Arrival and Maintaining Status

You must meet with a Center for Global Engagement advisor as soon as possible upon your arrival at Boise State University. Contact globalscholars@boisestate.edu to schedule a check-in appointment. We are located in the Simplot Micron Advising and Success Hub (SMASH) building. At check-in, you must bring:

All immigration documents (DS-2019, etc.)
Your passport with visa
Proof of health insurance (for you and all dependents)
Current U.S. address and phone number

Local Resources

Social Security Number

If you will be paid by Boise State University, you will need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). Therefore, if you do not have a SSN from prior work in the U.S. you will need to apply for your SSN after checking in with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement. It is highly recommended that you wait several days after arriving in the U.S. to apply for the SSN so that the government databases have time to sync up.

You can take your receipt that shows you applied for a SSN to Human Resources for I-9 purposes before you begin work.

Search this page with your zip code to find the up-to-date address and phone number for the local Social Security Office. Please visit the link below for further general instructions and what documents to bring with you.

SSN Application Information

Driver’s License

You may need or want to apply for an Idaho Driver’s License. You should take documents such as your valid passport, visa, DS-2019, proof of local address, Social Security Number (SSN) or letter from the Social Security Office saying you do not qualify for a SSN to the local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Please note you may be required to take and pass a written skills test and/or a driving test.

The local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at: 400 N Benjamin Lane, Boise, Idaho 83704; phone: 1-208-577-3100. Please visit the link below for further information.

DMV Website

Maintaining J-1 Status

There are important rules that you have to follow while you are in the U.S. on a J-1 or J-2 visa. U.S. Immigration calls this maintaining your status.

Maintaining J-1 status

If you will be traveling outside the U.S. during your J program then you will need specific documents to do so.

Travel Information

Exchange Visitor Program Contacts

U.S. Department of State

Office of Designation
Academic and Government Programs Division
ECA/EC/AG – SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0505

TEL: (202) 632-9310
FAX: (202) 632-2701
Email: AGexchanges@state.gov

Exchange Visitor Program Website

Boise State University

Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO): globalscholars@boisestate.edu, (208) 426-4285

Responsible Officer (RO): Ruth Prince, ruthprince@boisestate.edu

Emergency / Safety

Dial 9-1-1 for immediate emergency service (ambulance, police).

Boise State University Campus Security: (208) 426-6911, policeuniversitysecurity@boisestate.edu

Campus Security