Step 1: New Scholar Pre-Arrival Checklist

For All International Scholars (J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN and E-3)

1. Make sure the scholar's passport is valid for at least six months after their start date.
   • If the scholar will be bringing dependents, their passports should be valid six months into the future as well.
      
2. Verify accuracy of all information on their ISSS-provided immigration documents.
   • Scholars should contact their ISSS advisor if they find any typos/errors or have any concerns.
   • If applicable, scholars should verify the information on their dependents' documents.
   • Status specific information:
     • J-1 Exchange Visitors: Make sure the personal information on the DS-2019 form is correct. If the scholar is bringing dependents (spouse and/or children), each of them should have their own DS-2019.
     • H-1B/O-1 Scholars: Check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
     • TN Scholars:
       • Review the TN employment letter provided by ISSS.
       • Although rare, if a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf, check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
     • E-3 Scholars:
       • Review the copy of the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA).
       • Although rare, if a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf, check the I-797 to make sure all the personal information is correct.
          
3. Apply for a US visa at a US embassy or consulate, if required.
   • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are visa exempt. 
      
4. Attend the visa interview.
   • Review ISSS' Consular Interview Tips before the visa appointment.
   • Follow the consulate's instructions for waiting for the visa. 
      
5. After receiving the visa, make travel arrangements.
   • Scholars should review ISSS' Enter the US and Arrive on Campus page to decide when to travel to the US, prepare for immigration inspection at the port of entry and obtain directions to campus.
   • Scholars should let their department and ISSS know what day they will arrive.
   • If a scholar is are unable to enter the US by the start date, they should contact their host department and ISSS advisor as soon as possible.
     
     
6. Gather the following important documents:
   • Copies of medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions written in generic terms for the scholar and any accompanying dependents.
   • Financial documents that show how the scholar will be supported while at Emory. Scholars might be asked for these at the US port of entry.
   • Documents the scholar will need to present at the port-of-entry.
     • Review ISSS' Enter the US and Arrive on Campus page for a full list of immigration and supporting documents. 
        
7. Arrange for finances to cover the scholar's costs during their first month in the US.
   • ISSS recommends that scholars have access to at least $2,500.
      
8. Prepare for Life in the US and arrange for housing.
   • It is recommended that new international scholars review ISSS' Life in the US page to learn about banking, getting a mobile phone, Social Security numbers (SSNS), healthcare, and much more!
   • Housing
     • If a scholar has not secured housing prior to arriving in Atlanta, they should be prepared to stay in a hotel for a few nights.
     • Emory has an Off-Campus Housing website to help members of the Emory community find off-campus housing and roommates.
     • ISSS' Housing page also contains helpful information about finding housing, setting up utilities and obtaining furniture. 
        
9. Follow ISSS on Facebook and Instagram. 
    
10. Contact an ISSS Advisor with any questions.

For J-1 Scholars Only

In addition to the tasks listed below, J-1 scholars must also review ISSS' Step 3: J-1 Exchange Visitor Requirements page for additional J-1 scholar specific pre-arrival tasks including paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, obtaining health insurance and reviewing US Department of State pre-arrival resources.