Your Next Steps

International Students and Scholars

Welcome to Oklahoma State University!

2 CONTENTS: What’s Next?...................................................4 O-Key Account................................................4 SEVIS Fee........................................................5 VISA Interview................................................6 Immigration Document Information..............7 How to Get to OSU...........................................8 Greeter Service...............................................9 Orientation and Enrollment..........................10 Check-In Procedures....................................11 OSU Math Placement....................................11 Healthcare.....................................................13 Housing.........................................................13 Financial Arrangements...............................14

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What’s Next?

Congratulations on your admission to Oklahoma State University and welcome to the Cowboy family!

You will find important information included in this book on your next steps as a newly admitted international student. We look forward to assisting with the transition as you become a part of the OSU Community.

Create an O-Key Account Your O-Key Account is your passport to our campus. Your username and password are used to access the student computer labs, Student Information System (SIS), online classes and your OSU e-mail.

O-Key contains personal and emergency information about you and allows you to reset or change your password at will. Instructions on creating your O-Key are automatically sent to students once they apply. If you have misplaced the information you need to set-up your account, please email the Office of International Student & Scholars at admissions-iss@okstate.edu for instructions.

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SEVIS FEE SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors before and during their stay in the United States. It is administered by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee that must be paid by all new students entering the country on an F-1 or J-1 visa. The revenue from the fee is used to support the SEVIS program.

SEVIS Fee requirements: For students (F-1, F-3, M-1 or M-3)

$200

For exchange visitors (J-1)

$180

For federally sponsored exchange visitor programs (program codes start with G-1, G-2 or G-3)

None

For spouses and dependent children (F-2, M-2, or J-2) of students or exchange visitors

None

SEVIS Fee Payment Options • Electronically, by completing Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, M and J Nonimmigrants, through the Internet (www.FMJfee.com) using a credit card.

• Through the mail, by submitting Form I-901, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency.

• School/Sponsors/Third party payments are allowed.

To ensure electronic verification of the fee payment at the consular office, non-immigrants must submit the fee at least three business days before the scheduled visa interview. This will allow time for the fee to be deposited and payment recorded in SEVIS.

A student studies on the library lawn.

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The VISA Interview You should schedule your visa interview as soon as possible after you receive your I-20/DS-2019, but no more than 120 days prior to the start of your academic semester. Give yourself as much time as possible to get your visa and make your travel arrangements.

Don’t forget the documents you will need for your interview!

• Valid passport • Your I-20 or DS-2019 • Letter of acceptance or Certificate of Admission to OSU • Bank statements showing you have enough money to pay for your expenses.

• SEVIS fee receipt • Other documents that can show that you are NOT planning to immigrate to the U.S. An F-1 and J-1 visa are non-immigrant visas, so it is important to show that you have connections in your home country and that you intend to return upon completion of your studies. Bring any evidence that you think shows that you plan to return to your country. This kind of evidence includes: o Family photos o Contracts o Degree certificates o Documents showing ownership of property

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o Photos of your home o Letters of reference (from an employer, for example) • Any other documentation your embassy/consulate requires—check their website before you go!

You may not have time or be required to show everything that you bring, but it is better to bring everything that might be useful rather than being sorry you forgot an item. Be prepared to present your information quickly. In a busy embassy, the visa officer may have only a few minutes for each interview.

Present your most important documents first and have the other things ready to show if you are given enough time.

Students studying in the Edmon Low Library

Immigration Document Information Confused about which documents are which? Check out this handy guide!

Form DS-2019 The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant J-1 Exchange Visitor Status is the Form DS-2019. This document is issued by the program sponsor (the university, government agency, or other organization sponsoring the visit) through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for presentation at a US consulate abroad to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. It must also be presented to an immigration inspector upon entry into the US. You must keep all DS-2019s issued to you.

The initial DS-2019 that you use when you enter the country and stamped by the Department of Homeland Security is an important immigration document. Copy both sides to keep with your records. If you lose your DS-2019, alert the Oklahoma State University International Student &Scholars (ISS) office.

Form I-20 (Certificate of Visa Eligibility) Students who (1) are fully admitted, (2) need a student visa to enter the US to study at OSU (except Canadian citizens), and (3) have documented their ability to finance their education will receive a Certificate of Visa Eligibility, Form I-20. This document certifies eligibility for an F-1 visa. You must apply for the F-1 visa at a US consulate abroad, and must show Form I-20 to the immigration inspector when you enter the US. The I-20 is processed and issued through SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

The initial I-20 that you will use to enter the US will be stamped by the Department of Homeland Security and is an important immigration document. Copy all pages, and keep them with your records.

If you lose your I-20, alert the OSU ISS office.

Form I-94 This small white card documents your legal entry into the US, and indicates your immigration status.

