Pre-Arrival Checklist

Step 1: Getting Your F-1 or J-1 Visa

• Create a folder for your important documents.
• Review your I-20/ DS2019 for mistakes or incorrect information.
• Pay the required Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
• Schedule a visa appointment with the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Make sure your passport is updated and valid for at least 6 months after your entry into the US.
• Get photographs taken for visa application. The photo requirements are http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html
• Upon issuance of your visa:
  • Verify that all information is correct.
  • Make sure the visa indicates the correct classification (i.e., F-1 or J-1).

Step 2: Traveling to the U.S.A./St. Mary s University

• Check your St. Mary s University email account for important information from International Student and Scholar Services Office, the Business Office, Academic Advising, and the Registrar s Office. StMU uses your StMU email account to send you important information. It is important you check it.
• Read the Pre-Arrival Packet for useful information on preparing to come to St. Mary's University.
• Make travel arrangements to San Antonio after you have obtained your visa. Make sure to keep in mind, school start dates, orientation dates, and residence hall opening dates. If you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, you will find that the University and most businesses are closed.
• Fill out the Arrival Confirmation Form and email to isss@stmarytx.edu.
• Arrange for housing before you arrive in San Antonio, if possible. Make temporary housing arrangements, if necessary.
• Please view the Student Health Center site for information on International Student Requirements Prior to the First Day of Class
• Arrange transportation upon arrival to San Antonio. If you are arriving in San Antonio by air, we recommend you use a taxi cab to get to campus or to your off-campus residence. At this time, St. Mary s University does not provide a shuttle service. Taxis are available outside the baggage claim area. For assistance, please contact the Airport Ground Transportation Agent wearing an airport badge. A taxi ride to campus will cost $20-$30. If living on campus, ask the driver to take you to St. Mary s University on Culebra and 36th Street. A printable map of campus is at http://www.stmarytx.edu/map/ More information about taxi service and costs can be found at http://www.sanantonio.gov/aviation/taxicabs.asp.
• Bring the following with you:
  • Passport with valid US visa
  • All documents related to your visa application (e.g., I-20, DS-2019, financial documents, acceptance letters, etc.)
  • Medical records, including proof of required immunizations and information regarding any medications you are carrying
  • Money to cover initial expenses (e.g., health insurance, rent and housing deposits, etc.)
  • Address where you will be living immediately upon arrival, not the school or department address
  • Marriage certificate for dependent spouse and/or birth certificates for dependent children, with an English translation

Step 3: Arriving in San Antonio

• Attend the Mandatory International Student Check-in (see Programs tab for specific dates). Make sure to bring:
  • Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • I-94
  • US Address
  • Emergency contact information
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Dependent documents
  • Any other documents given to you by U.S. immigration officials
• Attend either graduate or undergraduate orientation in order to meet with your advisor, register for classes, obtain at Rattler Student ID, etc.
• If you do not want to purchase the mandatory international St. Mary s University student health insurance plan, then you must submit a waiver, and that waiver must be approved. The Waiver must be submitted, in English, by the deadline. Visit https://www.academichealthplans.com/stmarytx to view health insurance benefits and/or to fill out the International Student Waiver Form.
• Pay tuition or make payment arrangements. http://www.stmarytx.edu/business-office/
• Participate in St. Mary s University Welcome Week events and programs offered to assist you when you first arrive. Don t forget to check out the ISSS website for more activities to participate in throughout the year. http://www.stmarytx.edu/welcome-week/