Check in with ISSS
After you arrive in the U.S, you must attend an online orientation with the ISSS Office within 30 days of the program start date listed on your DS-2019. The ISSS will email you instructions on how to register for orientation and complete the online check-in process once you are nearing your program start date. If your entry to the U.S. will be delayed by more than 15 days after the start date listed on your DS-2019, please contact the ISSS Office as your SEVIS record and DS-2019 may need to be updated.
Attend an ISSS Scholar Orientation
At orientation, we will review the J-1 Scholar Handbook and important information about life in Binghamton and maintaining your J-1 status. You will also meet with a Health Insurance Advisor, who will enroll you (and any J-2 dependents) in health insurance and explain your insurance coverage and healthcare options. After you attend orientation, ISSS will update your SEVIS record to confirm that you have arrived in Binghamton. This is a required step to maintain your J-1 status.
Meet with your host department
You should meet with your sponsoring faculty member or another representative of your academic department as soon as possible after you arrive. Your host department is responsible for helping you get a university ID card, a university email, and access to university resources.
Complete HR procedures if you are being paid by Binghamton University
If you will be paid by Binghamton University or the Binghamton University Research Foundation, your department will advise you on any paperwork that must be completed with Human Resources. You will also need to apply for a Social Security Number.
Understand requirements for maintaining your J-1 status
Review these requirements on the ISSS website and in the J-1 Scholar Handbook. If you have any questions about maintaining your status, visit ISSS during advising hours.
Review information about traveling
If you will travel outside the U.S. during your J-1 program, you and any J-2 dependents must ensure that you have all of the required documents to return to the U.S.:
- Printed DS-2019 with a travel signature from ISSS within the last 12 months (6 months for Short Term Scholars)
- Passport valid at least 6 months into the future
- Valid J-1 visa
If you are planning to travel outside the U.S. for longer than 30 days, please meet with an ISSS advisor during walk-in advising hours to discuss your travel plans.
