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

International Programs

Information for New and Transfer International Students

International Programs Office Contact Information ............................................................ 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When You Make It To Campus ...........................................15

International Student Pre-Departure Checklist ................15

Table of Contents

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

International Programs Office921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8038Museum Bldg. #12, 4th Floor, Room 426Phone: (208) 282-4320Fax: (208) 282-2924ipomail@isu.edu

Normal Office Hours8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. MSTMonday – Friday (closed weekends)

Summer Office HoursMay 9, 2011 – August 15, 2011 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. MSTMonday – Friday (closed weekends)

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

Mrs. Kendra Cranor, Administrative Assistant IPhone: (208) 282-4213cranken3@isu.edu

Mr. Shawn Bascom, Intl. Student Advisor/SEVIS Coordinator (M-Z)Phone: (208) 282-4320bascshaw@isu.edu

Mr. Jesse Kiboko, Intl. Student Advisor/SEVIS Coordinator (A-L)Phone: (208) 282-4320kibojess@isu.edu

Mr. Gene Denning, International Admissions SpecialistPhone: (208) 282-4320denngene@isu.edu

Mr. Omar RaudezInternational Recruiter/Study Abroad CoordinatorPhone: (208) 282-4320raudomar@isu.edu

Other Important Contact Information

Undergraduate International AdmissionsInternational Programs Office921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8038Museum Bldg., 4th Floor Room 439Phone: (208) 282-3433Fax: (208) 282-2924Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MST, Monday–FridaySummer Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday

Graduate International AdmissionsMs. Kay DurmanOffice of Graduate Studies921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8075Museum Bldg., 4th Floor Room 403Phone: (208) 282-2270Fax: (208) 282-4847durmkay@isu.eduOffice Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12 Noon, Monday–FridaySummer Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12 Noon, Monday–Friday

International Programs Office Contact Information

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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 Expenseswith A Room and Board Scholarship

Expenses Graduate Student Undergraduate Students

Non-Resident Tuition $12,332 per year $12,332 per year

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

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.

Estimated Expenses Per Semester

Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship InformationFor undergraduate students, the Application for Admission to ISU is the application for Non-Resident Tuition Waiver consider-ation. 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 OptionsISU 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.

BengalWebBengalWeb is your personal ISU Portal and the way for all stu-dents to register for classes, pay fees, and receive student status updates and much more.

To log into your BengalWeb:

• 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 .

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

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You Must Attend OrientationOur orientation program involves a review of academic expecta-tions, 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 NotesPlease note that ALL NEW Freshmen and NEW Transfer students at-tending 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 incom-ing 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

Mandatory Orientation Program

Academic CalendarFall Semester 2013

August 11-20 Official International Studetn Arrival DatesAugust 21-22 Mandatory International Student Orientation

August 26 Fall classes beginAugust 30 Last day to add/drop early 8-week coursesSeptember 2 Labor Day holiday (no classes)September 9 Last day to register, add/drop, change section, or

audit full semester coursesSeptember 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 coursesOctober 7 Early 8-week course grading opensOctober 14-18 Mid-term weekOctober 18 Seniors: Last day to file application for December

graduationOctober 21 Late 8-week courses beginOctober 22 Early 8-week course grading closes at 5 p.m.October 25 Last day to add/drop late 8-week coursesOctober 28 Spring 2014 Class Schedule online (subject to

change)November 1 Last day to WITHDRAW from full semester coursesNovember 11 Class level registration begins for Spring 2014

(subject to change)November 22 Last day to WITHDRAW from late 8-week coursesNovember 25-29 Fall recess (no classes, Thanksgiving Break)December 9 Late 8-week and full semester course grading

opensDecember 9-13 Closed weekDecember 13 Summer 2014 Class Schedule online (subject to

change)December 16-20 Final examinations

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Idaho State University encourages all new international students to live on campus at least for the first year in order to ease the transi-tion into a new culture, academic system and living environment. On campus housing will give you an opportunity to live in a com-munity of students from all over Idaho, the United States, and the world.

University Housing and Meal Plan CostsNote: The following rates are subject to change for the 2013-2014 academic years.

Charges for Meal PlansSemester ratesMeal 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.

