New International Student & Scholar Checklist

Once you have been admitted to W&M and paid your deposit, you will receive an email from our online system iStart.  Through iStart, you will complete an online form and upload copies of your passport identity page (if you have one) and financial documentation (i.e., proof of funding).

The request will be electronically endorsed by your admissions office and then routed to ISSP, who will issue the document. It typically takes 5 business days to receive your initial I-20/DS-2019 from ISSP once you submit the request in iStart.

You must pay the SEVIS fee when you initially apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa. Form I-901 is the form used to pay this fee. Bring your SEVIS payment receipt with you to your scheduled visa interview and when you enter the U.S. The fee cannot be paid at the consulate. 

Learn more about Paying the SEVIS Fee and Completing Form I-901

• Applying for an F-1 Visa
• Applying for a J-1 Visa

All full-time students at W&M are required to meet specific health requirements. The information required from you is based on Virginia State Law, William & Mary requirements, and information needed to assist in caring for you. The health requirement is to be completed via your Online Health Portal.

Please be aware that it is often easier and cheaper for international students to obtain required immunizations prior to arriving in the U.S., especially the Tuberculosis Screening if testing is needed.

ISSP’s New International Students & Scholars webpage is a collection of information and resources for new international arrivals. Please review the resources to learn more about our office and how to prepare for your arrival on campus.

All new international students in F-1 or J-1 statys (including exchange and transfer students) are required to attend International Student Orientation. This session is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible. Topics covered during orientation include F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations, academic success at W&M, healthcare and health insurance in the U.S., mental health and wellbeing, and laws and safety in the U.S.

• Undergraduate students - details will be available soon
• Graduate students - Saturday, August 22 at 8:30am - 1:00pm in Miller Hall

New undergraduate international students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP)’s pre-orientation to settle into their residence halls, get acclimated to campus, and recover from travel before diving into New Student Orientation. ISSP will connect students with campus resources, organize social events to meet the ISSP staff and other international students, and offer van trips for dorm and international grocery shopping. Once students have moved onto campus, all meals during the program are covered.

Registration will open in early May 2026!

ISSP’s Cost of Living in the U.S. webpage provides information about some of the common expenses in the U.S. for international students and scholars. Understanding the cost of living in the U.S. is an important first step to creating a budget for your spending and ensuring your financial success in the U.S.

If coming to William & Mary will be the first time you are living on their own and managing your own expenses, take a look at W&M's resources for Financial Literacy.

Whether living on-campus or off-campus, don’t wait to start researching housing options! Check out the Housing webpage for information about On-Campus Housing, Off-Campus Housing, and Short-term Housing options.

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. Check out our Housing webpage for information and resources.

As a new F-1 or J-1 international student at W&M, you will be assigned to an International Peer Leader who will communicate with you over the summer. Peer Leaders are current W&M students who can answer questions you may have about W&M and living in the U.S. Your International Peer Leader will contact you around late May or early June, so make sure to reach out and say hello!

If your family will accompany you to the U.S., make sure to understand how ISSP and W&M can support your spouse and/or children. Review the following webpages:

• Visas for Family Members
• The International Family Network
• Children & Healthcare
• English Language Resources at W&M

See ISSP’s Transportation to William & Mary and VIMS webpage for transportation options and tips before you arrange your travel plans.

Check what items to bring to the U.S., what to leave at home, and what you can buy after you arrive: ISSP Packing Lists

More information will be published in May 2026!

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival
• Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa in the passport (typically not needed for Canadian or Bermudan citizens)
• Unexpired Initial I-20 or DS-2019 from W&M or VIMS

• Paper receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of student status, such as W&M or VIMS admissions letter, W&M or VIMS course enrollment for the upcoming semester, deposit receipt, etc.

Bookmark ISSP’s Events Calendar webpage to stay in-the-know about activities, trips, and events for international students at W&M!

Connect to wi-fi on W&M’s campus at connect.wm.edu. Information Technology Services also provides device-specific instructions.

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. You must be in the U.S. to complete the online immigration check-in. If you are not yet in the U.S., wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.  

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

If you do not complete your Immigration Check-In, you will not be able to do things like apply for an SSN or driver's license.

