International Program, New Student Manual

Information for New and Transfer International Students

International Programs (208) 282-4320 • www.isu.edu/ipo • ipomail@isu.edu

Table of Contents International Programs Office Contact Information............................................................. 3

Immigration ALERT!...........................................................10

Estimated Expenses Per Semester...................................... 4

Medical Requirements/Health Services.............................11

Manditory Orientation Program........................................... 5

SEVIS Fee Payment............................................................11

Academic Calendar.............................................................. 5

How to apply for a VISA......................................................12

Housing and Meal Plans...................................................6-8

Steps to Obtaining an F-1 VISA.........................................13

Transportation and Hotel Information................................. 9

Idaho State University Map................................................14

Travel Details Form............................................................10

When You Make It To Campus............................................15 International Student Pre-Departure Checklist.................15

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International Programs Office Contact Information International Programs Office 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8038 Museum Bldg. #12, 4th Floor, Room 426 Phone: (208) 282-4320 Fax: (208) 282-2924 ipomail@isu.edu

Other Important Contact Information Undergraduate International Admissions

8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. MST Monday – Friday (closed weekends)

International Programs Office 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8038 Museum Bldg., 4th Floor Room 439 Phone: (208) 282-3433 Fax: (208) 282-2924 Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MST, Monday–Friday Summer Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday

Summer Office Hours

Graduate International Admissions

Normal Office Hours

May 9, 2011 – August 15, 2011 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. MST Monday – Friday (closed weekends)

Staff

Ms. Maria Fletcher, Director Phone: (208) 282-4213 fletmari@isu.edu

Ms. Kay Durman Office of Graduate Studies 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8075 Museum Bldg., 4th Floor Room 403 Phone: (208) 282-2270 Fax: (208) 282-4847 durmkay@isu.edu Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12 Noon, Monday–Friday Summer Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12 Noon, Monday–Friday

Mrs. Kendra Cranor, Administrative Assistant I Phone: (208) 282-4213 cranken3@isu.edu Mr. Shawn Bascom, Intl. Student Advisor/SEVIS Coordinator (M-Z) Phone: (208) 282-4320 bascshaw@isu.edu Mr. Jesse Kiboko, Intl. Student Advisor/SEVIS Coordinator (A-L) Phone: (208) 282-4320 kibojess@isu.edu Mr. Gene Denning, International Admissions Specialist Phone: (208) 282-4320 denngene@isu.edu

Find us on Skype, Facebook and Twitter: search ISUIPO.

Mr. Omar Raudez International Recruiter/Study Abroad Coordinator Phone: (208) 282-4320 raudomar@isu.edu

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Estimated Expenses Per Semester 1. Estimate Cost of Student Expenses in U. S. Dollars Expenses

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

Non-Resident Tuition

$12,332 per year

$12,332 per year

In-State Tuition

$7,472 per year

$6,344 per year

Room And Board

$5,497 per year

$5,497 per year

Health Insurance

$2,028 per year

$2,028 per year

Books & Supplies

$1,800 per year

$1,800 per year

Total

$29,129

$28,001

2. Estimated Cost of Student Expenses with Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship Expenses

Graduate Student

Undergraduate Students

Non-Resident Tuition

Waived

Waived

In-State Tuition

$7,472 per year

$6,070 per year

Room and Board

$5,497 per year

$5,382 per year

Health Insurance

$2,028 per year

$1,850 per year

Books and Supplies

$1,800 per year

$1,000 per year

Total

$16,797

$15,669

3. Estimated Cost of Student Expenses with A Room and Board Scholarship

For undergraduate students, the Application for Admission to ISU is the application for Non-Resident Tuition Waiver consideration. Completed application materials must be submitted by the scholarship priority date for priority consideration. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Non-resident tuition waivers for graduate students are awarded through the Graduate School at Idaho State University. You will need to complete the Graduate Non-Resident Tuition Waiver application form included with the Graduate Admissions Application.

