Preparing for Arrival in the U.S.

In addition to applying for J-1 visa, you will also need to prepare to find housing, health insurance, and explore options for schooling or childcare for J-2 dependents.

OGS has prepared a comprehensive J-1 Scholar Pre-Arrival Handbook to provide resources for you to prepare and have a successful program. Please be sure to review the Pre-Arrival Handbook once you receive your DS-2019 from Northeastern.

Entering the U.S.

In order to board your flight to the U.S., you will need to show your passport, valid J-1 visa, and DS-2019.

Please have the following documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked bags) to present to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port-of entry to demonstrate your eligibility to enter the U.S. in J-1 status:

  • Passport (valid for at least six months into the future from your date of arrival)
  • J-1 visa (valid/unexpired on date of entry, Canadian/Bermudan citizens exempt)
  • DS-2019
  • Northeastern Appointment Letter

If a CBP Officer needs to speak with an official at Northeastern University to confirm your eligibility, please request that the CBP officer calls the university to speak to an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), using the following contact information (The operations center is staffed 24/7 for this purpose): 

Upon Arrival

J-1 Scholars must confirm their arrival date at Northeastern with the Human Resources Contact in the host college.

J-1 Scholars experiencing delays due to visa processing must notify the HR Contact in the host college and the Office of Global Services (OGS) as soon as possible (email: [email protected]).

J-1 Scholars are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before and after the program start date on the DS-2019. However, if your arrival will be delayed for more than two weeks from the program start date, please contact the HR Contact in the host college to amend the program start date. Per federal regulations, OGS is required to provide orientation and validate your SEVIS record within 30 days after the program start date.

Once you have entered the U.S., submit the OGS “Researcher Confirmation of Arrival e-form” as soon as possible. You will receive emails from [email protected] with instructions to submit this e-form as your start date approached. This allows OGS to validate your SEVIS record, which must be done to confirm your arrival within 30 days of the start date listed on your DS-2019.

PAID SCHOLARS: If you will be receiving a salary from Northeastern University as part of your appointment/position, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number if you do not already have one, and will be required to complete an online Form I-9. You will receive instructions from Human Resources regarding your I-9, and instructions to apply for the SSN and complete Section 2 of the I-9 once you have submitted your Researcher Confirmation of Arrival e-form and it is approved.

Arrival Steps for Paid Visiting Students

If you have a paid visiting student appointment, please be sure to carefully follow these steps in this specific order as soon as possible after your arrival.

1 Submit OGS Researcher Confirmation of Arrival e-form

Upon arrival in the U.S., immediately complete the “Researcher Confirmation of Arrival” e-form that will be sent to you from OGS.

2 OGS SSN Letter and Registrar Confirmation

Please wait until the confirmation of arrival e-form is approved by OGS. With the approval email, you will receive a letter necessary for completing Section 2 of the I-9 and applying for a Social Security Number if you don’t already have one. Upon approval of your check-in e-form, OGS will also activate your SEVIS record and contact the Registrar to confirm your arrival. These steps must be completed before you can the next steps below.

  • You do not need to submit a separate J-1 Immigration Clearance or On-Campus Employment e-form.
  • You also must wait until the check-in e-form is approved and Registrar confirms your student registration before applying for your Husky Card (NU Identification Card).

3 Complete I-9 Section 1

Within 24-48 hours of completing Step 2, you will be able to complete Section 1 of your I-9 in your Workday account. For questions relating to access to Section 1, please contact the HR contact in your college.

4 Apply for the Social Security Number (SSN)

Follow the instructions on the OGS website in the “How do I apply for Social Security Numbers” section to submit your SSN pre-application online, then go to the Social Security Administration in-person for your SSN appointment.

You will need to bring your passport, I-94, DS-2019, and SSN letter from OGS. They will issue you a receipt and your SSN card will come in the mail in approximately 2 weeks. You can use the SSN receipt for the next I-9 step below.

5 Complete I-9 Section 2

Go to the Student Employment Office with your passport, I-94, DS-2019, OGS SSN letter, and SSN receipt in order to complete Section 2 of your I-9.

NOTE: J-1 scholars who are NOT visiting students must contact OGS to complete the I-9 Section 2.

J-1 Scholar Orientation

After you have arrived in the U.S., please view the recorded J-1 Scholar Orientation below as soon as possible.

You are required to view this orientation to receive important information regarding maintaining your J-1 status during your program. You will be required to attest that you have viewed the orientation when you complete the Researcher Confirmation of Arrival eForm.