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Get Started Here

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Tufts Medford Campus

Welcome to Tufts University!

Whether you are coming to Tufts to study, research, or teach, we are here to help you get started so that your Tufts experience will be both memorable and successful. When you are ready, let's get started.

Checklist for Incoming Students

  1. Get admitted to a full-time program of study at Tufts
    • Learn more about admissions to undergraduate and graduate programs of study
    • Once you apply and are admitted to Tufts, confirm your intention to come to Tufts by notifying your admissions office
  2. After you have confirmed your decision to come to Tufts, learn more about how to get your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
  3. After you receive your visa document from Tufts, apply for your F-1 or J-1 student visa
  4. Plan your move to Massachusetts
  5. Arrive in the US in F-1 or J-1 student status
  6. Attend Orientation (undergraduate degree students can also attend Pre-Orientation) and confirm your arrival with the International Center
  7. Start your program
  8. Follow up with the International Center if you have any questions or concerns

Checklist for Incoming Visiting Scholars and Employees

  1. Receive your invitation or appointment to join Tufts as a visiting scholar or international employee
  2. Contact your department to start the visa document request process
    • Visiting scholars are self-sponsored persons coming to Tufts to engage in their own individual research
    • International employees are persons coming to Tufts to work in a teaching or research position
  3. After you receive your visa document from Tufts, apply for your visa
  4. Plan your move to Massachusetts
  5. Arrive in the US in scholar / employee status
  6. Confirm your arrival with the International Center and attend a visa orientation
  7. Start your program of research and/or teaching with your department
  8. If you are working at Tufts, attend a New Hire Orientation at Human Resources (talk to your department about date, time, and place)
  9. Contact the International Center if you have any questions or concerns