Skip Navigation

To help you prepare for your journey to the United States, the Office of International Services [OIS] developed a pre-arrival overview to guide you with the important tasks ahead. We recommend beginning this process as soon as you accept your JHU admission and receive the visa documentation email from OIS.

Pre-Arrival Workshops

To help you navigate the visa application steps, arrival procedures, and get answers to your immigration questions, we encourage all new students to begin their journey by attending our Pre-Arrival Workshops. For more information and to register, view the schedule on our website.

If you cannot attend or miss a session, you can watch a recording here.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Step 1: Request an I-20/DS-2019 from OIS

After accepting your JHU admissions offer, paying any required deposits and receiving the Visa Documentation email from OIS, begin the process to request your I-20/DS-2019 from JHU. Review this Requesting I-20/DS-2019 information, watch this video, and prepare required documents:

  • Valid Passport
  • Financial Documents
  • Current Immigration Documents (if in the U.S. and transferring)
  • Dependent Information (passports, additional financials, if applicable)
  • SEVIS Transfer Students should review the Pre-Arrival Overview found on this page

    OIS will provide an I-20/DS-2019 within 10 business days of receiving a complete request.

Step 2: Schedule, Prepare and Attend Your F-1/J-1 Visa Interview

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee & Prepare for the Visa Interview

Schedule and Attend your F-1/J-1 Visa Interview

  • Schedule Visa interview: Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application & print the DS-160 barcode page. Pay the visa application processing fee. Schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country

    • *Canadian & Bermudian citizens do not need a F/J visa

    • **SEVIS Transfer students who are not traveling internationally before their studies begin, or who already have a valid visa, do not need to apply for a new visa stamp

  • Prepare Required Documents for visa interview: Valid Passport, I-20/DS-2019, Financial Documents, Admission Letter, SEVIS Fee Receipt, DS-160 barcode page, plus any additional documentation required by the Embassy/Consulate

Step 3: Prepare for Departure

Explore Housing Options

  • If living on campus, finalize housing with university housing

  • If living off campus, your school may have specific resources. Refer to the OIS Off-campus Housing page for links to JHU off-campus housing resources

  • Familiarize yourself with the JHU campuses, schools, and surrounding communities

Prepare Travel Documents for U.S. Customs

  • Valid Passport with a valid F/J visa stamp

  • Printed and signed form I-20/DS-2019

  • SEVIS I-901 Payment Receipt

  • JHU Admission letter

  • Financial Documents

Prepare for Travel

Step 4: Arrive in the U.S. & Check-in with OIS

Review I-94 and Prepare Documents for Check-in

  • Check your I-94 Arrival/Departure record to confirm that it says:

    • F or J status

    • D/S (Duration of Status)

    • Correct Entry date

  • Save an electronic copy of your I-94

  • Save PDF or JPEG versions of your signed I-20 and Visa Stamp, in preparation for OIS check-in

Report your Arrival to OIS

  • Complete OIS Immigration Check-in immediately after arrival to activate your immigration status:

    • Step 1: Watch New Student Orientation Video

    • Step 2: Complete the Orientation Quiz (F-1 students only) and/or OIS Check-in Form (F-1 & J-1 students) via iHopkins account.

Maintain Immigration Status & Stay Informed

Click the boxes below to view the above information as a PDF checklist. OIS has also prepared a packing list to help you prepare for your trip.

New Student Pre-Arrival Overview
Transfer-in Pre-Arrival Overview
Packing List

Preparing for your Arrival

As you prepare for your arrival at JHU, we encourage you to review these additional resources.

OIS Check-In

To maintain your immigration status, you must complete the OIS Check-In with the Office of International Services (OIS) virtually through iHopkins as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S.  

Key Steps: 

  • You will receive an email about the check-in process one month before your program start date and weekly reminders until OIS approves your check-in eForm
  • Complete the check-in process promptly upon your arrival in the U.S. 
  • Review the Step-by Step instructions on our website

Who Needs to Check In: 

  • If you transferred your F-1 or J-1 record to JHU, you must check in with OIS within 15 days of your program start date
  • If you are a new initial student, check in as soon as you arrive and no later than 30 days after your program start date
  • If you are beginning a second-degree program at JHU you are also required to check in no later than 30 days after the start of their program

Important Reminder: 

Failure to complete the check-in process could result in the loss of your immigration status. Complete your check-in immediately to ensure compliance. 

For any questions, contact OIS for assistance. 

Transportation – from the airport and around JHU campuses

Baltimore and Washington, D.C. offer a wide range of transportation options to the Johns Hopkins community. Whether you’re commuting between campuses, exploring the city, or traveling from nearby airports, this page provides essential information on shuttle services, public transit, ride-share options, and more.

Housing

Undergraduate Students 

All first- and second-year students at Homewood and Peabody campuses are required to reside in university housing. You will receive information about on-campus housing as part of the admission process. Undergraduate exchange students will be provided information on housing options by the Global Education Office. 

Graduate Students 

JHU does not have on-campus housing for graduate students. Each school provides many resources to assist you. All students can visit our Off-Campus Housing website for various housing resources in the area.

Financial Information

Managing Your Finances When You Arrive in the U.S. 

When you arrive in the U.S., you’ll need to pay for some things upfront. For example, if you’re renting an apartment, landlords usually ask for a security deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent. It’s a good idea to have at least $4,000 available to cover initial expenses and living costs. 

Keep in mind that working on campus is not guaranteed. If you plan to work or receive a stipend, it may take some time before you get your first payment. Be sure to budget and plan. 

Choosing a U.S. Bank 

When choosing a bank, think about: 

  • Location and ATMs: Are there branches or ATMs near you? 
  • International Services: Do they offer services like wiring money overseas? 
  • Fees: Check for fees for things like ATM withdrawals, mobile check deposits, or other services

Since banking needs vary, visit the bank’s website to learn about their accounts and services. 

If the bank asks for a Social Security Number (SSN) and you don’t have one, let them know you’re an international student and do not have an SSN. They’ll guide you through what to do.

Additional banking information can be found here.

Health Insurance Requirement

All full-time students at JHU:

  • must have health insurance to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses
  • will automatically be enrolled in the university’s student health insurance plan, and the cost will be added to your student account 

If you are an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, you cannot waive the JHU health insurance plan. You should not purchase a different insurance policy expecting to be exempt from this requirement. 

For more information, visit Student & Learner Health Benefits – JHU Human Resources

Driver’s Licenses

Driver’s licenses are issued by the state where you live, and each state has its own rules and application process. Be sure to visit your state’s motor vehicle agency website to learn about: 

  • eligibility requirements for getting a license 
  • rules for using a license from another state or country 

We recommend waiting at least 10 business days after your OIS check-in is approved before applying for a driver’s license. 

For more details, visit our Driver’s License page. 

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

You need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) if you plan to work in the U.S. If you already have an SSN from a previous visit, it is yours for life, and you do not need to apply for a new one. 

If you receive an on-campus job offer and need an SSN, you can start the application process after completing your check-in with OIS. For more details, visit the SSN page on our website. 

Important On-Campus Employment Notes:

  • It is important to ensure that you do not start working on campus until you complete Section 1 of the I-9 Form. If you have questions about the I-9 process, contact: [email protected]
  • JHU may give you a temporary 9-digit ID number starting with “9.” This number is only for use at JHU and is not a valid SSN. It cannot be used outside of the university

Pre-Arrival Communications

After receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 from JHU, students are automatically added to our new student email list. All pre-arrival communications are linked below. If you received your I-20 or DS-2019 after one of these emails was sent, we encourage you to review the information you missed.

Summer and Fall 2026 New Student Communications