This is a brochure from the U.S. Department of State. You need to review the contents per government procedures.

Download here 

Health insurance is mandatory for persons (both the scholar and any dependents) in J status per U.S. Department of State and the South Dakota Board of Regent's Policy 3.14. You may be required to purchase insurance on your own. 

Insurance minimum requirements and a list of insurance providers, CLICK HERE. Other providers may be acceptable if they meet the requirements. You must have these approved by the Ivanhoe International Center before purchasing.

The insurance must meet the minimum requirements as specified by the regulations governing the J-1 program:

• http://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/how-to-administer-a-program/

• http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/eligibility-and-fees/

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Exchange Student are required to have 2 MMR (measles, mumps, & rubella) immunizations, and the meningitis immunization is strongly recommended. Learn more and download the form here: https://www.sdsmt.edu/student-life/health-and-safety/immunization-requirements.html

You must complete these modules BEFORE arriving in Rapid City

• Required Modules

You may enter the U.S. a maximum of 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. We recommend that you arrive at least 2 days before the orientation (see dates above) so that you have time to get settled.

Estimated Living Expenses

• Make sure you carry enough money with you for your estimated living expenses. Exchange Student

Keep orientation and these specific days in mind for free airport pick up to your place of residence. If you are unable to arrive during these dates, you must secure independent transportation.

Free airport pick-up dates. When you have your arrival information, fill out the Arrival Form.

• Fall 2025:

  • Monday, August 4 to Tuesday, August 18

• Spring 2026:

  • Monday, December 22

  • Tuesday, December 23

  • Friday, December 26 to Wednesday, December 31

  • Friday, January 2 to Tuesday, January 6

Here are some transportation options if you do not come during the dates above. Please note, you should organize/reserve this transportation prior to arrival:

• Rapid Shuttle

• City Cab

• Uber(May or may not be available at arrival time) 

• Lyft(May or may not be available at arrival time)

Carry these Documents when travelling

• passport with visa;

• DS-2019;

• Funding information;

• insurance;

• Campus Map

Federal regulations require all initial status students to report to the institution listed on the Form DS-2019 they used to enter the United States.

The last date to arrive on campus is one day before orientation. Students with extenuating circumstances must complete the enrollment exception form for approval to arrive after this date. Contact us for the form.

SEVIS Check-in

Students who arrive before International Orientation should report to the International Office within the first week of arrival in Rapid City. See SEVIS Check-in section with the dates, times and what to bring.

Those who arrive the day before orientation will bring their documentation during orientation check in.

Please note that SDM does not take any action in the SEVIS system until a student reports to SDM in person. This includes moving students from initial to active status as well as immediate SEVIS record transfers. If you are not moved to active status, it will have consequences on your J-1 record.

Each check in lasts about one hour

• Tuesday, December 23 - 11 am

• Tuesday, December 30 - 10 am

• Tuesday, January 6 - 10 am

• Thursday, January 8 - 11 am

• Saturday, January 10 at In person orientation

Saturday, January 10 from 9 am to 1 pm - CARA Ballroom

Ivanhoe International Center (IIC) coordinates a compulsory orientation for all new and transfer undergraduate and graduate international students. Orientation allows international students to become better acquainted with SDM, the IIC, as well as other international students.

Topics covered at Orientation (not in any particular order):

• Visa/immigration regulations

• Academic resources

• Health Insurance

• Employment

• Adjusting to new educational system and culture

Orientation is mandatory. Students are advised to carefully plan their travel so that they arrive in Rapid City before the initial start date on theirDS-2019.