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 a New Scholar Check-in session to occur after your planned arrival but on or before your start date. Check-In Sessions (in-person or remote) are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only. Check the Sign-Up Genius calendar carefully to make sure you know if your session will be remote (online Zoom meeting) or in-person (Memorial Union, 4th Floor, 2229 Lincoln Way) . These sessions start promptly and last approximately one hour. 

Whether your session is remote or in-person, you will need the following:

  • Your passport and those of your J-2 family members
  • Form(s) DS-2019 issued to you and J-2 family members
  • Your current address in the U.S. (even if it is temporary)
  • One emergency contact outside the US (name, relationship to you, email or phone)
  • One emergency contact inside the US (name, relationship to you, email or phone)

We will review your documents and help you access necessary university services. In addition, we will provide information about ISU, the City of Ames, and answer any questions you may have.