/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

J-1 Scholar Intake and Orientation

All new J-1 scholars at Stony Brook University must complete the arrival check-in process and attend J-1 Scholar Orientation. Orientation helps you understand your immigration responsibilities and provides important information about living and working in the United States.

You must complete the required forms before attending orientation.

Orientation Details

  • Date: By appointment

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Location: Visa & Immigration Services (VIS)
    E-5310 Melville Library
    Stony Brook University

Step 1: Access accessVIS

You must log into accessVIS to complete the required arrival forms.

  1. Visit the accessVIS homepage.

  2. Select Limited Services.

  3. Enter the following information:

    • Stony Brook ID number

    • Date of birth

    • Limited Access PIN

If you do not know your PIN, select Email me my Limited Access PIN to receive it by email.

Step 2: Complete the Immigration Intake

After logging in to accessVIS:

  1. Select Arrival & Intake from the left menu.

  2. Complete the J-1 Scholar Intake form.

If your family members will join you in J-2 status, you must also complete the Immigration Intake for Dependents (J-2) form.

Important:
Visa & Immigration Services must confirm your arrival in the SEVIS system within 30 days of the program start date listed on your DS-2019. If this step is not completed on time, you may lose your legal immigration status in the United States.

Step 3: Register for Orientation

After completing your intake forms, submit the J-1 Orientation Sign-Up & Responsibilities eForm in accessVIS.

Attendance at J-1 Scholar Orientation is required.

If you cannot attend orientation within 30 days of your arrival, contact your International Faculty and Scholar Advisor immediately at:

vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu

Step 4: Attend Orientation

Documents to Bring to Orientation

Bring the following original documents to your orientation appointment:

  • Passport

  • Form DS-2019

  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

If you have J-2 dependents, bring the same documents for each dependent.

Topics Covered in Orientation

During orientation, you will receive information about:

  • J-1 immigration regulations and responsibilities

  • Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

  • Employment and work authorization rules

  • Travel outside the United States

  • Health insurance requirements for J-1 and J-2 dependents

Travel After Arrival

If you plan to travel outside the United States during your program, you must obtain a travel signature on your Form DS-2019 from your International Faculty and Scholar Advisor before leaving the country. This signature is required for re-entry to the United States in J-1 status.

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)

Who Must Apply

You must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are a J-1 scholar who will be employed by Stony Brook University or the Research Foundation for SUNY.

When to Apply

You may apply for an SSN after you receive an email confirming that your Immigration Intake form has been approved and your SEVIS record has been activated.

Important Information

A Social Security Number is required for employment, but it is not a work authorization document. You must still have valid immigration status and the appropriate authorization to work in the United States.

If you are a visiting scholar who will not receive salary or payment from a U.S. institution, you must attend J-1 Scholar Orientation before applying for a Social Security Number.

Additional Resources