Congratulations on your admission to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! The information below will help guide your journey and stay at the university. We look forward to welcoming you to campus.
Before You Arrive
It is crucial to read all university correspondence prior to arrival. You will be given specific instructions from multiple offices, including International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the Undergraduate Admissions Office, and your academic college or department.
Welcome Packet
Once you are accepted to an exchange program, your welcome packet will be emailed to you and uploaded to the documents section of your My Study Abroad application. The welcome packet includes your university welcome letter, Notice of Acceptance, and your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).
Immigration & Obtaining Your Visa
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your period of stay in the United States (unless allowed by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Pay attention to the visa photo requirements where you are applying. See more in Photograph Requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019 – After your program sponsor enters your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, they will send you the DS-2019 form. All exchange visitors must be registered in SEVIS.
Immunization History & TB Screening Forms
You must complete the Immunization History Form and TB Screening Form prior to your arrival on campus. You will need to submit the completed TB Screening Form to the McKinley Health Center when you arrive on campus.
Housing
You are responsible for arranging your own housing. There are many housing options available to exchange students. You may also find listings for subleases on the Study Abroad Housing Board (you will need your NetID/Password to login).
Student Health Insurance
Managing Your Finances
- Currency Exchange Rates
- Financial Wellness
- Flywire (wire transfer for international students)
- Money Guide for International Students
- Paying Tuition and Fees
- Payment Plans
Getting to Champaign-Urbana
Once You Are Here
Mandatory ISSS Check-In
All new international students are required by the U.S. government to check in with ISSS during the designated check-in times. More information about the check-in process can be found on the ISSS website.
International Student Checklist
Learn more about obtaining your university NetID/Password, ID card, updating your local address and registering for classes by vising the ISSS International Student Checklist. If you need to access your online application, remember to use the username and password you created when you applied, not your NetID/Password.
Mandatory Incoming Exchange Student Orientation
You will be required to attend a mandatory orientation during the week prior to the official start of the semester. The exact date, time and location will be provided by email as soon as those details are available. This orientation is for all incoming J-1 exchange students, including those accepted through exchange programs that are managed by the following offices: