For J-1 Exchange Visitors: Enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date
For H-1B Visa holders: Enter the U.S. up to 10 days prior to the approved status period
U.S. Immigration Inspection
It is important that you have the proper documents to present to immigration officials at the U.S. port of entry. Be sure to carry your DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors), financial documents (J-1 Exchange Visitors), visa, passport, I-797 Approval Notice (H-1B holders) with you to show them to immigration officials when you enter the United States. Please do not enter the United States on a tourist visa unless you are coming to the United States for tourism only.
Initial Expenses
You should plan to arrive with enough money to meet the initial expenses of your first weeks in the United States. Until you are living in an apartment/house, you should expect to spend an average of $90 per day for meals at moderately priced restaurants and from $130-$400 per night for off-campus accommodations. You may use an automatic teller machine (ATM) to get U.S. dollars at a U.S. airport using your existing bank card from home.
Baggage
You should try to bring your belongings with you because the University cannot store baggage sent ahead. You may ask your department or school if someone is able to accept your baggage, but it is usually not possible to do so. Please do not send packages or baggage to the ISSS office since we do not have storage space. Once you have a U.S. residential address, personal effects and packages under a certain weight may be mailed to you by international parcel post. Consult your local post office for details.
Medical Records
Be sure to bring copies of your medical records translated into English and those of any accompanying family members with you to the United States. If you are bringing children/dependents, records of your children's immunizations are required before they may enroll in public schools in the United States. Please review the current immunization requirements.
Health Insurance
Full-time benefits eligible employees can enroll in health insurance through SMU’s Benefits office during HR orientation.
If you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor (benefits eligible):
Your insurance must meet the additional Department of State requirements (see below) and will incur additional premiums.
Exchange Visitors are required to be fully enrolled in J-1 Health Insurance prior to beginning activities at SMU.
If you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor (non-benefits eligible):
J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14].
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Scholars and their dependents typically purchase health insurance while in their home country because they are required to have valid health insurance from the start and end date of their program with the university. For a list of U.S. health insurance providers that have plans that meet the minimum requirements, please see the Health Insurance Providers form below.
If you will not be using a U.S. health insurance provider, please ensure that your health insurance plan meets the minimum requirements and that proof of health insurance clearly demonstrates that you are enrolled in a plan the has the requirements stated above. Proof of insurance that meets the Department of State requirements must be provided by the international scholar upon arrival to the U.S. to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor program, along with the Health Insurance Compliance form.
Forms:
Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Policy and Company Information
Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Verification Form (exchange visitors not receiving compensation from SMU)
Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Verification Form (exchange visitors receiving benefits or SMU exchange students)
Temporary Housing
Please see our list of temporary housing accommodations near SMU. For more long-term housing we recommend you use an apartment finder. Typically, students seek housing accommodations near SMU for convenient access to campus. However, housing near SMU is typically more expensive.
Things to keep in mind while looking for an apartment:
- Initial deposit is required-amounts vary, but first month’s rent is standard.
- Rent range could be anywhere from $1,300-3,000 USD, depending on area and size.
- Utility charges are additional (i.e. gas, water, electricity)-amounts vary, but could range anywhere from $150-$300 USD.
To compare electric plans, we recommend you look at powertochoose.org.
Schooling Resources for Dependents:
Public education for children is determined by geographic area. Your children may only attend the school provided in the geographic area in which you live. SMU is in the Highland Park Independent School District. If you live in University Park, contact the schools below for information necessary for enrollment.
John S. Armstrong Elementary School (grades K-4) 214-780-3100
University Park Elementary School (grades K-4) 214-780-3400
McCulloch Intermediate School (grades 5-6) 214-780-3500
Highland Park Middle School (grades 7-8) 214-780-3600
Highland Park High School (grades 9-12) 214-780-3740
If you live in Dallas, you may contact the Dallas Independent School District @ www.dallasisd.org or call (972)925-3700 for instructions on school enrollment. The quality of public school may vary. Where you live will determine the school your child will attend. Although there are other schools in the SMU area, international parents recommend the schools in Highland Park Independent School District (listed above) and Stonewall Jackson Elementary in the Dallas Independent School District (972)749- 7200. We highly recommend that you check the schools in your area before renting an apartment.
Childcare and Preschool:
Families with children age 5 and younger may be interested in daycare or preschool opportunities. Daycare provides supervised play activities. Preschool offers an academic structure. All charge for their service. Many have waiting lists so you should call as soon as possible. None of the businesses near SMU accept drop-ins, (take a child for just an occasional day). Many churches have Mother’s Day out, where children are taken care of in a playgroup for one morning a week. They usually require regular enrollment for this service.