Priority dates for Non-Resident Tuition Scholarships are February 15 Spring Semester, and November 1 for Fall Semester.

Payment Options

ISU is pleased to be able to offer the preferred payment option of foreign wire transfers. For detailed steps on how to use this option or for other payment options please go to ISU’s Student Financial Services Website at www.isu.edu/finserv/Travelex.shtml.

To view your school fees as well as register for classes you will need to log into your BengalWeb.

BengalWeb

Expenses

Graduate Student

Undergraduate Students

BengalWeb is your personal ISU Portal and the way for all students to register for classes, pay fees, and receive student status updates and much more.

Non-Resident Tuition

$12,332 per year

$12,332 per year

To log into your BengalWeb:

In-State Fee

$7,472 per year

$6,344 per year

Room and Board

Waived

Waived

Health Insurance

$2,028 per year

$2,028 per year

• Go to Idaho State Universities’ home page at www.isu.edu and look on the right hand side to locate the link.

• Or you can go directly to the link at bengalweb.isu.edu .

Books and Supplies

$1,800 per year

$1,800 per year

Total

$23,632

$22,504

If you bring a check payable to Idaho State University in U.S. FUNDS DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK, for more than you will owe upon fee payment, you will receive a refund for the overpayment after a short waiting period. Please note that checks payable to ISU for more than $10,000 U.S. DOLLARS WILL NOT be accepted.

Depending upon your lifestyle, you should plan on an additional $100-300 per month for personal expenses. Pocatello’s cost of living is very moderate. It is important that you bring adequate US cash for your expenses for the first two weeks.

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Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship Information

ATTENTION

To log into your BengalWeb you will need the student ID and Username provided in your ISU Admissions letter.

Mandatory Orientation Program You Must Attend Orientation

Our orientation program involves a review of academic expectations, employment, class advising, safety, immigration dos & don’ts, culture shock, etc. In addition, students will also have the chance to shop for necessary items (food, linens, and sundry items) and there will be a welcome party or other event to meet current students.

Academic Notes

Please note that ALL NEW Freshmen and NEW Transfer students attending Idaho State University cannot register for classes until they complete the online advising sessions at www.isu.edu/advising.

Graduate students must meet with an academic advisor in their department in order to plan each semester’s schedule. All incoming freshmen (first year university students) are required to take the Math and English placement exams ($5.00 per exam) unless they have SAT or ACT scores before registering for Math and English classes. More information about these placement exams will be given to you during the registration period.

Academic information useful to students: • Number of classes student takes per term: 4-5 (undergraduate); 3-4 (graduate) • Number of credit hours per week required for F-1 and J-1 visa holders: 12 (undergraduate); 9 (graduate). 1 credit = 50 minutes of instruction time per week.

• Number of weeks per term: 16

Academic Calendar Fall Semester 2013 August 11-20 August 21-22

Official International Studetn Arrival Dates Mandatory International Student Orientation

August 26 August 30 September 2 September 9

Fall classes begin Last day to add/drop early 8-week courses Labor Day holiday (no classes) Last day to register, add/drop, change section, or audit full semester courses September 9 Last day to submit Idaho Residency Determination Worksheet with documentation to Office of the Registrar to declare Idaho residency September 27 Last day to WITHDRAW from early 8-week courses October 7 Early 8-week course grading opens October 14-18 Mid-term week October 18 Seniors: Last day to file application for December graduation October 21 Late 8-week courses begin October 22 Early 8-week course grading closes at 5 p.m.

October 25 Last day to add/drop late 8-week courses October 28 Spring 2014 Class Schedule online (subject to change) November 1 Last day to WITHDRAW from full semester courses November 11 Class level registration begins for Spring 2014 (subject to change) November 22 Last day to WITHDRAW from late 8-week courses November 25-29 Fall recess (no classes, Thanksgiving Break) December 9 Late 8-week and full semester course grading opens December 9-13 Closed week December 13 Summer 2014 Class Schedule online (subject to change) December 16-20 Final examinations

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Housing Options for Idaho State University Idaho State University encourages all new international students to live on campus at least for the first year in order to ease the transition into a new culture, academic system and living environment.

