New International Student Orientation and Check-In Information

New International Student Orientation will be held in-person on August 14-15, 2024, Student Center South Houston Room.

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all students holding non-immigrant visas and/or with pending permanent residency. The session will address unique content to cover restrictions and benefits to your visa status, the academic system and student services offered at the University of Houston, as well as American friendship patterns, language, and cultural adjustment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about things you have encountered and did not understand. You will be able to meet students from your home country, as well as other international students. International Student Orientation is in addition to the Freshman Orientation, Transfer Orientation, and Graduate Student Orientation. It contains separate and unique content not available as a part of other orientations.

Fall 2024 International Orientation Requirements

All new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. This includes:

New and transfer international undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
Any international student who began enrollment remotely from abroad during the previous semester(s) and is entering the United States for the Fall 2024 Semester to be in-person at the university.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Student Orientation

When can I arrive in the United States?

If you are a newly admitted F-1 student or J-1 student, with an initial I-20/DS-2019, you are allowed to arrive up to 30 days before your program start date. Check the program start date listed on page 1 of your I-20/DS-2019.

What is International Student Orientation?

International Student Orientation is a unique introduction, designed for international students, to the University of Houston. The session will address unique content that will cover restrictions and benefits to your visa status, the academic system, and student services offered at the University of Houston, as well as American friendship patterns, language, and cultural adjustment. You will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions about things you have encountered and did not understand.

What are the dates of the International Student Orientation?

August 14-15, 2024

I am a resident of TEXAS with in-state tuition. Am I still required to attend International student Orientation?

Yes, if you entered the US on a VISA you are considered an international student even if you qualify for in-state tuition as a resident of Texas. This includes any student pending permanent residency.

What types of activities are planned?

International Student Orientation generally offers sessions that address specific immigration regulations, information on how to maintain your immigration status, health, and medical insurance issues, financial matters, as well as informational sessions about U.S. systems that many international students are not familiar with or are very different from their home country. Our office will host an information fair with campus and community organizations that will help you adjust while you study at UH. In addition, ISSSO will provide lunch for you to mix, mingle and meet other international students.

Do I pay for International Student Orientation?

Yes, all international students are charged a one-time international orientation fee, $75, including non-F-1/J-1 visa holders.

Who can attend International Student Orientation?

All incoming international students enrolling for the Fall 2024 semester including non-F-1/J-1 visa holders should attend International Student Orientation.

I studied in the US at another school. Do I need to attend international orientation?

Yes. Orientation is required of all international students, regardless of how long you have studied in the USA. We will cover information about UH's immigration policies and student resources. These might be different from your previous school.

I have studied at the University of Houston in the past. Do I still need to attend International Student Orientation?

If you are beginning a new program at UH, yes, you will be required to attend. We require students to repeat orientation in certain cases 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. You will also be required to complete the Check-In so that we can collect your most recent immigration documents and information.

What should I do if I have questions after International Student Orientation?

We encourage you to meet with an ISSSO advisor to discuss any additional questions or concerns that you may have, especially regarding immigration. Our trained advisors are here to help guide you through complicated policies and procedures so that you can have all the information you need to maintain your visa status. Make an appointment to speak with an advisor.

International Student Check-In

All new and transfer international students are required to check-in through the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO). International Student Check-In is a federally mandated process that requires every international student to report to ISSSO and submit their immigration documents for review. Check-In should be completed as soon as possible AFTER arrival to the United States.

For more information on check-in procedures for Graduate and Professional Students view the Graduate and Professional Students Orientation Guide

For more information on check-in procedures for Undergraduate Students view the Undergraduate Students Orientation Guide

Check-In Forms:

UH Resources

The University of Houston is a large, decentralized institution. UH has several different offices that support our students in various capacities. In order to better serve you, our office recommends that you contact the office to which your question(s) most relate. Here are some of those resources:

International Student Orientation	go_intl@central.uh.edu
International Student Check-In	isssohlp@central.uh.edu
On-campus housing	Visit the UH Housing page to learn more.
Tuition	bursar@uh.edu
International Health Insurance and Immunization	Visit the UH Student Health Center page to learn more.
Pre-arrival immigration/visa questions	isssohlp@central.uh.edu
Post-Arrival for Graduate and Professional Students	View the Orientation Guide
Post-Arrival for Undergraduate Students	View the Orientation Guide
Academic Record and Transcripts	Visit the Office of the University Registrar to learn more.
Student Organizations	Visit the Student Organizations page to learn more.
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines	Visit the UH COVID-19 page or coronavirus@uh.edu
Questions related to academic and course offerings should be directed to your academic department.

International Student and Scholar Services Office

Students