International Student Orientation

A Requirement for Newly Admitted International Students Joining Our Campus Community

We're excited to have you join our global community. Our international student orientation is designed to support you every step of the way as you transition to life in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Most international Exchange Visitors on the J-1 Visa (e.g., research scholars and visiting faculty) are not required to attend International Student Orientation but do have the option to attend the Exchange Visitor Orientation.

Questions? Contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Orientation Questions

Orientation will teach you helpful information about immigration rules and campus resources. Keep in mind that every section of the online orientation is mandatory. Please check your UMail every day for updates and info about any missing requirements. Once you complete the ISSS orientation, your SEVIS (immigration) record will be Activated.

The International Student Orientation is mandatory for all international students studying with an F-1 or J-1 student visa. This includes international freshman, returning students, transfer students, graduate students, Learning Abroad exchange students, and students returning to school after OPT or STEM OPT. Other campus orientations (New Student Orientation, Transfer Orientation, orientation by your academic department, etc.) will NOT satisfy the requirement for International Student Orientation. If you are unsure if this requirement applies to you, please see the answers below or email us at international@utah.edu.

Yes. The fee is $75. This fee covers the expenses necessary to bring you a great orientation experience. This fee can be paid conveniently online with a credit card or bank transfer.

Only students studying with an F-1 or J-1 student visa need to attend International Student Orientation. However, you may be required to attend a different orientation on campus. Please contact the Office of Orientation and Transition or your department advisor for more information.

If you are on a J-1 visa in the Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, or Student Intern categories, please email internationalscholars@utah.edu for more details on the J-1 Scholar Orientation.

If you have not been enrolled at the University of Utah in the past year, you are required to attend again. We require students to repeat orientation because immigration laws and policies change frequently, and we want all students to have the most current information on how to maintain their visa status.

A “sponsored student” is a student who has received a specific scholarship from their home government or another outside organization to study at the University of Utah. Sponsored students must complete the International Student Orientation requirements. The ISSS office provides many different services to assist sponsored students. For more information about the Sponsored Student Program, please review the Sponsored Students page.

Yes, exchange students coming to the University of Utah for one or two semesters through the Learning Abroad program must complete the ISSS International Student Orientation, in addition to Learning Abroad’s new student orientation. You will attend two orientations so that you will be extra prepared for your studies at the U! For further questions, please contact your Learning Abroad advisor at exchanges@utah.edu.

If you do not complete the orientation requirements, you will receive a hold on your University record and/or your SEVIS record may be Terminated. A “hold” prevents you from doing some things because you did not meet a certain requirement. The orientation hold will prevent you from registering for classes and receiving your transcripts. To remove the hold and have your SEVIS record Activated, you must complete ALL required sections of orientation. Please check your UMail every day to address any missing orientation requirements.

Current Students

The International Student Ambassadors play a big role in the life of a new international student by leading them through orientation, sharing resources and advice, and acting as their first guide to campus life. Current students, both international and domestic, may find more information and apply for the International Student Ambassador Scholarship program.

Campus Departments & Community Organizations/Businesses

We love connecting new students with resources that will help them adjust to life at the U and in Salt Lake City. For more information about available outreach opportunities, please email the ISSS Orientation Team at internationalstudentsuccess@utah.edu.

Overview

Our comprehensive orientation program covers essential topics such as visa regulations, academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and campus resources. Participation ensures students are well-prepared and connected from day one.

Please note: There is no online orientation session. Attendance is in person.

Utah Global: If you are a new student in the Utah Global Program, please contact Student Services at Utah Global for your specific orientation details.

What to Expect

Throughout the orientation, students will meet fellow international students, and receive guidance from experienced staff. Topics include maintaining visa status, navigating health care in the U.S., understanding available resources on campus, and much more.

International Student & Scholar Services

Office for Global Engagement