Arrival Date
When should I arrive at KU?
Plan to arrive at KU by your new student arrival date. For F-1/J-1 students, check the program start date on your I-20 ("Program of Study" section) or DS-2019 (item3). You must arrive in the United States by this date. This date is before classes begin.
Spring 2026 - New Student Arrival Dates
- All new international students (graduate, undergraduate and exchange students) must arrive by - January 12, 2026
- Graduate Students with an assistantship needing to apply for Social Security Number should plan to arrive up to a week (or more) prior to this in order to avoid first pay check delay.
- review the New International Graduate Assistants page if you need to apply for SSN
Summer 2026 - New Student Arrival Dates
- information forthcoming
Fall 2026 - New Student Arrival Dates
- information forthcoming
How early can I arrive?
If you are in F-1 or J-1 status, you can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date (also listed on your I-20 or DS-2019).
How late can I arrive?
For F-1/J-1 students, check the program start date on your I-20 ("Program of Study" section) / DS-2019 (item 3). You must arrive in the U.S. by this date.