New International Student & Scholar Checklist

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 On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing options

Note about On-Campus Housing: New undergraduate students who will live in on-campus housing can contact Residence Life at living@wm.edu to request an early move-in date. For Spring 2026, the earliest arrival date is Thursday, January 15, 2026. There is $50/day early arrival fee.

Note about Off-Campus Housing: Off-campus housing options are limited and fill up quickly, so do not wait to look for housing if you are going to live off campus.

Complete Health Records & Insurance Requirement (*)

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!

Schedule Transportation to W&M or VIMS

Review the Packing Checklist

A checklist of items to bring to the U.S. and what to leave at home

Participate in International Student Orientation (*)

New F-1 and J-1 international students are required to attend a virtual International Student Orientation session or watch a recorded session. More details are available in ISSP's pre-arrival emails sent to your W&M email account.

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 ISSP's New International Student Welcome Events

ISSP hosts welcome activities to support your transition to life in the U.S. and at the university. A detailed schedule will be available in ISSP's pre-arrival emails sent to your W&M email account.

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. More details can be found on the ISSP website.

Open a U.S. Bank Account

Cell Phone Service and SIM cards

Get a Driver's License or VA State ID

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

IMPORTANT: Off-campus housing options are limited and fill up quickly, so do not wait to look for housing if you are going to live off campus.

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

Schedule Transportation to W&M or VIMS

Review the Packing Checklist

A checklist of items to bring to the U.S. and what to leave at home

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. More details can be found on the ISSP website.

Open a U.S. Bank Account

Cell Phone Service and SIM cards

Get a Driver's License or VA State ID