Landscape photo with students walking on path

Newly Admitted Students

Welcome to the Bryn Mawr International Community!

Congratulations on your admission to Bryn Mawr College! We’re excited to welcome you to our international community.

The International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) office is here to support you throughout the immigration process—from obtaining your immigration documents to preparing for your arrival in the United States.

Getting Started

Bryn Mawr uses an international student advising system called GPS to collect the information and documents needed to prepare your immigration documents.

Depending on your program, you will receive one of the following:

  • Form I-20: For students pursuing a degree at Bryn Mawr College in F-1 status.
  • Form DS-2019: For students participating in an approved exchange program in J-1 status.

What You Need to Do

To get started, please complete your GPS profile and upload the required documents, including:

  • A copy of the identity page of your passport
  • Documentation showing that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your estimated expenses for one year of study in the United States

Please review the estimated expenses chart below to determine the amount of financial support you will need to document.

Keep Your Financial Documents

Your financial documentation is an important part of the immigration process. You will need to present original financial documents during your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. You may also be asked to show these documents when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry.

We recommend that you:

  • Obtain several copies of your original financial documents.
  • Make sure your documents are official and clearly show the available funds.
  • Obtain financial documents that are dated within six months of your program start date.
  • Keep your original documents in a safe place and bring them with you when you travel to the United States.

When Will I Receive My Immigration Document?

Your Form I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued once you have completed the required steps and submitted all necessary documentation. Issuance begins in January each year and is based on your admission timeline.

We know that preparing to study in another country involves many steps. ISSA is here to help you along the way. Please reach out if you have questions about your immigration documents, visa process, or preparing for your arrival at Bryn Mawr.

Welcome to Bryn Mawr—we look forward to welcoming you to campus!

Estimated Expenses for One Academic Year

If you plan to remain in the U.S. when school is not in session, you must consider and plan for additional costs for housing, food, and personal items. The costs on your immigration document account for the fall and spring semesters.

Arrival at Bryn Mawr

All incoming first-year international students are strongly urged to arrange their travel schedules so that they can arrive in time for the International Student Arrival Day on August 24, 2027. For a full schedule of Arrival Day and new student orientation, please visit the Bryn Mawr Customs website.

If you arrive before International Student Arrival Day, you must make a reservation for temporary accommodations off campus. Accommodations are in demand at this time of the year, so reserve early. Please be aware that housing is not available on campus before Arrival Day.

Mandatory Immigration Check-in meeting and registration on SEVIS

Welcome to Bryn Mawr College! We’re glad you have made it safely!

All new international students entering the U.S. in initial or transfer F-1 or J-1 status are required to complete Immigration Check-In with the International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) office. This is an important step that allows us to review your immigration documents and contact information and register you as an active student in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

When do I complete Immigration Check-In?

  • Undergraduate students: You will receive information about the required Immigration Check-In with ISSA during Arrival Day.
  • Graduate students: The ISSA office will contact you directly to schedule your Immigration Check-In.
  • All incoming international students: Please complete your check-in within 10 days of your arrival in the United States to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status and comply with federal immigration requirements.

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the ISSA office. We are here to support you throughout your transition to Bryn Mawr and beyond!

For information on temporary local accommodations, please refer to Visiting Campus.

International Student and Scholar Advising Office 
Email: intl@brynmawr.edu 
Phone: 610-526-7390