Follow Tribe Card Service’s instructions to obtain a New Tribe Card (W&M ID card).

Review ISSP’s Cell (Mobile) Phones webpage for more information about obtaining cell phone service in the U.S.

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.

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.

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 SSN, I-9, Payroll for Non-immigrant Employees webpage. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you can still function quite well in the U.S.

If you have already obtained employment in the U.S., you should follow the procedures to apply for and obtain a Social Security Number. An SSN is needed for payment and tax purposes.

The I-9 process is only needed for students who have already obtained a job offer at W&M or VIMS. Students must visit W&M’s Human Resources office to complete the I-9 employment verification process.

Additionally, staff from Human Resources will be on-site at the Reves Center during International Student Orientation welcome activities to assist new international students and scholars with completing the I-9 process. See the ISSP welcome activities schedule in your W&M email for event details.

International students may open a bank account in the U.S. to make managing their money and paying for essentials in the U.S. easier. Learn about Banking in the U.S.

If coming to William & Mary will be the first time you are living on their own and managing your own expenses, review W&M's Financial Literacy resources. Understanding the cost of living in the U.S., learning how to budget, and making sound financial decisions is an essential part of personal independence and academic success.

If you plan to do a lot of driving in Virginia or to other U.S. states, it is advisable to apply for a VA driver's license. For individuals that are employed in the U.S. and/or have a registered car in Virginia, obtaining a Virginia driver’s license is required within 60 days of your arrival in the U.S. Learn about Getting a U.S. Driver's License or ID card.

The mission of the Global Friends Program (GFP) is to promote cross-cultural friendship and understanding between W&M's international community and the Williamsburg community. The program is an opportunity for W&M international students to experience American life outside of campus by meeting up with their Global Friends at least once a month. See the ISSP welcome activities schedule in your W&M email for the specific time and date of the Global Friends Program Info Session.

Did you know that you have a representative on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)? The purpose of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) is to provide advice to the Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP) on issues that are important to international students and to work collaboratively to support the success of all international students.

Send an email to your ISAB representative (determined by your academic level and specific graduate school) to get connected and share your student voice!

Tell us how we did! Provide your anonymous feedback to ISSP about your International Student Orientation experience by completing the ISSP Orientation Feedback Form by Friday, September 4, 2026.

If you plan to travel internationally, a valid travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 is required to re-enter the U.S. Travel signatures cover all return travel to the U.S. for 12 months from the signature date. Obtain a travel signature from ISSP by submitting a travel signature request in iStart.

Learn how to protect yourself against immigration scams and what to do if you are the victim of a scam. Learn more on ISSP’s Immigration Scams webpage.

Your International Peer Leader is still available to talk and meet with you throughout the fall semester, so make sure to stay in touch!

Participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program at W&M and VIMS requires a visiting sponsorship by a department or unit. Once your inviting department has completed your DS-2019 immigration document request, you will receive an email from our online system iStart. Through iStart, you will complete an online form and upload biographical information and other details. You will also be able to request immigration documents for dependents to come in J-2 status, if needed. 

The request will be electronically endorsed by your department and then routed to ISSP, who will issue the document (it typically takes 5 business days to receive your initial DS-2019 from ISSP once you submit the request in iStart).

You must pay the SEVIS fee when you initially apply for your J-1 visa. Form I-901 is the form used to pay this fee. Bring your SEVIS payment receipt with you to your scheduled visa interview and when you enter the U.S. The fee cannot be paid at the consulate.

Learn more about Paying the SEVIS Fee and Completing Form I-901

See the Applying for a J-1 Visa webpage for detailed information.

Federal law requires that all persons in J-1 and J-2 status maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. Regardless of immigration status, due to the high cost of medical care in the U.S., it is important to have health insurance coverage for oneself and any dependents. Review ISSP’s Health Insurance Information for International Scholars and Employees webpage to learn more.

ISSP’s New International Students & Scholars webpage is a collection of information and resources for new international arrivals. Please review the resources to learn more about our office and how to prepare for your arrival on campus.

ISSP’s Cost of Living in the U.S. webpage provides information about some of the common expenses in the U.S. for international students and scholars. Understanding the cost of living in the U.S. is an important first step to creating a budget for your spending and ensuring your financial success in the U.S.