On campus housing will give you an opportunity to live in a community of students from all over Idaho, the United States, and the world.

University Housing and Meal Plan Costs

Note: The following rates are subject to change for the 2013-2014 academic years.

Charges for Meal Plans

Semester rates Meal Plans provide nutritional and convenient meals for our students without all the hassle of cooking and cleaning the dishes.

Students can use their meal plan at GT Dining Hall, Rendezvous Food Court, and the Pond Student Union. Meal Swipes are only used at GT Dining Hall. GT Dining Hall is a cafeteria style dining facility with all you can eat, while Rendezvous and the Student Union are a la carte (pay per item). A meal plan is required for residence hall students unless they are in their junior year or beyond. Students can change their meal plan through the end of the second week of classes. If a student runs out of flex dollars they can add more money to their account by contacting Chartwells at (208) 282-5831.

Students in apartments may also purchase residence hall meal plans or commuter meal plans.

All-You-Can-Eat Meals and Declining Balance Options

Rates per semester, subject to change Plan 1: 100 meals/semester and $475 flex money Plan 2: 155 meals/semester and $400 flex money Plan 3: 215 meals/semester and $350 flex money Plan 4: 10 meals/week and $155 flex money Plan 5: 14 meals/week and $125 flex money Plan 6: 19 meals/week and $100 flex money Plan 7: 19 meals/week with no flex money Special Plans For sophomores only Plan 10: 75 meals/semester and $500 flex money Juniors and seniors only Plan 18: $750 flex money Plan 19: $1,000 flex money

$1,390 $1,590 $1,730 $1,495 $1,575 $1,715 $1,610

$1,134 $800 $1,000

Add 6% sales tax to all meal plans. *Unused flex money carries over from Fall to Spring semester if you have a residential meal plan in the Spring semester.

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Charges for Residence Halls and Apartments

Residence Halls are charged per semester, though the license agreement is for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). Residence Halls are best suited for new freshman (first year students) and sophomores (second year students) at I.S.U.. Residence Hall living offers a strong community atmosphere, student interaction through educational, social, and cultural programming. Smoking is not permitted inside any residence halls. Possession or consumption of alcohol is likewise prohibited. Hall prices include all utilities, basic cable television, and wireless internet (wireless internet requires an ISU computer account). Each hall has a Residence Director (a full time professional staff member) who supervises hall staff and oversees hall operations. Each building also has trained student staff serving as Resident Assistants and Safety Assistants. At least one staff member is always on-call to assist with any problems. A deposit of $150 is necessary in order to complete the residence hall application process. Total payment for residence halls and meal plans is required by the first day of class. To apply for housing please go online to www.isu.edu/housing.

Single Student Apartments

Monthly rates, sophomore level students and above, nontraditional students, or on-campus transfers only On campus apartments are available for older students, married students or graduate students (Subject to change) University Courts: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath West Campus: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath West Campus: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath; double occupancy West Campus: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bath; double occupancy Schubert Heights: Single Studio, 1 Bath U.S. Veterans have priority for Schubert Heights Schubert Heights: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath U.S. Veterans have priority for Schubert Heights Pulling Courts: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished Graduate students have priority for Pulling Courts McIntosh Manor: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished McIntosh Manor: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished Ridge Crest: 2 Bedroom Townhouse, 1 Bath, unfurnished

$500 $520 $610 $650 $415 $490 $500 $500 $585 $625

Housing And Meal Plans During Vacation Periods

Residence Halls

Rates per semester, subject to change Owens, Nichols, Redfield and Turner Hall • Double room rate: • Private Room rate (as space permits): • Rendezvous Center rate (suite style living):

$1,260 $1,670 $1,803

Charges for On-Campus Apartments

Apartment living provides you with an opportunity to live in a community of students and their families from all over Idaho, the United States, and the world. Apartments are available to non-traditional students and students who have already completed their first year of college. Smoking is not permitted inside any on-campus apartments.