You complete it while on a flight to the US or at a US border crossing. At the US port of entry an immigration inspector will complete the form and staple it into your passport. Form I-94 notes your name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and the date and port of your arrival in the US. It indicates how long you can stay in the US. The notation D/S signifies “duration of status� and refers to the completion date on the I-20 or DS2019. Each time you leave the US, you surrender your I-94. The I-94 is an important form. If you lose your I-94, alert the ISS office.

Immigration Status This term is often confused with the visa. Your immigration status (F-1 or J-1) is determined when you enter the US by an immigration inspector and is indicated on the I-94. You may have many visa stamps in your passport, but upon entry into the US, an immigration inspector can admit you in only one immigration status. Verify that the correct status is indicated on your I-94 card. Unlike your visa, your immigration status may be changed in the US. The US Department of State provides further clarification on visas and visa status.

Passport Students in F-1 or J-1 immigration status must maintain passports valid at least six months into the future. You must extend your passport through your embassy or during a trip home.

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Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) SEVIS is a data-collection and monitoring system that interfaces between institutions of higher education, the Department of Homeland Security, US consulates, and ports of entry. Schools must regularly update student information in SEVIS each semester for each student, such as enrollment status, changes in address, changes in level of study, employment recommendations, and school transfers.

Visa Your visa is issued by a US Consulate abroad and placed in your passport. A visa permits you to apply for admission to the US. The visa may expire while you are in the US, but your permission to stay in the US remains valid. All international students (with the exception of Canadian nationals) who request F-1 or J-1 immigration status must have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa in their passport at the time of entry to the US. Your visa specifies the type of immigration status you will hold (F-1 or J-1), the date which you may enter the US, and the number of times you may enter the US before you must reapply for a visa.

The length of validity of each visa type is determined by an agreement between your home country and the US government, and is not related to the length of your program of study. Please refer to the US Department of State Visa Reciprocity Tables for more information.

ALTHOUGH F-1 VISAS MAY BE ISSUED BY US CONSULATES UP TO 120 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE PROGRAM START DATE, US IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS DO NOT PERMIT F-1 AND J-1 STUDENTS TO ENTER THE US MORE THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM START DATE. If you currently hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, you will not be permitted to apply for a visa renewal until 30 days or less prior to your current visa’s expiration date.

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F-1 or J-1 visas cannot be obtained in the US. You must apply for a new visa in person at a US consulate abroad. The validity period of your visa does not determine the length of time you may remain in the US. Your length of stay is determined by the completion date of your program that is indicated on Form I-20 or the DS2019. You are admitted to the US for “duration of status,” noted “D/S” on your I-94 card.

Stillwater

Tulsa Oklahoma City

How to Get to OSU Stillwater is a small city located in the north central part of the state of Oklahoma. The nearest international airports are 70 miles from Stillwater in Oklahoma City (OKC) and Tulsa. We have implemented a Greeter Service to facilitate your travel from OKC. There is no Greeter Service available for the summer semester or for Tulsa. You will need to make your own arrangements if you fly into Tulsa or are arriving for the summer semester.

Greeter Service ISS Representatives will be at the “Baggage Claim” Area at Oklahoma City (OKC) Airport at designated times prior to the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. Check our website at: http://union.okstate.edu/ iss/NewStudents/General.htm for a list of the dates this service is available. They will greet and assist you with ground transportation arrangements from the airport to the OSU campus by Airport Express Shuttle. The cost for each van ($112.00 + $3.00 for each additional person) is equally split among the passengers and billed directly to each student’s Bursar Account.

If you wish to reserve a seat on the Airport Shuttle please complete the OSU Greeter Service Form online at: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/GreeterService.htm Non-Greeter Service Travel to Stillwater from Oklahoma City If you arrive after 10:30 p.m. or on a date not covered by our greeter service, you may choose one of the options below to travel to Stillwater. This is NOT a FREE service and does require CASH for the fare.

• Oklahoma City Airport Express (blue van): This service is a charter service and thus available at any time of the day. Their office is located near the baggage claim area. The cost is approximately $100. If there is more than one passenger in the van the cost is split among the passengers. Phone 405-681-3311.

• Taxi Service (Yellow Cab): Phone 405-232-6161 Cost: Between US $110.00 and $130.00.

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Travel to Stillwater from Tulsa There is no ISS Greeter Service at the Tulsa Airport, but you may choose the following for travel to Stillwater.

• Taxi Service (Yellow Cab): Phone 918-582-6161 / Cost: between US $110.00 and $130.00

International Student Orientation & Enrollment International Student Orientation and Enrollment is the process through which you will learn essential and pertinent information on immigration, legal, health and academic issues. All new international students (including transfers from U.S. institutions) are required to attend and complete our International Student Orientation program.

