Checking in at ISSS, English Placement Exam and Immunization Records

Preparation Checklist

[ ] Make sure that your passport is valid and that you have the proper visa stamp to enter the United States. Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your I-20 or DS2019, because the process of obtaining a visa may be lengthy.

[ ] Review the ISSS website regarding the SEVIS Fee (http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/sevisfee.html) to see when you must pay it (before your visa appointment or at the Port of Entry). For answers to more of your SEVIS questions, consult the SEVIS website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm

[ ] If you are already in the United States, please contact an advisor in ISSS as soon as you receive this letter. Any process that involves a transfer of schools or change of status takes some time and certain procedures must be completed by a certain deadline, so please talk with an advisor right away. If you are a transfer student (for immigration purposes), you will need to finish the transfer-in process at ISSS in Boulder. Be sure to identify yourself as a transfer student at check-in.

[ ] Register for courses

http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/registration.html

[ ] Prepare your finances http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/finances.html

[ ] Complete immunization records - see below

[ ] Make travel arrangements http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/travel.html

[ ] Make housing arrangements http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/housing.html

[ ] Prepare packages you want to mail

http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/mail.html

[ ] Choose the proper clothing you will need for your first few months in Boulder. http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/climate.html

[ ] Return the friendship host program form if you want a friendship host.  Look for "Boulder Friends of International Students" at http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/pdf/BFISStudentApplication.pdf

Entering the United States

Carry your passport, visa, SEVIS fee payment receipt, I-20 or DS2019, evidence of financial resources, and your letter of acceptance with you. Do not pack these in your luggage. When you enter the United States, make sure that you have these documents in your hands so you can present them to immigration officials. Expect entry into the United States to take time. You will be fingerprinted and photographed at the port of entry. Be sure to keep the I-94 arrival card (which is usually given out by the flight attendants) with your passport as you will need it until you exit the U.S.

Once you are in the United States

Check-In at ISSS

All new or transfer international students are required to check in with ISSS.

Check-In Times:    

Plan to attend one of the check-in sessions at ISSS listed below.   During this session your SEVIS record will be registered; and you will receive an information packet and friendly advice to help you settle in and avoid common difficulties.  We are located in the basement of the Environmental Design Building. Bring all of your immigration documents with you.  Allow 60-90 minutes for check-in.  ISSS hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the summer, Monday through Friday.  We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

January 4 - 7,2010

Check-in sessions will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Environmental Design Building.

January 8, 2010

Check-in session will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Environmental Design Building.

Please note: Federal regulations REQUIRE new international students to check-in to report their arrival in the U.S. and to report their address to their school.   IF YOU DO NOT CHECK IN WITH ISSS, YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS MIGHT BE CANCELLED!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us through e-mail at adviser@colorado.edu, by telephone at (303) 492-8057, or by facsimile at (303) 492-5185.

English Placement Exam      

Thursday, January 7, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the International English Center, 1030 13th Street

An English as a Second Language placement test is available for those required or interested in taking English classes. College of Music students must take it. Arts and Science undergraduates need to check with your college to see if it is required.  All others should check with your academic department about the necessity of taking the placement test. Anyone is welcome to take it.

Most Residence Halls open on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.  If you applied for a dormitory room, the Housing Department will send you a dorm assignment, which will include the date and time your residence hall will open. 

Required International Student Welcome Meeting, Part 1 

Friday, January 8, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Ramaley Biology building, room 250.

All international students, including exchange students, regardless of immigration status, are REQUIRED to come to the International Student Welcome meeting. During this meeting, campus staff and advisors will discuss immigration regulations, safety issues, insurance, and activities in Boulder. Bring your questions! You will benefit tremendously from attending this informational meeting.

Classes begin on Monday, January 11, 2010. Other important academic dates can be found at: http://www.colorado.edu/academics/calendar.html

Exchange Students

If you are an exchange student coming to the University through a cooperative agreement with the University of Colorado, you should register through PLUS before arriving. Try to get at least one class before you arrive.  Because you will not attend an academic orientation, you absolutely must attend the special meeting for exchange students on Thursday, Janaury 7, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in room 120 of the Environmental Design Building.

Immunization Records, Health Care and insurance

All students and dependents (spouse and children) MUST have health insurance to cover the cost of basic medical treatment, as well as treatment for severe illness and accidents.

The cost of medical care in the United States is high and the government does not pay for it, so individuals are responsible for purchasing their own medical insurance for themselves and for their families. You may choose one of the plans made available by the University, or you may waive the University insurance and choose an insurance plan offered by a private company. The Wardenburg Student Health Center will send you a packet of insurance information and a form to complete. If you have not received this packet, an advisor in ISSS will give you the packet when you check in. If you decide to buy insurance from a private insurance company, we have brochures that describe other policies.

Immunization Records: If you were born after 1957, you must complete a Certificate of Immunization against measles, mumps, and Rubella. This form is included in the packet you will receive from Wardenburg. This certification must be signed by a physician, nurse, or school authority. If you do not have proof of immunization, you can obtain the required immunizations at Wardenburg or sign the exemption statement at the bottom of the immunization form.

Unless you are from Western Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Japan, you are required to complete the Tuberculosis Testing and History Form. Wardenburg will provide the test for a small fee. If you test positive for TB, Wardenburg will provide treatment, but you will need to pay for it.

The immunization forms and the Tuberculosis Testing and History form are available at:

http://www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/immunizations/index.html