Welcome to Aggieland!
This page will tell you what you need to know to get started at Texas A&M University or a Texas A&M System Member.
Fulbright Scholars and Student Interns should check with their Fulbright representative for information. You can find some info on the Fulbright page.
Resources
For more resources while living in the U.S. click here.
Check in with ISSS
You are required to do a check-in with ISSS after you get to the U.S. You will need to email the following documents to j1scholars@tamu.edu for your check-in:
- I-94 (select the “Get your Most Recent I-94” option – you will need your passport number)
- Signed DS-2019
- A copy of your J-1 visa
- J-1 Registration Form
- You must also submit the following document if you haven't already:
- Proof of Health Insurance Coverage - Including insurance for all J-2 dependents, if applicable
- If you are enrolling in TAMU's healthcare plan, please send up a screenshot of your coverage enrollment screen from Workday
- Learn more about J-1 Insurance Requirements
- Proof of Health Insurance Coverage - Including insurance for all J-2 dependents, if applicable
- If you have J-2 dependents, you will also need to submit copies of their J-2 visas, I-94s, and signed J-2 DS-2019s.
ISSS will add the documents to your record and activate your J-1 status. We will also have a welcome bag to give you! You can pick up the bag in person or we can mail it to you.
A mandatory virtual orientation is also included with your check-in. Orientations will be held through zoom at: https://tamu.zoom.us/j/93484587447?pwd=NDJtWGRqSjJzZjREKzVOQ0VhblhKQT09.
All orientations will start at 4pm CST. Please attend the earliest orientation date you can after your arrival in the U.S.
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Reminder for Host Departments
You are required to pay the $350 Operational Fee for your J-1 exchange visitor. If you have not paid the fee yet, you can do so at Flywire.- If the J-1 exchange visitor was outside the U.S., the host must pay the fee within 30 days after the visitor arrives in the United States.
- If the J-1 exchange visitor was transferring from another U.S. institution, the host must pay the fee within 30 days after their start date at Texas A&M University.
Universal Identification Number (UIN)
A Universal Identification Number (UIN) is assigned by Texas A&M to applicants, employees and affiliates. It is used in place of Social Security numbers to identify permanent records.
Your hosting department, HR office, or Export Control office will issue your UIN. If you are unsure who can assist you, please email j1scholars@tamu.edu and we can direct you to the appropriate office.
NetID
A NetID is the username and password Texas A&M campus members use to login to various systems and services.
If you can log in to your Texas A&M Gmail account or the Howdy Portal, then you already have a NetID! Your NetID is the first part of your @tamu.edu email address. Some services like Howdy or Gateway allow you to use your UIN instead of your NetID username to login.
If you have never logged in to these services, you may need to activate your NetID by visiting the Aggie Account Gateway. Click Claim Your NetID under New To Texas A&M? If you receive error "Your account has already been activated." but don't know your NetID you can call Help Desk Central at (979) 845-8300 for assistance recovering your login credentials.
How do I get a NetID?
Your hosting department, HR office, or Export Control office will generate your NetID. After the NetID is generated, you must activate or “claim” it before you can use it. If you are unsure who can assist you, please email j1scholars@tamu.edu and we can direct you to the appropriate office.
Aggie Card
The Aggie Card is your official ID at Texas A&M University. It shows your status as a member of the Aggie family. It is important for you to keep your Aggie Card on you at all times. It will allow you to access numerous campus services such as your assigned lab or department building.
- Employees: Your department will help you order a card
- Non-employees: ISSS will help you order the card
NOTE -
Not all J-1 scholars will need an Aggie Card. Your hosting department will determine if an Aggie Card is needed for you. Your hosting department, HR office, or Export Control office will issue your Aggie Card. If you are unsure who can assist you, please email j1scholars@tamu.edu and we can direct you to the appropriate office.
Social Security Number
All workers in the U.S. need a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a number assigned by the Social Security Administration or SSA (an office within the U.S. federal government). You will only receive one SSN and it’s valid for life. J-1 employees will need to apply for an SSN after they enter the U.S. and check-in with ISSS.
J-1 non-employees may also want to get an SSN if they will apply for certain benefits or services from the U.S. government.
You will need the following documents:
- DS-2019
- I-94
- A document that confirms your age (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- Paper or online, if eligible
- J-1 Student Interns only: SSN endorsement letter from ISSS
- Send an email to j1scholars@tamu.edu to request your endorsement letter
*Other documentation may be needed based on your situation
You may be eligible to start your SSN application online, but everyone will have to go to their local SSA office in person to finish the request. After you submit your application, you should receive a receipt through the mail within a few days, but it could take up to a week. Then, you should receive your SSN card in the mail within two weeks. You are allowed to start working while you wait for your SSN to be processed. You can submit the SSN receipt to your employer as proof of the application.
Review the Bryan SSA Office section below for further instructions about applying for an SSN and scheduling your SSN appointment.
Find even more info about the SSN and Application.