Visa Information

Applying to William & Mary or VIMS

International Students: Apply to W&M through the Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.

International Scholars: Once you receive an invitation from a department to host you at W&M or VIMS, you will complete the process to become a J-1 scholar with your department. Once you and your department complete the process, you will receive a DS-2019 and can apply for your visa.

Choosing a Visa Type

F-1 is most often used for degree-seeking students. For the F-1 visa, we will issue an I-20 document for the student. F-1 status is very flexible, especially for students who may change their program of study.

J-1 is primarily used for visiting exchange students (from one of the universities with which W&M has a tuition exchange) but other students may also qualify if a substantial portion of their funding for school comes from a source other than family or personal funds. For the J-1 visa, we will issue an DS-2019 document for the student.

Requesting your I-20 or DS-2019 to Begin Study

Once you have been admitted to W&M or VIMS and paid your enrollment 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 the Office of International Students Scholars & Programs (ISSP).
ISSP will issue the I-20 or DS-2019, send it to you, and notify you that it is on its way. You will use it to apply for your visa.

Applying for a Visa

F-1 student visa (with an I-20)
J-1 student or scholar visa (with a DS-2019)
F-2 and J-2 dependent visas: Spouse and children
F-1 transfers: If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another U.S. school or university to W&M or VIMS
Changing to F-1 or J-1 Status: Review your immigration options if you are in the U.S. in another immigration status and would like to change to F-1 or J-1 status
Studying in another non-immigrant status

If you have any immigration questions, contact the Office of International Students Scholars & Programs.

Selecting Travel Dates

Before Making Travel Arrangements:

All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status (including exchange and transfer students) are required to attend an International Student Orientation Session
New undergraduate international students (including exchange students) are also required to join New Student Orientation.
New graduate international students also have orientations with their programs and should check these dates with their academic program to determine when they should be on campus.
Please also refer to the academic calendar and residence hall schedules (if you are living on-campus) before booking a flight. Exams cannot be scheduled around flights and on-campus housing closes shortly after the exam period.

Traveling to the U.S.

You may enter the U.S. up to 30 calendar days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. On the I-20, you can also see the “Earliest Admission Date”. Students who recently attended another U.S. school and have transferred their immigration record to W&M or VIMS are not bound to this rule.

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 F-1 or 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 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

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

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. (students only)
Invitation letter from W&M or VIMS (Scholars only)

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.