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New International Student & Scholar Checklist

We are excited to have you at William & Mary and VIMS!

We have compiled a checklist of important, and required (*), steps to help ease your transition to life at W&M and in the U.S. If you have any questions, contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu, or visit our office after you arrive in the U.S.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

list for international students
New F-1/J-1 International Students

This checklist is for all new F-1/J-1 international students, including transfers and exchange students.
Print this page to mark your progress

before you arrive list

Before You Arrive

Request Immigration Document from ISSP (*)

After paying the W&M admissions deposit, you will receive an email from ISSP with instructions on how to request an I-20/DS-2019 in iStart.

 

Pay the SEVIS Fee and Apply for an F-1/J-1 Student Visa (*)

For More Information: F-1 Students; J-1 Students

 

Review Pre-Arrival Emails (*)

During the weeks leading up to your arrival in the U.S., you will receive a series of pre-arrival emails from ISSP with important topics for new international students. Make sure to check your W&M email regularly!

 

Review On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing options

 

Complete Health Records & Insurance Requirement (*)

 

Schedule Transportation to W&M or VIMS

 

after you arrive list

After You Arrive

Complete the online Immigration Check-in (*)

You must be in the U.S. to complete the online immigration check-in

 

Connect to the W&M Wireless Network

 

Participate in International Student Orientation (*)

New F-1 and J-1 international students are required to complete new international student requirements. There will also be welcome activities to support your transition to life in the U.S. and at the university.

 

Attend New Student Orientation (*)

Undergrad, transfer, and exchange students only. Graduate students will have separate orientations with their academic programs.

 

Get your Tribe Card (W&M ID card) (*)

 

Apply for a Social Security Numbers (SSN)

SSNs are only granted to F-1 students working at W&M or VIMS or with a work authorization or J-1 students who apply for the number.

 

Open a U.S. Bank Account

 

Cell Phone Service and SIM cards

 

Get a Driver's License or VA State ID

 

New J-1 Scholars 

This checklist is for new J-1 Scholars at W&M and VIMS.
Print this page to mark your progress

before you arrive list

Before You Arrive

Department initiates DS-2019 Request in iStart (*)

An invitation by an academic department or unit is required for J-1 sponsorship.

 

Pay the SEVIS Fee and Apply for a J-1 Visa (*)

 

Secure Off-Campus Housing

 

J-1/J-2 Health Insurance Requirement (*)

 

Schedule Transportation to W&M or VIMS

 

after you arrive

After You Arrive

Complete the online Scholar Immigration Check-in (*)

You must be in the U.S. to complete the online immigration check-in

 

Connect to the W&M Wireless Network

 

Attend International Scholar Orientation (*)

Scholar Orientation is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible. Spouses and family members are welcome to attend!

 

Get your Tribe Card (W&M ID card) (*)

 

Apply for a Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Scholars who plan to work or be paid in the U.S. will need a Social Security Number (SSN) for payment and tax purposes. Your immigration must be registered by ISSP before applying for an SSN.

 

Open a U.S. Bank Account

 

Cell Phone Service and SIM cards

 

Get a Driver's License or VA State ID

 

Reves Center contact information

International Students, Scholars & Programs Office

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Address

200 South Boundary Street P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23185

Map & Directions

Contact Us

Hours

  • Monday - Friday: 8am - 5 pm
See all ISSP contact info