Before You Arrive

Please review the Pre-Arrival Checklist below that corresponds to your status. You should have all of the items on the checklist completed prior to arriving on campus for International Orientation.

International Orientation is held the week before classes begin. See the Orientation Schedule for details. You should make your travel arrangements so that you arrive on campus in time to attend all mandatory events. There is no Orientation event for summer admits. If you are an international student beginning in the summer semester, you should check-in with ISSS shortly after arriving on campus by visiting ISSS on the second floor of Fell Hall.

We look forward to meeting you soon. Welcome to Illinois State and the Global Redbirds family!

Pre-Arrival Checklist

F/J Students
Exchange Students
J Scholars/Interns

Complete the Intent to Enroll form found in the admissions portal.
Receive your I-20 document from ISU. Open a International Student Help Ticket if you have questions regarding your initial I-20 document.
Pay the SEVIS fee.
Schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. consulate and obtain your student visa.
Make travel arrangements to arrive on campus so that you will be able to attend International Student Orientation.
Log in to your MyIllinoisState account:
- Make sure you know your ULID and password. If you have forgotten it, you can reset your password.
- Update your email address, if it has changed since you applied to Illinois State.
- Check your To-Do Lists to see if there is anything left for you to complete for the admissions process.
Make housing arrangements.
Submit immunization records online to Student Health Services.
Pay your student bill. Payment is due before classes begin. See the Student Accounts website for billing due dates.
Bring your immigration documents with you in your carry-on luggage: Passport, visa, I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), SEVIS fee receipt.

Complete the Intent to Enroll form found in the admissions portal.
Receive your DS-2019 document from ISU. Open a International Student Help Ticket if you have questions regarding your initial DS-2019 document.
Read through the Exchange Student Pre-Arrival Guide that contains all kinds of information about when to arrive, how to apply for your visa, course registration, and more.
Submit your course request form (ISSS Portal).
Pay the SEVIS fee.
Schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. consulate and obtain your exchange visitor visa.
Make travel arrangements to arrive on campus so that you will be able to attend International Student Orientation.
Log in to your MyIllinoisState acccount:
- Make sure you know your ULID and password. If you have forgotten it, you can reset your password.
- Update your email address if it has changed since you applied to Illinois State.
- Check your To-Do Lists to see if there is anything left for you to complete for the admissions process.
Make housing arrangements.
Submit immunization records online to Student Health Services.
Pay your student bill. Payment is due before classes begin. See the Student Accounts website for billing due dates.
Bring your immigration documents with you in your carry-on luggage: Passport, visa, DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt.

Receive an email from ISSS that includes your ISU account information and important scholar resources. Read through the resources and review your ISU account information.
J-1 Scholars should review the Visiting Scholar Handbook for information regarding your program, visa, and life at ISU.
J-1 Student Interns should review the Student Intern Pre-Arrival Guide.
Receive your welcome letter and DS-2019 document from ISU. Email arwagon@ilstu.edu or call +1 (309) 438-5112 if you have questions regarding your initial DS-2019 document.
Pay the SEVIS fee
Schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. consulate and obtain your exchange visitor visa.
Make travel arrangements to arrive on campus so that you will be able to start your program on the program start date listed on your DS-2019. If you will not be able to arrive in time for the start of your program, notify ISSS.
Make housing arrangements with assistance (if applicable) from your host faculty/department.
Activate your ULID
Bring your immigration documents with you in your carry-on luggage: Passport, visa, DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt.
Email arwagon@ilstu.edu once you have arrived on campus so that your Scholar Orientation can be scheduled.