Orientation provides important and valuable opportunities for you to get information that won’t be as easily obtained later on. Many current international and American students volunteer to assist during orientation so it gives newcomers an opportunity to make new friends upon arrival. You can find the current orientation schedule at: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/NewStudents/General.htm

At Orientation you will: • Learn about immigration regulations for international students • Talk with current students about the OSU Experience • Learn about university services

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• Meet fellow incoming OSU students • Learn about the health insurance program and health procedures in the United States • Learn about campus safety • Learn about US Banks including savings, checking and credit and debit cards Because the orientation process is so critical to helping ensure the success of our students, this program is mandatory. Failure to complete the orientation process will result in a hold on your enrollment for the subsequent semester, an additional $100.00 orientation fee and required attendance of make-up orientation sessions during the subsequent semester.

Please visit the ISS website at: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/NewStudents/General.htm for up-to-date information on your scheduled orientation.

International Students with Trisha Chaparala (far right), ISS International Student Specialist.

Check-In Procedures U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require that you check-in with the International Student and Scholars office (ISS) upon your arrival to Oklahoma State University. The ISS Office is located at 250 Student Union.

Please be sure to bring ALL your immigration documents with you when you come to the ISS office for check-in. These documents include your passport, I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019.

If you are a student sponsored by an embassy, agency or company, bring the letter of sponsorship complete with billing address and contact person to the Coordinator of Sponsored Students at ISS. This will ensure that you will not be billed personally for tuition and fees.

Once you arrive at our office to check-in we will make copies of your immigration documents, issue continued attendance documents and review the student check-in list with you. This check-list includes information on meeting with your academic advisor and enrollment, obtaining your student I.D. card, change of address forms, information on the required orientation sessions and any placement tests that may be necessary.

OSU Math Placement Beginning with enrollment for fall 2012, OSU requires prior college level mathematics credit (with a grade of C or better) or completion of the Math Placement Exam before enrollment in an OSU college level math course. The OSU Math Placement Exam assesses readiness for college level mathematics and provides educational modules for improvement of scores or a refresher before taking college math.

OSU Math Placement Exam information and exam access is online: http://placement.okstate.edu/math.

Please read the instructions and watch the explanation videos before taking the exam. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 405-744-5459 or admissions-iss@okstate.edu.

Who needs math placement?

The OSU Math Placement Exam should be completed at least three (3) days prior to math course enrollment in the following cases: • You do not have college level math credit (Beginning and intermediate algebra do NOT count as college level math) • You are not currently enrolled in a college level math course

What documentation of Math Placement is needed at orientation/enrollment?

Before advisers may clear math course enrollment, they must have evidence that prerequisites have been met through testing or other means. To avoid math enrollment delays, please read the following and be sure to bring the requested information to academic advisement/enrollment.

• If you have college level math credit with a grade of C or better and it has been submitted to OSU on an official academic transcript, you will be able to continue math enrollment as needed for your degree program. If you are uncertain if evidence of the credit has reached OSU, bring a copy of your transcript. This may be an “unofficial” copy for enrollment purposes, but the final copy must be on file in the OSU International Students & Scholars office at least one week prior to the start of classes.

• If you are currently enrolled in a college level math course, bring a print out of your academic schedule for math enrollment purposes. Following completion of the course,

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send official transcripts to OSU Undergraduate Admissions at least one week prior to the beginning of classes.

• If you have taken the Math Placement Exam within a few days of your enrollment program, bring a copy of your score report in the event your scores have not yet uploaded to the OSU system.

Where may the exam be taken?

The exam and refresher modules may be accessed through http://placement.okstate.edu/math. The site explains how to log into the system and take the exam.

• For students with an ACT Math of 19+ or an SAT Math of 460+, the exam may be taken from anywhere there is a computer with internet access and a printer.

• For those with ACT Math below 19, SAT Math below 460, or those who do not have ACT/ SAT scores to post, the exam must be taken in a proctored setting. A list of proctoring locations is listed on the http://placement.okstate.edu/math website.

If a testing site near you is not listed, you may use an internet based proctoring site or have a testing site near you contact the OSU University Assessment and Testing Office (405-744-6687) to establish itself as a certified site.

How often may the exam be taken?

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Each student is provided five (5) attempts without cost during an 11 month period. Following the first test, students may access the educational modules for six (6) weeks as a tool to refresh skills prior to taking their chosen course or retaking the exam. Additional tests and time with the modules are available through special permission from the OSU Math Department for a fee.

OSU’s 24 Seasons Malaysian drum troupe.

Healthcare Submit Your Immunization Records The State of Oklahoma requires all new students to provide proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B. TB testing is also required and available at the Student Health Center (in lieu of the TB form). For more details and required forms, please visit http://www.okstate.edu/UHS/ uhshealthhist.htm OSU’s University Health Services requires students fill out a health history & immunization form. This form is included in your acceptance package and can also be found online at: http://www.okstate. edu/UHS/immform.pdf Students should note that they will not be allowed to enroll in their second semester at OSU until this form has been completed. It is recommended that you complete this form before your arrival on campus. You can either submit the form in person upon your arrival at University Health Services, or you may send the completed form to: University Health Services, 1202 W Farm Rd., Stillwater, OK 74078.