Residents age 21 or older may have alcoholic beverages, but only in their own apartment. All prices include all utilities, local telephone service, basic cable television, and wireless internet (wireless internet requires an ISU computer account). Most apartments include a stove, oven, refrigerator, on-site mail delivery, and coin operated laundry facilities. Children’s playground areas are available at McIntosh Manor, Pulling Courts, and Ridge Crest. Each apartment complex has a Building Manager who lives in the complex. A staff member is always on-call for emergencies.

During Thanksgiving break (in November), Winter break (in December) and Spring break (in March) the residence halls remain open, but there is no meal service provided. Students who are enrolled in summer classes may arrange for summer housing. All summer housing incurs an additional cost. There is no meal plan during the summer break.

• If students arrive before on campus housing has opened for the semester, the student will be able to check in early with advance notice and at an additional cost. Idaho State University must have at least two weeks’ notice to plan for early arrivals who wish to stay in campus housing. Students who do not sign a housing contract by the official opening date are not allowed to remain in campus housing past the official opening date.

• These rates reflect the 2012-2013 academic year rates. Rates are tentative until approved by the Idaho State Board of Education.

Each rate shown for the residence halls is a semester charge.

Each rate for the apartments is a monthly charge. For more information please contact University Housing.

University Housing Department 921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8038 Pocatello, ID 83209-8038 www.isu.edu/housing email reslife@isu.edu Phone: (208) 282-2120 Fax: (208) 282-3786

If you do not hear from the Housing Department within 5 days of an inquiry, contact the International Programs Office at (208) 282-4320 or send an email to ipomail@isu.edu.

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Housing Floorplans

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Traditional Residence Hall

One-Bedroom Apartment

Studio Apartment

Two-Bedroom Apartment

Transportation and Hotel Information

Airplane, Shuttle, Taxi

Airport Code for Pocatello Regional Airport = PIH Airport Code for Salt Lake Regional Airport = SLC

Transportation information from point of arrival in Pocatello or Salt Lake City

Pocatello Regional Airport is approximately 20 minutes away from campus. There is a free telephone near the baggage claim at the Pocatello Regional Airport. Contact information is as follows: You do not need to dial 208 if you are calling from Pocatello Checker Cab Company Phone: (208) 200-8814 Country Coach Shuttle Service Phone: (208) 233-2551 Cost: Approximately $16-$20 from Pocatello Airport to ISU campus Yellow Taxi Service Phone: (208) 237-8294 or tinyneustra@gmail.com Cost: $8-$12 from Pocatello Airport or shuttle drop-off Salt Lake City airport is about 2.5 hours away by shuttle bus and about 40 minutes by airplane. The following services are available to take you from Salt Lake City to Pocatello. We recommend that you make reservations as early as possible.

By Airplane: Sky West Airlines (Delta connection) www.skywest.com Cost: regular fares vary, please check website

By Shuttle Bus: Salt Lake Express www.saltlakeexpress.com Phone: (208) 356-9796 or toll free at (800) 356-9796 Cost: regular fares vary, please check website

