International Student Checklist
To prepare for your arrival at Emory University, there are a few things you should do before departing your home country or current country of residence. For more details on a variety of pre-arrival topics please use the links in the left navigation menu.
Checklist items for all newly admitted students
Additional checklist items for students arriving from outside the United States
Additional checklist items for students transferring from another U.S. school
You may also be interested in this message for students planning to study in the United States this year from the U.S. State Department.
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Read the pre-arrival guide thoroughly.
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Inform the university that you are accepting the offer of admission. You may also want to send letters of regret to other universities that you decided not to attend.
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Obtain valid passports for you and your dependents. Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times.
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Read Emory University’s immunization requirements and ensure that you have submitted the Student Immunization Record via the online portal. Obtain certificates of immunizations and vaccinations for you and your accompanying dependents.
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Obtain copies of important medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions written in generic terms for you and any accompanying dependents.
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Read the health insurance requirements and decide if you want to purchase the Emory policy. If not, you must complete the waiver request online through OPUS no later than July 1. If you will enter the United States in J-1 status, your J-2 dependents must also have health insurance.
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If you are being sponsored by an organization other than Emory, notify the organization of your arrival plans. Maintain contact with your sponsoring organization. Your sponsor can assist you with many pre-departure arrangements and provide valuable information.
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Arrange for finances to cover the costs of tuition, student fees, health insurance and cost of living expenses such as rent and security deposits. If you are receiving funding through Emory as a grant or stipend, these funds are not distributed until the end of September. If you are coming in Spring or Summer Semester, the funds will be distributed about 45 days after your arrival.
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Arrange for housing or temporary housing. If you are living off-campus and you do not have housing, be prepared to stay in a hotel for a few nights.
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If possible, connect with other students or alumni who have studied in the United States. Social networking sites may be an excellent resource. Currently, Emory University has Facebook and Twitter pages.
Students Arriving from Outside the United States
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Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee online and print your receipt.
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Apply for a student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate, if required. Visit the U.S. State Department website for details and to locate a consulate. Be sure to use the I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the university that you plan to attend. Currently citizens of Bermuda and Canada do not need a visa to enter the United States; however, they must still pay the SEVIS fee.
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Remember that the name of the institution on your visa must match the one on your I-20 or DS-2019. Return I-20s or DS-2019s to schools that you have decided not to attend.
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Read information about travelling to the United States and attend a pre-departure orientation hosted by Education USA if one is available in your area.
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When making your travel arrangements, remember that F-1 and J-1 students may enter the United States no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019. Be sure to allow adequate time for flight connections.
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Be sure that you that you have ready access to $1,500-$2,000 USD to cover costs on the way to Emory and during your initial time in the United States. If you choose to purchase traveler's checks, remember to keep the receipt separate from the actual traveler's checks.
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Obtain copies of financial documents that show how you will be supported while you are at Emory. You may be asked for these during inspection at the U.S. port of entry.
Students Transferring from U.S. Schools
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Once you are admitted to Emory, ask your International Student Advisor at your current school to complete the Transfer Clearance Form and transfer your SEVIS record to Emory University. If your F-1 visa has expired, make arrangements to renew it if you intend to travel internationally prior to your program start date at Emory.
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If you are an F-1 student, request a “transfer in” I-20 from Emory College Admissions or Graduate Admissions. If you are a J-1 student, provide this link to your program of admission.
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Wait at least 10 days after you have arrived at Emory and your transfer is completed before applying for a Georgia driver’s license. More information about driver's license applications can be found on our section on Driving in the United States.
