Your First Weeks (Scholars)

Moving to a new city and a new country is very exciting—and can also be confusing and exhausting! In the first few weeks, there are many new things to learn about and a lot to do. This information should help you as you settle in.

What to Do in Your First Weeks in the U.S.

For J-1 Scholars

For H-1B / O-1 / TN / E-3 Employees

J-1 Scholars

The most important thing you need to do soon after you arrive in the U.S. is to report your arrival online. This is a government requirement and will activate your SEVIS record. Your SEVIS record has to be active when you apply for a Social Security Number. The online form meets the requirement—you do not need to report your arrival in person.

If you are going to work at Columbia, an SSN is a required part of the paperwork to get paid. J-1 scholars are eligible to apply for an SSN without employment, but it is not required. Learn how to apply for an SSN.

Your health insurance requirement applies to everyone in J status. This includes all family members who may be with you as J-2 dependents.

Let them know you’re here. This is optional but recommended. There are more than 100 consulates in NYC not including the Missions to the UN, Trade Commissions, Cultural Delegations, etc.

We provide orientation sessions throughout the academic year to accommodate the varying times of arrival. These sessions provide an opportunity for you to meet other new scholars as well as international scholar advisers. You will receive an invitation by email. Please review our Events page for a full list of orientation sessions.

Meanwhile, you may review our J-1 orientation playlist at any time.

We will cover:

Overview of Visa Documents
Maintaining your “J” Status
SEVIS Registration, Travel, Extensions, Transfers
2-year Home Residency Requirement - 212(e)
Health Insurance Requirement
Social Security Numbers and Incidental Payment
J-2 Dependents
ScholarNews communications and E-resources
How to contact us

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Review Resources for Scholars where you will find information about finding housing, setting up a bank account, purchasing phone plans, and many more resources available to you during your time at Columbia.

H-1B / O-1 / TN / E-3 Employees

Check with your hiring department for procedures for new employees.

If you are going to work at Columbia, an SSN is a required part of the paperwork to get paid. Learn how to apply for an SSN.

Let them know you’re here. This is optional but recommended. There are more than 100 consulates in NYC not including the Missions to the UN, Trade Commissions, Cultural Delegations, etc.