International Student Orientation

All new international students (undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and exchange) are required to attend the International Student Orientation before the semester begins. At orientation, you will have the opportunity to learn about LSU, how to be successful here as well as important information regarding your non-immigrant status. We hope you’ll also meet other students who are new to LSU and learn ways to get involved in campus organizations.

Reporting Your Arrival

As a new F-1 or J-1 student at LSU, one of the first things you need to do after arriving in the U.S. and/or Baton Rouge is report your arrival to LSU and to the Department of Homeland Security. At LSU, this is done via completing a SEVIS Check in.

All incoming F-1 and J-1 students entering with an Initial or Transfer Pending I-20 or DS-2019 must complete a mandatory SEVIS Check-in. The SEVIS Check in is required of students who are new to LSU as well as students who are returning from an absence with a new I-20 or DS-2019 issued under a new SEVIS ID number. The check-in process is virtual and collects copies of your F-1 or J-1 status documents and the information International Services needs to report your arrival in SEVIS. You will not need to report in person to the International Services Office with your documents. However, completing your SEVIS Check in is time sensitive and must be done promptly after your arrival to the U.S.

Mandatory SEVIS Check in

Please note that you must complete the SEVIS check-in process prior to completing your I-9 (for on-campus employment), or before applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license, or state ID card. Please see the steps below for details on the check in process. (Note: You should plan to have your LSU single sign on activated and be able to access your LSU email account prior to completing your SEVIS check in.)

Step 1: Complete the New Student Information Form online. This form collects what ISO advisors need to review before reporting your arrival in SEVIS.

• Review the New Student Information Form Help Guide before completing your form.

Step 2: Update your local address and U.S. phone number in MyLSU.

• Your physical address in the U.S. must always be added to the Local Street Address screen to update your SEVIS record.

Step 3: Register for a virtual SEVIS Check in with ISO to review your materials.

• This will be a 15-minute virtual meeting. For a smooth appointment experience, we recommend that you plan to join the meeting from a laptop or tablet as opposed to your phone to facilitate screen sharing.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is facilitated by the International Cultural Center. Students who are U.S. permanent residents or who are in a visa status other than F-1/J-1 are not required to attend International Student Orientation or to report to ISO; however, they are welcome to attend International Student Orientation if they choose. All students who plan to attend must register for orientation.

F-1 and J-1 students will attend two (2) orientation programs – International Student Orientation and one of the following:

• Freshman Orientation – Registration is required, and there is a fee for this program.
• Transfer Orientation – Registration is required, and there is a fee for this program.
• Graduate Orientation – This program is only offered during the fall semester, and there is no cost to attend.

In addition to information about maintaining your student status and the benefits that you have while in F-1 or J-1 status, the following topics will be addressed by various LSU campus departments:

• Campus Safety
• The Code of Student Conduct (Student Advocacy & Accountability)
• Health Insurance: University student health-insurance requirements and immunizations
• International Hospitality Foundation
• Michigan English Placement Test and Oral Proficiency Interview
• On-Campus and Off-Campus Employment Authorization, Payroll Requirements, Taxes

Dates of International Orientation