Get ready to come to Texas State University!

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.

  1. 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.
    1. Please bring the following items/information 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), local U.S. address information, and foreign/U.S. phone number information. 
  2. Review the online J-1 Orientation Presentation (at the bottom of the page)
  3. Review the J-1 Exchange Visitor Orientation Guide (at the bottom of the page)
  4. Review the Wilberforce Pamphlet

Per SEVIS guidelines, if you move to a new address or update your contact information, please notify our office within 10 days so we can update your SEVIS record accordingly.

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:

Students sitting in audience

Understand the Financial Obligations

While your J-1 Scholar program covers many aspects of your experience, there are some additional living expenses to keep in mind:

Some typical costs include (but are not limited to):

Rent: Can range up to $2,500 per month, including electricity and utilities

Food: Around $200 per week on average

Transportation: Gas or other travel costs if your housing is not within walking distance of campus

 

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J-1 Exchange Visitor Resources