Short-Term Accommodations

Ameritel Inn 1440 Bench Road Phone: (208) 234-7500 Fax: (208) 234-0000 www.ameritelinns.com Estimated Cost: $60 per night and higher +tax Distance from campus: Approximately 5 miles Other important information: Free airport shuttle between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Call upon arrival at airport, identify yourself as an ISU student Red Lion Inn 1555 Pocatello Creek Road Phone: (208) 233-2200 Fax: (208) 234-4524 www.redlion.rdln.com Estimated Cost: $60 per night and higher +tax Distance from campus: Approximately 5 miles Other important information: Free airport shuttle Call upon arrival at airport, identify yourself as an ISU student Rodeway Inn (across from ISU campus) 835 S. 5th Avenue Phone: (208) 233-0451 Fax: (208) 478-1618 www.rodewayinn.com Estimated Cost: $45 per night and higher +tax Distance from campus: Across from ISU campus Other important information: No airport shuttle, identify yourself as an ISU student Thunderbird Motel 1415 S. 5th Avenue Phone: (208) 232-6330 Fax: (208) 232-6330 (same as phone) Estimated Cost: $45 per night and higher +tax Distance from campus: Across from ISU Campus Other important information: No airport shuttle, identify yourself as an ISU student

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Travel Details Form It is best to send your Travel Details Form at least three weeks prior to your arrival.

• Before leaving Home, you must complete and send the TRAVEL DETAILS FORM to the International Programs Office. Please complete and submit the form online at www.isu.edu/ipo/new/travel, or fax us the completed form included with your I-20/DS2019.

• If you would like to be picked up at the Pocatello* airport, please send the information at least two weeks before the free official arrival date. (*airport pickup is available only at the POCATELLO AIRPORT) • We appreciate receiving your travel plans whether or not you need to be picked up in Pocatello.

• Free arrival pick-up dates are available ONLY August 6 through the 15, 2012.

• If you arrive to Pocatello, Idaho outside the free arrival dates you are responsible for your own transportation to your oncampus or off-campus housing.

Please be aware that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations state that holders of F or J non-immigrant visas will not be admitted into the U.S. until a date THIRTY DAYS OR FEWER prior to the beginning of their program start date given on the form I-20 (F visas) or form DS-2019 (J visas).Therefore, please consider the information carefully when making plans to travel to the U.S.

IMMIGRATION ALERT! Be sure to carefully examine your documents before you leave the immigration area.

Please ensure the following: 1. That your family name, first (given) name, country of citizenship, and birthdate (Day/Month/Year) on the records match the information as it appears on your passport.

2. Your visa type, F-1 or J-1, should correspond with your status.

For example, an F-1 student should see F-1/DS stamped on their I-20.

An exchange student or scholar should see J-1/DS stamped on their DS 2019.

After careful examination, should there be a mistake, have the immigration officer correct the record immediately to avoid questions about status at a later time.

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Medical Requirements and Health Services

Sevis Fee Payment

Idaho State University students are not required to show proof of immunizations. Proofs of immunizations are not required for international students at this time. However, we strongly recommend Hepatitis A&B and TB vaccinations and suggest you travel with your immunization records and a copy of your medical history for emergency purposes.

How do students and exchange visitors pay the fee?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will accept payment from the student or exchange visitor, or from any person paying the fee on the student or exchange visitor’s behalf.

Currently there are two ways to pay the fee: 1. Credit or debit card when paying online at www.fmjfee.com.

Medical insurance

All students are required to have medical coverage insurance and are automatically enrolled in and billed for the university-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). This coverage costs approximately $1,014 per semester for the Fall Semester (subject to change for 2013-2014). International students who provide proof of continuous enrollment in an alternative health insurance plan based in the US that meets the waiver requirements are able to waive the SHIP coverage.

Visit www.isu.edu/stuhlth/insurance/index.shtml for more information.

Where students should go if they are in need of medical attention?

Go to the University Student Health Center at 990 Cesar Chavez Avenue (across from the Student Union Building). Make an appointment if possible by calling (208) 282-2330. For after hours or emergency medical problems, go to Portneuf Medical Center at 777 Hospital Way (208) 239-1000, next to campus across from Garrison/ Turner Housing complex.

Emergencies

For on campus emergencies, dial 2515 from any campus phone.

For off campus emergencies, dial 911 from any phone, including pay phones. It is free.

If you dial 911, and are not able to speak to an operator, an emergency team will be dispatched to the address of that phone. Do not dial 911 as a joke; you can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

2. Check or money order with a coupon printed from the online Form I-901 or with paper Form I-901 mailed to SEVP. For more information on fee payment options, go to the following website: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq4.htm#_Toc81222044.

