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 2022 International Student Orientation Activities

We are planning to offer a hybrid program:  

• Required sessions will be offered multiple times virtually through Zoom. 
• There will be no in-person requirement for International Student Orientation, however, we plan to offer optional in-person activities to help students settle in such as help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, events for family members, etc.
• International Student Orientation activities will be offered between August 25 – 30, 2022. Check your W&M email regularly for updates! 
• Undergraduate and graduate students living on-campus will move-in during the designated Residence Hall move-in dates. If you plan to arrive before your move-in date, you will need to make your own off-campus housing arrangement.

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
• 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.