Pre-Arrival Information

Upon arriving in the U.S., either at the airport or at the established border crossing if driving, you will encounter U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers at the U.S. immigration checkpoint who are responsible for processing your entry to the U.S. For detailed information about what to expect at a U.S. Port of Entry please see the U.S. CBP Arrival Procedures website.

It is important that you make clear to the CBP officer of your purpose for coming to the U.S. For J-1 Exchange Visitors in scholar categories [i.e. Research Scholar, Professor, or Short-Term Scholar], be clear about your intention to pursue your specific objective [i.e. research, institute participation, teaching, etc.] It is important that you are not inadvertently admitted to the U.S. as a tourist or business visitor.

You can enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start date on your form. Notify your academic program and OIS immediately if you expect to arrive later than the program start date or decide not to attend JHU.

Documents to carry with you in your carry-on bag [not in checked luggage]

• Passport [valid for at least 6 months into the future] with a valid visa stamp inside
• DS-2019 form
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
• It is recommended that you bring supporting financial documents that show how you will be covering your living expenses while at JHU and/or an invitation letter confirming your appointment at JHU
• Appointment/Offer letter [see above]
• Contact information for OIS listed above

Late Arrivals

If you will not be able to arrive and begin your position at Hopkins by the start date on your DS-2019, you should let the OIS and your department know as soon as possible. You can email OIS at [email protected] to let us know your estimated arrival date, and we will update your SEVIS record and DS-2019, and provide further information regarding your delayed arrival.

You must complete the REQUIRED online Orientation and check-in eForm with OIS in iHopkins as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. You will receive an email about the check-in process a month prior to your JHU program start date and weekly thereafter until OIS approves your check-in eForm. Make sure you keep the email and complete the check-in process as soon as you arrive in the U.S

If you transferred your existing J-1 record to JHU, you are required to complete the check-in process with our office as soon as your DS-2019 is issued by JHU.

After you submit the check-in eForm, OIS will verify your status with U.S. immigration authorities. OIS must review your local address and verify your travel documents to confirm you were admitted properly. You will receive an email confirming the approval of the check-in eForm when the process is complete. Failure to complete check-in could result in the loss of your immigration status.

Baltimore and Washington, D.C. offer a wide range of transportation options to the Johns Hopkins community. Whether you are 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.

• Do not purchase your airline ticket to travel to the U.S. until you have secured your U.S. visa stamp
• J-1 scholars are eligible to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your DS-2019
• The latest you can enter the U.S. is 30 days after start date listed on your DS-2019. If you will not be able to arrive and begin your position at JHU by the start date on your DS-2019, you should let OIS and your department know as soon as possible
• Confirm that your passport is valid at least six months into the future from your date of entry to the U.S.
• Confirm that your visa stamp is valid for the day that you will enter the U.S.
• Verify that all information on your visa stamp is accurate [i.e. the type of visa, date of birth, the spelling of your name, etc.]
• Keep all important documents in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage

On-campus housing is provided for undergraduate students at Homewood and Peabody campuses. Incoming J-1 exchange visitors can visit our Off-Campus Housing website for various housing searches in the area.

There are a number of expenses you will have to pay for up front when you arrive in the US. If renting an apartment, security deposits tend to be the equivalent of 1-2 months of rent. It’s good to have at least $ 4,000 to cover the cost of initial expenses and living costs. On campus work is not guaranteed. If you will be working on campus or receiving a stipend, it can take some time before you start receiving funds so make sure to plan ahead.

When choosing a US bank consider:

• Bank location and ATM services
• International Services [wiring money]
• Banking fees [smart phone check cashing, ATM fees, additional services]

As banking is based on personal needs, you should visit the banks’ website to learn more details about their account options. Banks will ask for US Social Security Number, or SSN. If you do not have an SSN, inform the bank that you are international student and they will walk you through the process.

Visit our Banking page for additional information.

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents required to have health insurance that meets or exceeds requirements set by the U.S. Department of State for the duration of their J status. For detailed information, visit Health Insurance Requirements page on our website.

A driver’s license is issued by the State in which you reside. Each state has dedicated offices that issue driver’s license and specific application procedures and requirements. Make sure to read the state agency’s website carefully to learn the rules regarding eligibility for license and permissibility of driving with a license issued by another state or country. It is highly recommended that you wait a minimum of ten business days from your check-in with OIS before applying for a driver’s license.

For additional information, visit our Driver’s License page

You are required to have a US Social Security Number [SSN] if you become employed in the U.S. If you received an SSN from a previous visit to the U.S., that number remains with you for life; you do not have to apply for a new SSN. If you receive employment and need to request an SSN, you may begin the process after you have completed the check-in process with OIS.

Note: you may be provided with a temporary 9-digit ID number that begins with the number “9” at JHU. This number is used only at JHU in lieu of an actual US Social Security Number. This is not an SSN and cannot be used outside of JHU.