DHS will accept payment from the student or exchange visitor, or from any person paying the fee on the student or exchange visitor’s behalf.

Other points to note

DHS will issue a paper receipt, regardless of payment method. If the fee is paid by mail, express delivery service for the receipt may be requested at additional cost. Persons submitting the fee electronically will be able to print a receipt at the time of payment. Receipts must be presented to a consular office at the time of the visa interview, and to an immigration officer at the port of entry into the U.S. It is currently not possible to pay the SEVIS fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or at a U.S. port of entry, or by any means other than those listed above. DHS is considering a wider range of payment options for the future.

The SEVIS fee is non-refundable. However, if the visa is denied and a subsequent visa application is submitted within 12 months of the initial denial, the fee will not have to be paid.

REMEMBER TO PRINT AT LEAST 2 COPIES OF THE RECEIPT You can now check the status of your payment online at the website www.fmjfee.com.

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How to Apply for a Visa To enter the United States with your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and attend Idaho State University in Pocatello Idaho, you must make an appointment at the nearest United States embassy or consulate and apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.

Before you apply for the visa, make sure you understand the rules governing visas. If a visa is denied, it is often because the student did not know the rules or was not prepared. We do not want this to happen to you. Please read what follows very carefully and send us an email if you need more information on our school of your course of study.

Understand The Rules

The most important rule may seem strange to you. The consular officer who makes the decision on your visa application is required to think of you as someone who plans to come to the U.S. permanently and you must prove that you intend to return to your country after completing your studies. U.S. law very clearly states that F and J visas may be given only to persons who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily. This rule is the number one reason for denials of student visa applications.

The other important rules are: (1) You must have a definite academic or professional objective. You must know what you are going to study and where it will lead. (2) You must be qualified for the program of study. (3) You must be definite about your choice of schools.

If you do not seem certain that you want to attend Idaho State University, you will not get a visa. (4) You must be adequately financed and have documents to prove it. Except in the unusual case when employment is particularly authorized on the Form I-20, you may not plan to use employment as a means of support while you are in the U.S. Attention! When completing form DS-160 (visa application form) and I-94 Arrival Record, please list the following as your local address unless you have already secured another local accomodation and know its address:

Be Prepared

Be sure that your passport is valid.

Be clear and definite about your studies. Be ready to say what you want to study and what kind of career it will prepare you for in your home country. Be prepared to explain why it is better for you to study in the U.S. than at home. If you need more information on the program to which you have been accepted, send us an email before you apply for a visa.

With papers, show ties to your home country. If your family owns a business, take letters from a bank describing the business to the visa interview with you. If your family owns property, take the deeds.

If you have a brother or sister who studied in the U.S. and then returned home, take a copy of your sibling’s diploma and a statement from an employer showing that they have returned home. If possible, show that an individual or company in your home country will give you a job when you return. If you cannot get a promise of a job, try to get a letter saying that you will be considered for a job or that the company needs people with the kind of education you are coming to the U.S. to receive.

Do not emphasize any ties in the U.S. unless employment is authorized on your Form I-20. Though limited work permission is possible for students in F-1 and J status (but not for dependants in F-2 status), employment is not guaranteed and cannot be used as part of your financial support for visa purposes.

Read your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Some of the rules you must obey are printed on page 2. Be aware of these rules, especially the requirement that you study full time. Look at the date entered in item #5 for reporting to the school. You must apply for the visa in time to reach the school no later than your program begin date! You may obtain the visa and enter the U.S. up to 30 days before that date.

Dependents

Your spouse and children may apply for visas with you or they may apply to join you after you come to the U.S., but only if dependents are mentioned in item #7c of your Form I-20. Please note that F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S.

