Pre-Arrival

We look forward to welcoming you to Milwaukee! We hope that you will find the information on this page helpful as you plan for your travel and arrival.

Visa Acquisition

After your DS-2019 is issued, you may make an appointment for your J-1 (and J-2, if applicable) visa interview. The U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor web page provides comprehensive information, including offering a visa wait times tool, links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates, the I-901/SEVIS fee payment portal, the online visa application, and information on what you will need for the visa application, interview, admission to the U.S, and more.

Arrival Date

If you will arrive in Milwaukee more than two weeks after the program start date on your DS-2019, you must inform your sponsoring academic department. Depending on your arrival date, it might be necessary to issue an updated DS-2019 to enable you enter the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. with a DS-2019 that is more than three weeks past the program start date, you may be denied entry.

Check-In

When you arrive in Milwaukee, you must visit your sponsoring academic department and the Center for International Education (CIE) to check in. Your department will assist you with getting a UWM Identification Card and email address. CIE will take copies of your immigration documents, validate your J-1 program in SEVIS, and provide a J-1 visa orientation.

J-1 Visa Orientation

You will participate in a mandatory orientation for J-1 visa holders. If you have J-2 dependents, they are welcome to attend orientation with you. Orientation provides the opportunity to learn about the purpose, benefits and restrictions of the J visa. Orientation also allows you to meet other newly arrived J-1 visiting scholars and to learn a bit about life at UWM and in Milwaukee.

Social Security

If you will be working for UWM, you will need a U.S. Social Security number. The Social Security number cannot be issued until you have checked in at CIE and your SEVIS record has been validated which permits the Social Security system to recognize your record as Active. As a J-1 Scholar, you are eligible for a Social Security card even if you are not working for UWM.

UWM Employees

Your sponsoring academic department will direct you to the UWM Payroll and Human Resources offices to discuss tax treaties and for benefit enrollment (when applicable).

Cultural Activities

UWM and the Milwaukee community offer frequent and rewarding cultural activities. In addition, CIE sponsors occasional events, gatherings and outings to which J-1 scholars and their families are invited. We encourage you to inquire with your sponsoring academic department about events as well.

English Language Courses

UWM’s English Language Academy (ELA) offers courses designed to improve Academic English skills at CEFR B1 (low-intermediate) to CEFR C1 (advanced) levels. Both J-1 and J-2 adults are invited to audit EAP classes at the non-resident auditor fee rates. Information on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses can be found on the English Language Academy‘s English for Academic Purposes Course Descriptions web page. Non-resident audit fees can be found on the Student Financial Services web page.

Your Rights and Protections in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State provides information about the Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers.