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 (pdf) to mark your progress as you go.

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 *()**
Secure Off-Campus Housing (if applicable)
Health Records & Insurance Requirement *()**
Schedule Airport Transportation

after you arrive list
After You Arrive
Complete Immigration Check-in with ISSP *()** You must be in the U.S.* to complete the online immigration check-in*
Connect to the W&M Network
Attend International Student Orientation *()** Required for all new F-1 and J-1 international students in the U.S.
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 with 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

New J-1 Scholars

This checklist is for new J-1 Scholars at W&M and VIMS.

Print this page (pdf) to mark your progress as you go.

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 Airport Transportation

after you arrive
After You Arrive
Complete Scholar Immigration Check-in with ISSP *()** You must be in the U.S.* to complete the online immigration check-in*
Connect to the W&M 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

International Students, Scholars & Programs Office

Address

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

Map & Directions

Contact Us

Email: globe@wm.edu
Phone: 757-221-3590

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5 pm

See all ISSP contact info