Idaho State University, West Campus 745 South 5th Avenue Pocatello, ID 83209 U.S. Government officials are much more easily convinced by documents than by spoken statements. When possible, have papers to show your connections to your home country. The consular officer will take a very legalistic view. In the U.S. it is considered important to be impersonal when administering laws. This is considered rude or improper in many countries, but not in the U.S. where the ideal is to apply laws equally to all regardless of status or sex. Do not try to negotiate or discuss personal matters.

If They Say “No�

If your visa is denied, e-mail or fax us with the complete details of everything that was said at your interview. Tell us the name of the consular officer and send a copy of any written answer you may receive. Consult the following website for comprehensive information: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

Do Not Sound As If You Have Been Coached.

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Steps to Obtaining an F-1 Visa When planning to obtain a student visa, it is vital that you visit the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html This website will provide you with good preparation information. It covers the forms you must complete, what documents you should take with you to the interview and links you to SEVIS information (you must pay your SEVIS fee before you go to the visa interview!)

The site gives very comprehensive information.

To find the nearest embassy/consulate for your country, visit the following website: www.usembassy.gov To find out what the student visa wait time in your country is, visit the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html Please be aware that the Department of State has indicated that no student should have to wait longer than 2 weeks for a student visa appointment. If you do not get an appointment within 2 weeks of the application date, please let us know!

Please visit our website at www.isu.edu and research your major in the catalogs and the departmental website. Go to Academics and find the catalogs and departments. Then go to Prospective Students and look at the International Students website carefully. It has lots of information that can be useful to you. Idaho State University is an accredited university with highly accredited programs. This ensures that your degree will be recognized nationwide and internationally at the end of your program.

Be honest and try to be relaxed.

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Pre-Departure Checklist Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019 follow these steps to ensure a successful beginning at ISU. o

o

I have paid the SEVIS fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/ .

I have applied for my F-1 or J-1 visa at https://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types_1268.html. See page 11 for guidelines.

Students from Canada are not required to appear for a visa interview and may skip this step. o I have made Housing Arrangements prior to arrival • I have registered for on campus housing and sent the $150 reservation fee by visiting www.isu.edu/housing (see pages 7-9) OR • I have found off campus housing, prior to arrival, using my own resources. o I have completed and sent the International Programs Office the Travel Details Form using one of these two options: • Filled out Travel Details Form online at the International Programs Office Website www.isu.edu/ipo/new/travel OR • Filled out Travel Details Form included in my Admissions Packet and faxed to the ISU International Programs Office: FAX (208) 282-2924.

o I have completed the ISU mandatory online student F.A.R. Advising session and the quiz following each session. I know that if I do not do this prior to my arrival at ISU I will not be able to register for classes until it is completed.

In order to complete the ISU Online Advising you will need to use your Student ID and Username found on your acceptance letter.

ONLINE F.A.R ADVISING: www.isu.edu/advising/student/value.shtml Select the advising session that applies to your current status, either: • First Semester Freshman Fundamentals of Advising and Registration OR • Transfer Fundamentals of Advising and Registration o I know that the dates for the Mandatory International Student Orientation are August 16 and 17 and I have filled out the orientation registration form online at www.isu.edu/ipo/new/orientation. o I have all the proper documents I need to check in at the International Programs Office promptly after my arrival and understand that I will not be able to register for classes until I have checked in with the International Programs Office.

• I-20 or DS2019 • Passport • Visa • Completed New International F-1 and J-1 Check-In Form online at www.isu.edu/ipo/new/checkin .

For any questions or concerns please contact the International Programs Office: (208) 282-4320 or email ipomail@isu.edu.

When you arrive on campus The International Programs Office is located on the top floor of the Museum building. Building 12 on the campus map located on page 14. Our room number is 426 and we share an office with Recruitment Services. Just look for the sign in the photo to the right. If you see that, you are in the right place.

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International Programs (208) 282-4320 • www.isu.edu/ipo • ipomail@isu.edu

Find us on Skype, Facebook and Twitter: search ISUIPO.