Pre-Arrival Information
Essential pre-arrival guidance for international students and scholars—including visa, insurance, orientation, and travel information—to help ensure a smooth start to their program at IUP.
Applying to IUP
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Complete an application for a DS-2019, provide supporting documents, and pay the $500 application fee.
Obtaining a Visa
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You must show your original DS-2019, supporting financial documents, invitation letters, and valid passport when applying for your visa.
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Please check your embassy or consulate’s website for updated information about other required documents and procedures.
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You may arrive in the United States up to 30 days before your program begins.
Insurance Requirements
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J-1 Exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by the Department of State to maintain insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. You must show proof of insurance upon arrival at IUP in order for us to validate your legal status.
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J1 Visa Insurance Requirements
Orientation
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The US Department of State requires that we provide you with program orientation. After you attend the orientation, an International Student and Scholar Advisor will validate your arrival in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. This validation notifies the Department of Homeland Security that you have arrived and begun your J-1 exchange visitor program, and changes your SEVIS record to “ACTIVE” status.
Arriving at IUP
- We advise flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Indiana does not have a commercial airport; the closest airport is in Pittsburgh, approximately 80 miles (~129 kilometers) southwest of Indiana. If you fly into New York City, you can also travel by bus (11–13 hours) to our on-campus bus stop in Indiana.
- Never take a taxi from Pittsburgh to Indiana unless you have no other option or unless there are two or three passengers. It is very expensive, $200 or more!
Housing
- If you are interested in living on campus, please contact the International Student and Scholar Advisor to find out availability and costs.
- If you are bringing J-2 dependents with you, you must live off-campus and find your own housing. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Advisor for a list of off-campus housing options that you may look into.
J1 Scholar Resources
Practical information for incoming J-1 scholars to help prepare for your time at IUP.
Housing
- If you are interested in living on campus, please contact the International Student and Scholar Advisor to find out availability and costs.
- If you are bringing J-2 dependents with you, you must live off-campus and find your own housing. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Advisor for a list of off-campus housing options that you may look into.
Arriving at IUP
- We advise flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Indiana does not have a commercial airport; the closest airport is in Pittsburgh, approximately 80 miles (about 129 kilometers) southwest of Indiana. If you fly into New York City, you can also travel by bus (11–13 hours) to our on-campus bus stop in Indiana.
- Never take a taxi from Pittsburgh to Indiana unless you have no other option or unless there are two or three passengers. It is very expensive, $200 or more!
What is the J-1 visa program?
Please visit the Department of State website to learn more about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
How do I get my DS-2019?
To obtain your DS-2019 Request Form, please write to intl-exchange@iup.edu. You must return this form with a copy of your passport, proof of funding, and proof of English language proficiency.
Where do I apply for an exchange visitor J-1 visa?
Once you obtain your invitation package, including your DS-2019, you may apply for an exchange visitor J-1 visa at the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Can I bring my family with me?
If you intend to bring your spouse or children with you, you must inform IUP when you apply for your DS-2019 form and show proof of funding for yourself and each dependent. Each applicant/dependent must have their own original DS-2019 form. Dependents must apply for an exchange visitor J-2 visa when you apply for your visa. Please note that if your program requires you to live on campus, you will not be allowed to bring any dependents with you.
Can I arrive early?
You can arrive up to 30 days before your program begins.
Can I stay in the United States after my program has ended?
There is a 30-day grace period for you to depart from the United States.
