PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
Before Your Departure
✅ Renew or obtain a passport for travel
✅ Receive your Sarah Lawrence College Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20)
✅ Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee www.fmjfee.com in preparation for your visa appointment
✅ Make an appointment at your local U.S. consular office or embassy to apply for an F-1 visa
✅ Obtain immunization records and submit to Health and Wellness as instructed by their office.
✅ Make travel plans
Packing & Travel
✅ Know what documents and items to pack
✅ Ship/Post items to campus (undergrads only) ahead of your arrival (optional)
✅ Bring money to open a bank account
✅ Know the documents you will need on the plane. Do NOT pack these in your checked luggage: (passport, I20/DS-2019, proof of funding, SEVIS fee receipt).
✅ Be prepared for the U.S. Immigration and Customs procedures
Once You Arrive
✅ Know where you will be living when you arrive (undergrads only: have your on-campus housing confirmation)
✅ Get your Sarah Lawrence College Student ID
✅ Attend International Student Orientation
✅ Open a bank account (optional)
✅ Get a cell phone or a SIM Card (optional)
Write to tpettiford@sarahlawrence.edu or nmirando@sarahlawrence.edu with any questions.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sarah Lawrence soon!