J-1 Pre-Arrival Procedural Checklist

Congratulations on your pending arrival! Please follow the checklist below, in order, to help assure a smooth path to your arrival at Florida Institute of Technology.

Pay SEVIS Fee online. Be sure to print out your payment receipt.
Make an appointment to secure your visa at the US Embassy or Consulate. Be sure to ask what documentation you will need to bring with you; at the minimum, you will need to take the following:

DS-2019
SEVIS Fee payment receipt
Passport
Offer letter you received from the department with which you will be associated
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application
One 2x2 photograph
Documentation demonstrating binding ties to your country

After securing your J-1 visa, purchase your online tickets
After arrival in Melbourne, FL make an appointment to check in at the International Student & Scholar Services Officer (321-674-8053 or isss@fit.edu). You may also make your appointment when you know your travel plans and arrival date in Melbourne.
When you check in at the ISSS Office, located in L3Harris Commons, 1st floor, room 114, you will need to bring:

DS-2019
Passport
Insurance documentation (if you will be requesting a waiver of the required insurance)

At this appointment, your arrival at Florida Institute of Technology will be validated with the US Department of Homeland Security. You will receive a memorandum to secure a Florida Tech identification card from the Campus Services Department, and to either arrange payment or waive the mandatory health insurance requirements.
After checking in and receiving your ID card, you should report to the department with which you will be associated with if you have not already done so.