Pre-Arrival Checklist for International Scholars

There are many things to do and think about before coming to the United States. Below is a checklist of things to do before leaving your home country.

  • Read documents in your visa packet from IUPUI. The visa packet from IUPUI includes information about arrival, orientation, visa status, etc. Read the documents carefully to ensure that all of the information related to you is correct. If it is not, please contact Office of International Affairs.
  • Make a visa appointment with a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. U.S. embassies and consulates are listed at http://usembassy.state.gov. Check with the nearest U.S. consulate for required forms, fee payment procedures, and visa processing requirements. Most consulates provide information online.
  • Pay the SEVIS Fee (for J-1 scholars). If you will be coming to the U.S. in J-1 Exchange Visitor status, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print out the receipt. The fee is paid at https://fmjfee.com/i901fee/. More information about the SEVIS fee can be found at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm. You will be required to show proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee when you apply for the J-1 visa.
  • Plan ahead for housing. Please click here for further information on your housing options. There is also more detailed information in the "Welcome to IUPUI" pamphlet you received with your visa documents. If you reserve housing that will not be available immediately upon your arrival, or if you want to find a place to live after you arrive, make sure to arrange temporary housing while you are still in your home country. Details on temporary housing options are available here.
  • Book your fight. Book a connecting flight all the way to the Indianapolis International Airport from your home country, but allow several hours between U.S. flights so that you have enough time to clear immigration and customs before going to your connecting flight. This is much easier than arranging a flight or other ground transportation to Indianapolis after arriving in another U.S. city. Avoid arriving in the U.S. on December 25th, 31st or January 1st because many businesses and offices are closed in December/January for the holidays.
  • Obtain a driver's license in your home country. Your home country's driver's license will be recognized for one year in the state of Indiana. You will need an English translation or an international driver's license which will serve as a translation. If you want to apply for an Indiana driver's license, you must do so before your U.S. visa expires.
  • Pack for your trip. Please see information on what to bring to make sure you are fully prepared for living in the U.S. Place identification tags with your name and address inside and outside each piece of luggage. If you do not yet know your Indianapolis address, you may use the OIA address:

    YOUR NAME
    C/O IUPUI Office of International Affairs
    902 W New York Street, ES 2126
    Indianapolis, IN 46202-5197 USA
    317-274-7000

    If you need to ship boxes in advance:
    • Mail the boxes to yourself at the OIA address above, but do not include the telephone number
    • Write clearly on the box, "Scholar: HOLD FOR ARRIVAL"
    • Let our office know that you have shipped a box. We will contact you when it arrives.
    • Baggage shipped by sea or air freight must be cleared by a U.S. Customs inspector. Upon notification of arrival of your shipment, you will have to go in person to clear it through U.S. Customs. It is strongly recommended that you do not ship food items in order to avoid complications.
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