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. ISSS does not hold an Orientation 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 the OISP main office located at 102 Williams 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. You will not receive any of the important pre-arrival information from ISSS until you complete this form.
Receive your I-20 document from ISU. Email InternationalAdmissions@ilstu.edu or call International Admissions Processing at +1 (309) 438-8087, 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.
Watch for emails from your International Orientation Team (IOT) Leader. This person is a current ISU student who will be helping you throughout the Orientation process.
Summer admits only: You will not be assigned an IOT Leader, but will receive important information directly from ISSS.
Connect to an Ambassador from your home country or future program of study.
Complete the Immigration Basics form to acknowledge that you understand the basics of how to maintain your student visa status.
Make travel arrangements to arrive on campus so that you will be able to attend International Student Orientation.
Summer admits only: You should arrive on campus before the first day of summer classes and check-in with ISSS shortly after arriving by visiting the OISP main office at 102 Williams Hall.
Log in to your MyIlliniosState 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. You will not receive any of the important pre-arrival information from ISSS until you complete this form.
Receive your DS-2019 document from ISU. Email InternationalStudents@IllinoisState.edu or call ISSS at +1 (309) 438-7901 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.
Pay the SEVIS fee.
Schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. consulate and obtain your exchange visitor visa.
Watch for emails from your International Orientation Team (IOT) Leader. This person is a current ISU student who will be helping you throughout the Orientation process.
Connect to an Ambassador from your home country or future program of study.
Complete the Immigration Basics form to acknowledge that you understand the basics of how to maintain your student visa status.
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 your New Scholar email from ISSS. Read through the attached documentation and review your ISU account information.
Review the Visiting Scholar Handbook for information regarding your program, visa, and life at ISU.
Receive your welcome letter and DS-2019 document from ISU. Email InternationalStudents@IllinoisState.edu or call ISSS at +1 (309) 438-7901 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 time based on the program start date on your DS-2019.
Make housing arrangements
Watch for emails from your International Advisor who will schedule your mandatory on campus orientation.
Activate your ULID
Bring your immigration documents with you in your carry-on luggage: Passport, visa, DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt.