Moving to a new country is exciting—and also confusing! In the first few weeks, there are many new things to learn about and accomplish. We hope this information will help you as you settle in at Yale.
Your First Few Days
Check in with OISS by uploading a copy of your I-94 record and an image of your visa stamp to OISS Connect.
What is an I-94 Record?
The I-94 is a record of your admission into the U.S. This record confirms that you have been legally admitted to the U.S. in a specific visa status for a duration of time. You must upload a copy of this record reflecting your most recent entry in the U.S. as it is needed for your immigration registration.
Download & Review Your I-94 Record
- Save a digital copy of your I-94 record from the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Travel Records website.
- Review your I-94 to make sure that you were admitted in the correct class of admission (F-1 or J-1) and that the admit date says “D/S”, which stands for duration of status. If this information is not correct, contact your adviser.
Log into OISS Connect to Upload Your Documents
- After confirming this information is correct, log into OISS Connect.
- Click on 'Immigration Online Check-In' for the current semester, then follow the instructions to upload a copy of your I-94 and visa stamp.
- Be sure to click the green Submit button when done.
Reporting your U.S. address and phone number is part of maintaining your legal status in the U.S. and must be done within 10 days of moving. How to report your U.S. address depends on your visa status, so follow the instructions on our website.
Your First Week
Attend your school-specific OISS Orientation.
Your school will be in touch with you frequently in your first few weeks at Yale to help you with logistics such as getting your Yale ID card, completing an I-9, and attending orientation events.
Next Steps
Learn about what you need an SSN or ITIN for, if you are eligible, and more on our informational page and page specifically for new students.
Upon arriving at Yale, you should be certain you understand your tax obligations and are ready when the filing season arrives. Here is what you can do to get prepared.
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires Yale University to apply specific federal tax withholding and reporting rules consistent with your U.S. tax status, i.e., resident or nonresident tax filers. Resident tax filers are taxed same as U.S. citizens, while nonresident tax filers are taxed under different withholding and reporting rules. Non U.S. students and scholars receiving payments from the University (e.g., compensation, stipend, fellowship, etc.) are required to complete the Foreign National Information System (FNIS) application with the International Tax Department. Once the FNIS application is completed and submitted to the International Tax Department, you will receive notification regarding U.S. tax residency, treaty eligibility and instructions for completing Form W-4 and CT-W4. If you have not received the FNIS application link, please send an email to internationaltax@yale.edu.
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If you are eligible for a U.S. social security number (SSN), apply for one now.
- If you are receiving funds from Yale and are not eligible for an SSN, apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) now.
OISS is always here to help. If you have any questions about your arrival, please contact your OISS adviser.
It is important that you maintain lawful F-1 status while in the U.S. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your stay in the U.S. remains valid, such as reporting any changes in address, enrolling in full-time study, and more.
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Check out our Life at Yale section for topics such as campus life, practical matters like banking and your Yale ID, belonging at Yale, and much more.
Check out our shopping section for information on where you can purchase the items you need when you get here.
Additional Questions?
Get in touch with your adviser! You can email them, make an appointment, or come to OISS virtual drop-in hours.
