Step 1: New Student Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. Verify I-20/DS-2019 Information
   • Students should check that all information (biographical, academic, financial, etc.) on their I-20/DS-2019 is correct.
   • If applicable, they should verify the information on any dependent I-20s/DS-2019s.
   • If any errors are found, students should contact their ISSS advisor.
      
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
   • This fee must be paid prior to applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa and entering the US.
   • Students should print and save the receipt for their records.
      
3. Apply for an F-1 or J-1 Visa
   • Unless visa exempt, students must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and make an appointment at a US embassy or consulate.
      
4. Attend the Visa Interview
   • Visa applicants should review ISSS' Consular Interview Tips before their visa appointment.
   • While waiting for the visa, students should follow the consulate's instructions.
   • If applicable, follow the procedures on ISSS' Visa Delays & Denials page.
      
5. Check Out New Student Resources
   • Resources on ISSS' New Students Page include:
     • ISSS resources
       • Pre-Arrival Webinars (Pre-arrival webinar series to answer new student questions)
       • Passport to Emory (Emory's pre-departure onboarding program for F/J international students)
       • And much more!
     • US government resources
     • Emory resources
        
6. Make Travel Arrangements
   • New students should review ISSS' Enter the US & Arrive on Campus page to decide when to travel to the US, prepare for immigration inspection at the port of entry, and obtain directions to campus.
   • When to Arrive:
     • New F-1/J-1 students may enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019.
     • Students should make travel plans so that they arrive in time for their school’s orientation.
   • Students should notify ISSS and their academic department as early as possible if they are unable to enter the US by the program start date.
      
7. Complete Emory's Student Health Services Requirements
   • Students must submit the required immunization forms via the Student Patient Portal.
   • Emory Student Health Services pages to review:
     • Immunization Requirements
     • Insurance and Fees Information
        
8. Become Familiar with the Requirements to Maintain F-1/J-1 Status.
    
9. Prepare for Life in the US and Arrange for Housing
   • It is recommended that new international students review ISSS' Life in the US page to learn about banking, getting a mobile phone, Social Security Numbers (SSNS), healthcare, and much more!
   • Housing
     • Students living on-campus
       • Emory's Residence Life and Housing Operations provides on-campus student housing to undergraduates.
       • The Ridge is a new on-campus housing option for Emory graduate/professional students. Visit Emory's Off-Campus and Graduate Housing page for more information.
     • Students living off-campus
       • If a student has not secured housing prior to arriving in Atlanta, they should be prepared to stay in a hotel for a few nights.
       • 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. 
          
10. Follow ISSS on Social Media
    • Instagram
    • Facebook 
       
11. Contact an ISSS Advisor with Any Questions.
     

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

In addition to completing the New Student Pre-Arrival Checklist (above), J-1 students must also familiarize themselves with the Purpose of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and review the pre-arrival materials provided by ISSS and the US Department of State (linked below).  The J-1 exchange visitor program was created and is administered by the US Department of State. The objective of J-1 exchange visitor program is "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges." [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961]. New J-1 students should review the following information as they prepare to travel to the US for their exchange program.

1. J-1 Student Pre-Arrival Checklist
2. Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
3. Know Your Rights: Wilberforce Pamphlet

*J-1 students who are sponsored by an organization other than Emory should contact their sponsor for predeparture instructions.