Pre-Arrival, Orientation, English & Health Insurance
Guide
Before and just after you arrive, your sponsor must give you certain orientation and arrival information and confirm that you meet a few requirements. Learn what to expect in this overview for pre-arrival, orientation, English, and health insurance while in the United States.
Written by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
An overview for pre-arrival, orientation, English & health insurance
Pre-arrival information
Your sponsor must provide essential information before you travel to the U.S.: your program objectives and activities, how to use your DS-2019, J-1 rules and responsibilities (including insurance), any employment terms, SEVIS/reporting/check-in details, and guidance on housing, transportation, banking, and daily life. Review these materials carefully and keep copies during travel.
Reference: 22 CFR 62.10(b)
Mandatory orientation
Every J-1 participant must complete a mandatory orientation covering State Department-required topics — including U.S. life and customs, local community resources, healthcare/insurance, your specific program details, sponsor rules and contacts, the Wilberforce Pamphlet on rights and protections, and the duty to report changes within 10 days. Orientation may be online, in person, or hybrid, usually around your program start; complete it as scheduled.
Reference: 22 CFR 62.10(c)
English proficiency
You must show sufficient English ability to participate in your program and function day-to-day — not perfection, but effective communication. Your sponsor objectively assesses this (via TOEFL/IELTS, a documented interview, or institutional documentation) before issuing your DS-2019, and has discretion in the determination.
Health Insurance
You (and any J-2 dependents) must maintain qualifying health insurance for the entire program, meeting State Department minimums. Failing to maintain health insurance can result in a termination of your program.
