Visas and Pre-Arrival Information

Visas and Pre-Arrival Information

When the immigration documents needed for the visa application and entry to the U.S. are sent to the incoming scholar/visitor, they will include an International Student/Scholar Handbook, which includes specific pre-arrival information on applying for a visa and entering the U.S. as well as information to assist with settling into life in the U.S.

The Handbook includes information on:
  • How to Apply for a Visa and a Pre-Arrival Checklist
  • How to Read and Understand your U.S. Visa Stamp
  • Procedures for Arriving in the U.S.
  • Understanding your Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record
  • Airport and Transportation Information to Sanford-Burnham
  • Sanford-Burnham Location Information, maps and directions
  • Check in and Orientation at Sanford-Burnham
  • An Exchange Visitor Welcome Brochure (for J-1 status only)
  • Area Lodging and Housing Information/Resources
  • Setting up Utilities (Gas/Water/Electricity/Phone)
  • Area Transportation (Cars/Bikes/Buses/Train)
  • Banks/Grocery Stores/Department Stores/Malls/Drug Stores (Pharmacies/Libraries/Hospitals & Clinics)
  • And Things to Do in your Area/Tourism


Arriving in the U.S. and Checking in at Sanford-Burnham

On arriving into the U.S., an international scholar/visitor will need to attend a new hire check-in/orientation with the Sanford-Burnham Human Resource Office. At the Sanford-Burnham La Jolla campus, the new hire check-in/orientation is located in Building 1. If the scholar/visitor will visit our Lake Nona location, they will not meet in La Jolla for their check-in. More information regarding check-in will be sent directly to the scholar/visitor prior to their arrival from the Human Resources Office.

After meeting with Human Resources, the international scholar/visitor will then check-in and attend a visa orientation with the International Office Staff. As the Sanford-Burnham International Office is located in La Jolla, California, visa orientations at Sanford-Burnham Lake Nona will be conducted by phone or video conference (SKYPE). To maintain immigration status all international scholars/visitors are required to check in with the Sanford-Burnham International Office and receive a visa orientation when they arrive at the Institute. It is important to comply with this requirement as failure to do so may impact your immigration status and ability to remain in the U.S.

During the visa orientation, an International Office Staff member will validate the international scholar/visitor's arrival, review their immigration documents and review important information about maintaining immigration status while in the U.S. We will also provide information about applying for a Social Security Number and Driver's License if needed.

All international scholars/visitors should bring the following documents with them to their visa orientation:
  • A valid Passport
  • Form DS-2019 (for J-1 Research Scholars)
  • Form I-20A-B (for F-1 Students)
  • Form I-94, Arrival and Departure card (you will receive this when entering the U.S.)
  • Form I-797, Approval Document (if applicable)
  • Proof of Health Insurance coverage (for J-1 Research Scholars)
  • Dependent(s) documents (if applicable)
    • Valid Passport
    • Form DS-2019 (for J-2) and Form I-20 (for F-2)
    • Form 1-94, Arrival and Departure card

If you have any questions about the check-in process, please contact the International Office.

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