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International Scholars, Faculty and Staff

Arrival to the U.S. and COVID-19

When planning your arrival to the U.S. and to Dartmouth, please be sure to review the most up-to-date information from both the CDC and Dartmouth to ensure you are able to comply with all applicable guidance for travel and admission to the U.S., and for beginning your program at Dartmouth.

Pre-Arrival Information

Scholars, faculty and staff must accept their offer of employment, appointment or invitation to come to Dartmouth before the immigration sponsorship process can begin.

When the offer, appointment or invitation is accepted, the host department or school will initiate the immigration process with OVIS. As part of that process, you will receive an email with a link to the iDartmouth system. When you log into the system, you will be prompted to complete a series of forms and upload specific documents to the system. OVIS will review the information you provide to determine your eligibility for sponsorship, and will follow up with you if any additional information is needed. The visa category used to sponsor you will be determined by OVIS in consultation with your department.

OVIS will send you the documentation you need to apply for the appropriate visa stamp at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens are visa exempt.

When you are issued the visa stamp, you will be able to enter the United States. There are specific rules regarding the permissible period of admission that govern each visa category. OVIS will provide you with detailed guidance regarding the rules governing your visa status and admission to the United States.

Your OVIS advisor will work with you to schedule a date and time for your OVIS check-in and orientation. This is separate from the Human Resources or departmental orientation. Check-ins are not done on a walk-in basis; they must be scheduled in advance. You must check in with OVIS before you can complete the onboarding process with Human Resources or receive payments from Dartmouth.