "Tasks," students should select "International Student Check-in” followed by "Arrival Confirmation."
        
2. Move into Housing.
   • On-Campus:
     • Emory's Residence Life and Housing Operations provides on-campus student housing to undergraduates.
   • Off-Campus
     • Emory has an Off-Campus Housing website to help students find off-campus housing and roommates.
     • ISSS' Housing page also contains helpful information about finding housing, setting up utilities and obtaining furniture. 
        
3. Receive Required Immunizations (if necessary).
    
4. Get an Emory Card.
    
5. Review ISSS' Life in the US Page.
   • Here students will learn about banking, getting a mobile phone, SSNs, driver's licenses, international grocery stores/restaurants, and much more!
      
6. Attend New Student Orientation/Welcome and ISSS' "Let's Talk About Your F-1/J-1 Immigration Status" Presentation.
   • Each school or program will host its own required orientation for international students during which ISSS will give an immigration presentation called "Let's Talk About Your Immigration Status."
   • During this session students will:
     • learn how to maintain their F-1/J-1 status, get involved with ISSS programs and events, and stay connected with ISSS through social media and the ISSS e-newsletter, Global Flash.
     • Have the opportunity to get answers to their questions from an international student advisor.
   • See below for the date, time, and location of each school's ISSS orientation session.
     • Not all of the orientation details have been finalized (TBD = to be determined)
     • Students should return to this page to confirm the date, time and location of their orientation.
        
7. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) (if required)
   • Students can only apply for an SSN if they have been offered on-campus employment (including an assistantship or fellowship) and will be paid through Emory University payroll.
   • Procedures:
     • F-1 Students: Obtain an offer letter from the on-campus employer that meets the Social Security Administration requirements and complete the "Social Security Letter Request" e-form in ISSS Link.
     • J-1 Students: Complete the "On-Campus Employment Authorization" e-form in ISSS Link.
        
8. Bookmark the Emory Academic Calendar and Attend Classes!
    
9. Attend the ISSS International Student Welcome Reception.
    
10. Attend ISSS Events and Programs.
     
11. Explore Atlanta!
     
12. Contact an ISSS advisor with Questions.

Note: New students admitted to the Emory College must also complete the First-Year To-Do List.