Medical Insurance Medical insurance is required for all international students (visa holders) at Oklahoma State University, as well as the dependents of students attending on a J-1 visa, as U.S. medical care is extremely expensive. Medical insurance will be provided upon arrival. Fees for insurance will be applied to the 1st tuition billing statement you receive.

For students with existing insurance policies: You must submit proof of insurance to University Health Services (UHS) upon your arrival (UHS is located on campus at 1202 W. Farm Road). If your insurance is deemed sufficient, you will not be enrolled in the international student health insurance plan.

Students with existing insurance policies will need to fill out a waiver form located at: https://www.academichealthplans.com/okstate You will find the waiver forms for the appropriate semester of entry, Fall or Spring, listed under the “Enrollment� section.

Housing On-Campus Housing The OSU residence halls, suites and apartments are exciting, active communities that promote personal and academic well-being. All freshman are required to live in residence halls unless they are married, age 21 or older, or have completed 27 credit hours. Twenty-five residence halls and seven family style neighborhoods provide housing to fit every need. There are always exciting ways to get involved including study sessions, hall government and intramural sports.

Students should make arrangements for permanent housing before you arrive in Stillwater.

In order to apply for on campus housing, visit: http://reslife.okstate.edu or call 405-744-5592. Please note that you must have set up your O-Key account and be admitted in order to apply.

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Off-Campus Housing Non-freshman students may choose to live in an apartment or house off-campus.

To search for off-campus housing, visit: http://www.offcampushousingguide.com.

Temporary Housing Students arriving prior to move-in dates for their semester of entry, can apply for temporary housing.

Please check the ISS website for updates on cost and location http://union.okstate.edu/iss/ NewStudents/Pre-arrival.htm. There will be rooms available for you and your family members.

Students wishing to book temporary housing should contact the ISS Office at 405-744-5459 or via email at: su-iss@okstate.edu. Please note that there is a fee per night for this service.

Financial Arrangements You are responsible for paying all incurred expenses while at OSU. You need to become familiar with your government’s regulations for obtaining foreign currency and transferring money. Make arrangements in advance to have available adequate funds that will cover your expenses for at least one full year. Advance preparation is necessary because fund transferal, check clearance, and bank drafts may take several weeks. This will also help you avoid possible currency fluctuations/ devaluations. Processing procedures with the Social Security Administration may create delays in the issuance of social security cards and may delay the start of on-campus employment.

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One method of transferring funds is the cable transfer, in which you cable/transfer funds from your home bank (through one of their international affiliates in the USA) who then cables the funds to an OSU account.

Instructions for making electronic transfers to OSU: Bank Name: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. Bank Address: 100 N Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Bank Routing/ABA Number: 021000021 Swift Code: CHASUS33 Account Name: State of Oklahoma (for Oklahoma State University) Account Number: 627580558

Notify Bursar Accounting: Office of the Bursar at 405-744-5993 or by e-mail at bursar@okstate. edu. Provide the following information: the name of who is wiring, the Campus Wide ID # (CWID) or Student ID #, and the amount.

Be prepared to access funds to pay for the first semester upon arrival on this campus. See http://union.okstate.edu/iss/Resources/Forms.htm (under the “Expense Sheets” link for approximate expenses).

Employment As an F-1 or J-1 student you may only work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus. Violations of these restrictions could result in loss of immigration status and possible deportation.

Students planning on working while at OSU must attend Employment Sessions listed on your orientation schedule which will be available at the time of registration with ISS (several times and dates will be offered for your convenience). Sponsored Students must see the Coordinator of Sponsored Student Programs prior to employment.

Additional Information The International Students & Scholars website is always the best resource for up-to-date information on pre-arrival information. It is highly recommended that you read through the “New Student Information� section of our website carefully. It contains additional information of particular interest for new students. Visit us at http://iss.okstate.edu.

For any questions, please contact us via e-mail or by phone Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS) Oklahoma State University 250 Student Union Stillwater OK 74078 U.S.A.

Telephone: (405) 744-5459 Fax: (405) 744-8120 Email: su-iss@okstate.edu

Website: http://iss.okstate.edu If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Note: If you are unable to arrive on campus to complete your enrollment by 5:00pm on the final day of enrollment, you must contact OSU to have your application considered for a future semester.

Undergraduates please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (contact information listed above). Graduates please contact the Graduate College at grad-i@okstate.edu. An admissions officer will review the status of your application and advise whether further documentation is required.

International students at the Welcome Back dance party.

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