What Documents Do I Need to Show at the Border?
The following documents must be available for inspection upon arrival in the United States and should not be placed in checked luggage:
- Passport
- Form DS-2019
- Financial support documents
- Invitation letter from ISU host department
How Can I Travel To Ames, Iowa?
The closest airport to Iowa State University is roughly 40 miles away in Des Moines, Iowa. If you arrive at the Des Moines International Airport (DSM), you will need to find transportation from Des Moines to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The Des Moines Airport website includes information on available transport options from the airport.
A shuttle service operated by Executive Express is available for trips from the Des Moines Airport to the Iowa State University campus. Details regarding departure times from the Des Moines International Airport to the Iowa State campus can be found on the Executive Express website.
The trip from the Des Moines airport to the Iowa State University campus takes approximately one hour.
Where Can I Find Information About Living In Ames?
Although your host department should assist you with identifying housing options in Ames, if you need additional resources feel free to contact our office.
The Department of Residence at Iowa State University has a limited number of furnished apartments on campus for long-term or short-term Guest Housing. Please e-mail housing@iastate.edu for more information, availability, and to make a reservation.
Additional short-term lodging options can be found on the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
For information on places to eat, visit the Discover Ames website. Check out this great website before your arrival to Ames so that you can begin exploring and enjoying what Ames has to offer as soon as you arrive.
Please note - Once you sign a rental lease, it is considered a legal contract between you and your landlord. You will be responsible for paying the rent, and utilities included in the lease, until the end date listed on your lease.
What Am I Required To Do When I Arrive In Ames?
Department of State regulations require you to check in with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) before you can begin your J program activities and gain access to university services. Please register to attend an ISSO Scholar Check-In session on or before the start date on your DS-2019. If you fail to report as required, the Department of State will electronically cancel your Form(s) DS-2019 and you must leave the United States.
A few days before arriving in Ames, please go to the ISSO Scholar Check-In webpage to schedule an appointment for the first New Scholar Check-in session after your planned arrival. Check-In Sessions are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only. These sessions start promptly and last approximately one hour. If you are unable to arrive on time for your check-in session, we will help you reschedule for the next available session.
Please report to the Front Desk on the Fourth Floor of the Memorial Union and bring with you:
- Your passport and those of your J-2 family members
- Form(s) DS-2019 issued to you and J-2 family members
- Form(s) I-94 for yourself and J-2 family members
- Your current address in the U.S. (even if it is temporary)
- Phone number for the person ISSO would call if you have a personal emergency
- Name, phone, and e-mail address for ISU faculty host
At the ISSO Scholar Check-In Session, we will amend the program start date on your DS-2019 to the first business day after your arrival in the U.S. If you arrive before your DS-2019 start date, we will get approval from your supervisor before making this change. You will be enrolled in the ISU Student and Scholar Health Insurance coverage from that date in compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations. We will also review your documents and help you complete required university forms and access necessary university services. Finally, we will provide information about ISU, the City of Ames, and answer any questions you may have.