before you arrive:
Before you arrive to the U.S. be sure to accomplish all J-1 Scholar tasks outlined on our pre-arrival guide.
AS you arrive:
Arriving to the United States
If you are preparing for your arrival into the U.S., access this link to review documents you need to carry with you, what to expect at the Port of Entry etc.
Amending Your start date:
If you are delayed and will not be able to start your program on the start date listed on your DS-2019, please let us know by emailing ISSS with your new expected program start date. Our office can then update the start date on your DS-2019 for you.
Once you arrive:
Activate Your NetID (Required)
If you haven’t done so already, please make sure that you have your CSU NetID set up. You will need this to access any eForms with our office as well as numerous resources throughout CSU.
Scholar Check-In (Required)
To assist you with the transition from your home country to CSU, all new international scholars are required check-in upon arrival to CSU. Please complete the Scholar Check-In with the following documents:
– Passport
– DS-2019 form
– The name and address of an emergency contact
– Current US address and phone number
– The Health Insurance Compliance Form
If you have dependents coming with you:
– Dependent passport(s)
– Dependent DS-2019(s)
The Office of International Programs will save these documents and submit a report of your arrival in the SEVIS system to notify the US Department of State that you have arrived.
If this is not done within 30 days after the start date listed on your DS-2019, you will be in violation of your immigration status. if you are delayed and will not be able to arrive and start your program before the start date listed on your DS-2019, please contact ISSS to request your start date be amended.
Get Your Social Security Number
Scholars who will be employed in the United States must apply for a Social Security Number.
J-1 scholars who will not receive funding from the United States are not required to apply for a Social Security Number but may find it helpful to have one.
Get Your RamCard
Your RamCard is your personal ID card on campus and is your ticket to just about everything at Colorado State University.
Visit the RamCard office to get the process started as soon as you arrive!
Set-up Banking
If you’d like to open a U.S. bank account, you must go to the bank in person. Bring with you your passport, I-20, and current banking information.
FNBO is a banking partner of Colorado State University and is located on campus in the Lory Student Center.
Other banks in Fort Collins:
Canvas Bank | Chase Bank | First Bank | Key Bank | US Bank | Wells Fargo
Set-up U.S. Cell Phone
Visit our cell-phones resource page to learn about the process of getting a cell-phone in the U.S., plans to consider, provider options and more.
Review Helpful Resources
Forms Directory – Find all helpful forms and documents for international students and scholars in one place!
SEVIS Fee Requirement – Learn more about the collection of the one-time SEVIS fee.
Housing – Access resources for on-campus, off-campus, and temporary housing.
J-1 Health Insurance Requirements – All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required to maintain comprehensive medical insurance. Learn more about this requirement.
Getting a Driver’s License – If you intend to drive in the U.S. you’ll need a U.S. drivers license.
Maintaining Your Scholar Immigration Record – Review the specifics of your visa type to ensure you stay in status!
File your U.S. Taxes – Helpful resources as you navigate filing your U.S. taxes.
Get Connected with International Programs
Stay involved with our office! We host lots of events and programs throughout the year to engage with our international community, and we don’t want you to miss out on the fun.
Sign up for the Events and Programs Newsletter.
Follow us on Instagram! International Programs and International Student and Scholar Services.