If coming to the William & Mary will be the first time you are living on their own and managing your own expenses, take a look at W&M's resources for Financial Literacy.

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. Check out the Housing webpage for information about Off-Campus Housing and Short-term Housing options.

If your family will accompany you to the U.S., make sure to understand how ISSP and W&M can support your spouse and/or children. Review the following webpages:

• Visas for Family Members
• The International Family Network
• Children & Healthcare
• English Language Resources at W&M

See ISSP’s Transportation to William & Mary and VIMS webpage for transportation options and tips before you arrange your travel plans.

Check what items to bring to the U.S., what to leave at home, and what you can buy after you arrive: ISSP Packing Lists

After arriving in the U.S., J-1 Scholars must attend an International Scholar Orientation session as a required part of your Immigration Check-In. This is a separate orientation session from any orientation or training you may be required to attend by your specific W&M department or program.

Scholar Orientation is held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00pm at the Reves Center for International Studies. Please sign-up online to attend a session. Spouses/partners and family members are welcome to attend the orientation.

You may enter the U.S. up to 30 calendar days before the start date on your DS-2019.

The U.S. border is controlled by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Whether you arrive in the U.S. by air or land, you will be greeted by CBP officers and will need to request admission in the U.S. in J-1 status.

Be prepared to present the following materials to CBP upon your arrival. Keep your important documents in your carry-on bag—never in your checked luggage.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival
• Unexpired J-1 visa in the passport (typically not needed for Canadian or Bermudan citizens)
• Unexpired Initial DS-2019 from W&M or VIMS

You should also carry the following documents to present to CBP if asked:

• Paper receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee
• Proof of financial resources
• Invitation letter from W&M or VIMS

CBP has guidelines on Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry.

During admissions processing, CBP may ask you to step aside briefly to answer additional questions.

Answer CBP's questions clearly and truthfully. Do not engage CBP in idle conversation or offer more information or documents than requested, as doing so could delay CBP processing.

If you have any problems entering the U.S., call the Reves Center at 757-221-3590, or on weekends and evenings, call W&M Police at 757-221-4596.

Connect to wi-fi on W&M’s campus at connect.wm.edu. Information Technology Services also provides device-specific instructions.

After arriving in the U.S., J-1 Scholars must attend an International Scholar Orientation session as a required part of your Immigration Check-In. This is a separate orientation session from any orientation or training you may be required to attend by your specific W&M department or program.

Scholar Orientation is held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00pm at the Reves Center for International Studies. Please sign-up online to attend a session. Spouses/partners and family members are welcome to attend the orientation.

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 DS-2019. You must be in the U.S. to complete the online immigration check-in. If you are not yet in the U.S., wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.  

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

If you do not complete your Immigration Check-In, you will not be able to do things like apply for an SSN or driver's license.

Follow Tribe Card Service’s instructions to obtain a New Tribe Card (W&M ID card).

Review ISSP’s Cell (Mobile) Phones webpage for more information about obtaining cell phone service in the U.S.

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 SSN, I-9, Payroll for Non-immigrant Employees webpage. 

Be sure to follow the procedures to apply for and obtain a Social Security Number.

J-1 Scholars working at W&M or VIMS must visit W&M’s Human Resources office to complete the I-9 employment verification process.

International scholars may open a bank account in the U.S. to make managing their money and paying for essentials in the U.S. easier. Learn about Banking in the U.S.

If you plan to do a lot of driving in Virginia or to other U.S. states, it is advisable to apply for a VA driver's license. For individuals that are employed in the U.S. and/or have a registered car in Virginia, obtaining a Virginia driver’s license is required within 60 days of your arrival in the U.S. Learn about Getting a U.S. Driver's License or ID card.

If you plan to travel internationally, a valid travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 is required to re-enter the U.S. Travel signatures cover all return travel to the U.S. for 12 months from the signature date. Obtain a travel signature from ISSP by submitting a travel signature request in iStart.

Learn how to protect yourself against immigration scams and what to do if you have the victim of a scam. Learn more on ISSP’s Immigration Scams webpage.