Pre-arrival guide

After you confirm your offer, you will receive an email from intoexp@gmu.edu with your unique university record number. Once you have this number, go here for instructions on how to activate your Mason Net ID.

Apply for your F-1 visa right away. To start the process, you will need to use the Form I-20 that will be sent to you by intoadmissions@gmu.edu

We offer a variety of visa support services through PASS, our Pre-Arrival Success Services Program.

How can PASS help you?

1. Attend one of our information and preparatory workshops. We offer different types of virtual webinars and workshops about the F-1 visa process. Check out our events page.

2. Register for a one-on-one visa interview prep with a PASS advisor.

3. Read more about the steps to applying for a US F-1 visa.

Living on campus? If you are required to or choose to live on campus, make sure you pay your deposit. You can do this through INTO Pay, your unique link on your offer letter, or you can go here.

Want to know your residence hall assignment? In order to get your housing assignment details, you need to submit your flight details through the arrivals portal (step 6 on this checklist). Your residence hall assignment will be sent to you in an email confirming your arrival details.

Living off campus? If you are not living on campus, you can search the George Mason off-campus housing website. You’ll need your Mason Net ID to log in (step 1 on this checklist).

1. Click the link to learn how to submit your immunizations online.

2. To access the George Mason Patient Portal, please click on this link and select George Mason University from the drop-down menu. You will need your active student account (Mason Net ID and password) to log in.

3. Finally, upload or submit this form online on the INTO Patient Portal. You may also bring the completed immunization form with you to orientation if you are unable to submit it online before departure. All immunization records must be in English.

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the links on your offer letter or go here.

So that we can support your arrival, we need your flight and arrival details. Please go to the arrivals portal to submit your flight details. Here, you will also be able to indicate if you would like us to provide you with an airport transfer to campus. This is available to you at no cost.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, the following link has a list of recommended hotels close to the George Mason campus.

You will take the Math Placement Test through George Mason's Mathematical Sciences Testing Center during your fall orientation experience.

Virginia experiences four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from about 4°C in January to around 31°C in July. You can expect cold winters, warm and humid summers, and pleasant spring and fall months. It’s important to pack clothes that cover both the cold and the heat. You’ll be close to many shops and malls in the Fairfax/Washington, DC, area, so you can easily buy extra clothing if needed.

You must have hard copies of the following documents. Electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.  

• Original Form I-20 

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Proof of Funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter, if applicable)  

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term 

• Health forms and immunization documentation 

• All medical prescriptions written in English 

• Official transcripts or test scores 

• Laptop computer (turned off)

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa is denied.  

You should arrive during move-in week.  

Timing requirements for F-1 students:  

Arriving early: as an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.  

Arriving late: if you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.  

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition to living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime.