International Student Orientation is for new F-1 and J-1 international students in the U.S. and is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible.
International Student Orientation is one part of your larger orientation program. Undergraduate international students, including exchange students, are also required to join the New Student Orientation. Graduate students also have orientations with their programs.
Orientation schedule
New International Student Requirements
All new international students who will be in the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 immigration statuses are required to complete the following requirements. This includes:
New international undergraduate and graduate students
New international undergraduate and graduate exchange students
New international students transferring to W&M or VIMS from a U.S. high school or university
Joint Degree Programme international students entering the U.S. and joining W&M for the first time.
The requirements are:
Attend an International Student Orientation session. Participating in a session is required to complete the mandatory immigration check-in. The date of the live sessions will be posted in mid-November.
Select Immigration Check-in and complete the Immigration Check-In form.
After you arrive in the U.S., you must complete the immigration check-in form within 30 days of the program start date on your I-20/DS-2019. If you are not yet in the U.S., wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.
Spring 2026 International Student Welcome Activities
There will be no in-person requirement for International Student Orientation. However, ISSP will offer optional in-person activities in January to help students settle in, such as shopping trips, social events, etc.Check your W&M email regularly for updates.
Undergraduate and graduates living on-campus will receive instructions from Residence Life for your move-in date. If you plan to arrive before your designated move-in date, you will need to arrange your own early housing, such as in a hotel. See the Hotels section for a list of local hotels that provide discounted rates for W&M students.
Visa Information: Paying the SEVIS fee, applying for a visa, choosing arrival date
Before You Arrive: Packing checklist, arrival transportation, and housing information
After you Arrive: Healthcare & insurance, Banking, Cell phones/SIM cards, Driving in the U.S.
Resources for Family: International Family Network, F-2 & J-2 dependents, children & healthcare
Non F-1 & J-1 Students Interested in Attending International Student Orientation
We welcome all students! Students who are not in F-1 or J-1 immigration status (e.g., U.S. citizens who lived abroad, dual citizens, students studying in a different immigration status, etc.) but are interested in attending International Student Orientation can contact [[ldevan,Lauren Devan]] for more information.
Questions? Contact[[w|ldevan,Lauren Devan]]. We look forward to welcoming you to W&M and VIMS!
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