We are delighted to welcome you as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office is committed to supporting program sponsors by fulfilling key requirements, including providing orientation and cultural enrichment opportunities. Our orientation session is designed to equip you with the essential information and resources needed to start your stay with confidence and make the most of your experience here.
To-Do Items After Arriving to TXST
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor you must complete the following as required by immigration regulations. Upon receiving your check-in documents, the ISSS Office will verify these documents and will validate your immigration record in SEVIS.
Failure to submit the required check-in documents will result in automatic cancellation of your immigration record.
- Make an immigration check-in appointment with your RO to complete your arrival verification documents, validate your program and explore the campus! Dependents are welcome to join but are not required, though you will need to bring their documents to this meeting.
- Please bring the following items to your check-in: Signed DS-2019(s), most recent I-94(s), J1 & J2 visa(s), proof of health insurance for yourself and your dependents (if applicable).
- Review the online J-1 Orientation Presentation (at the bottom of the page)
- Review the J-1 Exchange Visitor Orientation Guide (at the bottom of the page)
- Review the Wilberforce Pamphlet
Cross Cultural Activities
Federal law requires cross-cultural activities for J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents. Stay connected—join ISSS events! Check the ISSS Events Calendar and explore more on the Texas State University Calendar.
Emergency Contacts
The Office of Private Sector Exchange will email new EVP participants about the J-Visa Emergency Hotline and other resources. Sponsors (TXST Faculty) will remain their main contact. Add jvisas@state.gov to your contacts to ensure you receive official messages.
Get Prepared!
Federal law requires J-1 exchange visitors complete an arrival orientation upon entering the US. Exchange visitors and dependents at Texas State University are strongly encouraged to review the arrival orientation resources below, which focus on adjusting to the San Marcos and surrounding area community:
- Life and customs in the U.S.
- U.S. Money and Banking
- Attractions
- Dining
- Hotels
- Public Transportation
- Parks and Recreation
- Medical Centers (contact your health insurance provider for recommended in-network providers)
- San Marcos Library and Texas State Alkek Library
- San Marcos Activity Center
- K-12 Schools: San Marcos, New Braunfels, Austin, and San Antonio
- Texas State University Police Department (UPD)
J-1 Exchange Visitor Resources
J-1 Orientation Guide
J-1 Digital Orientation Guide 2025
(PDF, 20.4MB)