International Student Orientation

International Orientation Requirements

• All new international students who will be in the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 immigration statuses are required to complete International Student Orientation 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
• 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.

Fall 2023 International Student Orientation Activities

Our program includes:   

• Information and resources that are important to international students such as immigration regulations, U.S. healthcare, campus safety, etc.   
• “Life in the U.S.” activities such as shopping trips, opening a bank account, etc.   
• Events for family members   
• Social activities to meet other students and learn about campus and the Williamsburg area   

Stay tuned for more information about our Fall 2023 International Student Orientation schedule!  

Pre-Arrival Resources

See our New International Students website to find information about:

• Paying the SEVIS fee and applying for a visa
• Selecting travel dates

• Arrival transportation
• Packing checklist
• Housing

• Healthcare and insurance
• Banking
• Cell phones & SIM cards
• Driving in the U.S.

Immigration Check-in

After you arrive in the US, you must complete your immigration check-in. Please complete it within 1 week of your arrival. If you are not yet in the US, wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.

1. Login to iStart, using your William & Mary login.
2. Select Immigration Check-in from the left menu
3. Select Immigration Check-in and complete the Immigration Check-In form.

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., US citizen who lived abroad) but are interested in attending International Student Orientation can contact [[srtaylor, Shakia Taylor]] for more information.