UMD: A Globally Connected University

New Scholars To-Do List

New Scholars To-Do List

  1. Immigration -- Get ready to come to the United States.
    • If you are currently in the US in J-1 status, please make sure you have reviewed and completed the SEVIS Transfer process.
    • Pay the SEVIS Fee (Form I-901) and print a receipt
    • Apply for your visa 
    • After you arrive in the US, retrieve your I-94 admission record.
    • Save electronic files or digital photos of your passport, visa, DS-2019, and I94 record. These will be needed to complete the iTerp check-in process required by ISSS ​
       
  2. Things to do to prepare for your trip
    Visit the ISSS Scholar Welcome Center to learn about:
    • Housing
    • Bank accounts
    • Health care
    • Shopping
    • Transportation
    • And more...

    Review your obligation to maintain Health Insurance and Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage, as required by the J-1 visa program. 

    Review and understand the two-year home residency requirement.

  3. Things to do when you arrive at UMD(** Required to activate your SEVIS record)
    • Check-in with your hosting department. Obtain your Faculty ID number and UID.
    • Complete your iTerp Check-in, including immigration documents upload
    • Attend ISSS Scholar Orientation
    • Set-up your Directory ID
    • Get your UMD ID Card
    • Report any change of address within 10 days on iTerp
    • Visit the ISSS website for more information and resources