Visiting Scholars: After Arrival

VISITING SCHOLAR “TO DO” LIST

Check in with the Center for the Study of the Middle East (1105 Atwater)
and complete appointment forms!
IU International Services: --for visitors with J and other visas
Office of International Services
Room 221, Poplars Building
Telephone: 855-9086; open for walk-ins 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-4:00pm Monday-Friday
intlserv@indiana.edu
- BRING WITH YOU: Passport; visa; I-94 card (received at US border); DS-2019 J-1 visa document; proof of health insurance; proof that your insurance coverage meets the US minimum requirements for accidents, illness, medical evacuation, repatriation and (women) maternity coverage. You can purchase insurance from any insurance company or through Room 221, Poplars Building after you arrive in the US.
IU International Services must enter arrival information into the US electronic visa system (SEVIS) or your DS-2019 becomes invalid and you cannot remain in the US. This must be done no later than 30 days from the program start date (box 3) on your DS-2019 B so do this immediately after arrival even if you don’t have health insurance. You can buy insurance and return to International Services with proof within 15 days of arrival.
- NOTE: As soon as possible, give an IU e-mail address to the IU Office of International Services (OIS) so you can receive important information for visa holders during your stay. Monitor the International Services website for updates and instructions. To maintain your visa status, promptly notify OIS of changes to be entered into the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) tracking system.
  
  This includes but is not limited to changes of address, intent to travel outside the US, and departure dates from the US. Contact OIS at Fax: (812) 855-4418 Or by Email: ois@iu.edu if you have questions.
US social security card: --for those who receive fellowship, salary or other payments in the US
United States Social Security Administration
515 W. Patterson Avenue (west of Rogers Street)
Telephone: 334-4222; open for walk-ins 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday
- BRING: Passport; I-94; DS-2019; local mailing address; and departmental letter of invitation. (J-1 scholars not receiving US income are also eligible to apply for a SSN, though it is not required.) The form that’s needed to apply for a social security card is available at the Social Security Administration office or can be printed online. Use a local address or your IU department address.
- IMPORTANT: If you use a Bloomington home address, you must put your name inside the mailbox or the US Postal Service will not deliver the government letter. (If this happens, call the SSA to request redelivery.) Before you leave the Social Security Administration office, ask for a letter to prove you applied for a social security card.
- When the card arrives (after 10-45 days):
  - Show your Social Security Card to CSME
  - Show your card to the Office of International Services (Room 221, Poplars Building)
  - If Asked, Show your card to the Tax Treaty Office (Poplars 527)
  - Show your card to your US bank.
  - IMPORTANT: The US government issues one social security number per person per lifetime. If you have lost your card, ask the US Social Security Administration for a replacement card, not a new number.
IU photo identification [Campus Access] card:
See the Campus Access website for instructions.
- BRING: Passport and your Indiana University ID number. You will complete an ID application form at Campus Card Services. Before you go, confirm with CSME that your IU appointment has been approved by the Office of Academic Personnel Policies and Services.
- NOTE: If translation from a character alphabet results in differing spellings of your name on the passport and other documents, you can choose which name to use on your IU photo ID card. Provide both the Legal Name and Preferred Name to CSME for entry into the electronic system. Then when you go to Campus Card Services to get an ID card, you can request special handling by telling Card Services which name to print on the card. Card Services will confirm with the Office of Academic Personnel Policies and Services before they issue the card.
UITS IU e-mail account and internet password:
To start your account go to the Accounts website and follow the instructions, using your University ID number. Visiting Scholars should select Faculty, not Student or Affiliate.

Local Transportation

Campus Bus Service
Bloomington Transit (City Bus Service)
On Campus Parking
Transportation from Indianapolis airport to Bloomington