Housing Options for Idaho State University

All-You-Can-Eat Meals and Declining Balance OptionsRates per semester, subject to changePlan 1: 100 meals/semester and $475 flex money $1,390 Plan 2: 155 meals/semester and $400 flex money $1,590Plan 3: 215 meals/semester and $350 flex money $1,730 Plan 4: 10 meals/week and $155 flex money $1,495Plan 5: 14 meals/week and $125 flex money $1,575Plan 6: 19 meals/week and $100 flex money $1,715 Plan 7: 19 meals/week with no flex money $1,610

Special PlansFor sophomores onlyPlan 10: 75 meals/semester and $500 flex money $1,134Juniors and seniors onlyPlan 18: $750 flex money $800Plan 19: $1,000 flex money $1,000

Add 6% sales tax to all meal plans.

*Unused flex money carries over from Fall to Spring semester if you have a residen-tial meal plan in the Spring semester.

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Charges for Residence Halls and ApartmentsResidence Halls are charged per semester, though the license agree-ment is for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). Residence Halls are best suited for new freshman (first year students) and soph-omores (second year students) at I.S.U.. Residence Hall living offers a strong community atmosphere, student interaction through educa-tional, 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 serv-ing 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.

Residence Halls Rates per semester, subject to changeOwens, Nichols, Redfield and Turner Hall

• Double room rate: $1,260• Private Room rate (as space permits): $1,670• Rendezvous Center rate (suite style living): $1,803

Charges for On-Campus ApartmentsApartment living provides you with an opportunity to live in a com-munity 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.

Single Student ApartmentsMonthly rates, sophomore level students and above, nontraditional students, or on-campus transfers onlyOn campus apartments are available for older students, married students or graduate students (Subject to change)

University Courts: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath $500West Campus: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath $520West Campus: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath; double occupancy $610West Campus: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bath; double occupancy $650Schubert Heights: Single Studio, 1 Bath $415 U.S. Veterans have priority for Schubert HeightsSchubert Heights: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath $490 U.S. Veterans have priority for Schubert Heights Pulling Courts: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished $500 Graduate students have priority for Pulling CourtsMcIntosh Manor: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished $500McIntosh Manor: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, unfurnished $585Ridge Crest: 2 Bedroom Townhouse, 1 Bath, unfurnished $625

Housing And Meal Plans During Vacation PeriodsDuring Thanksgiving break (in November), Winter break (in Decem-ber) 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.

921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8038Pocatello, ID 83209-8038

www.isu.edu/housingemail reslife@isu.edu

Phone: (208) 282-2120Fax: (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.

University Housing Department

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Housing Floorplans

Traditional Residence Hall

Studio Apartment

One-Bedroom Apartment

Two-Bedroom Apartment

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

Transportation information from point of arrival in Pocatello or Salt Lake CityPocatello 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 CompanyPhone: (208) 200-8814

Country Coach Shuttle ServicePhone: (208) 233-2551 Cost: Approximately $16-$20 from Pocatello Airport to ISU campus

Yellow Taxi ServicePhone: (208) 237-8294 or tinyneustra@gmail.comCost: $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

Transportation and Hotel Information

Airplane, Shuttle, Taxi

Short-Term AccommodationsAmeritel Inn 1440 Bench RoadPhone: (208) 234-7500Fax: (208) 234-0000www.ameritelinns.comEstimated Cost: $60 per night and higher +taxDistance from campus: Approximately 5 milesOther 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 Inn1555 Pocatello Creek RoadPhone: (208) 233-2200Fax: (208) 234-4524www.redlion.rdln.comEstimated Cost: $60 per night and higher +taxDistance from campus: Approximately 5 milesOther 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 AvenuePhone: (208) 233-0451Fax: (208) 478-1618www.rodewayinn.com Estimated Cost: $45 per night and higher +taxDistance from campus: Across from ISU campusOther important information: No airport shuttle, identify yourself as an ISU student

Thunderbird Motel1415 S. 5th AvenuePhone: (208) 232-6330Fax: (208) 232-6330 (same as phone)Estimated Cost: $45 per night and higher +taxDistance from campus: Across from ISU CampusOther important information: No airport shuttle, identify yourself as an ISU student

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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 in-cluded 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 on-campus 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.

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 citizen-ship, 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 im-migration officer correct the record immediately to avoid questions about status at a later time.

Travel Details Form

IMMIGRATION ALERT!

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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.

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 noteDHS 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.

Sevis Fee Payment

Idaho State University students are not required to show proof of immunizations. Proofs of immunizations are not required for in-ternational 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.

Medical insuranceAll 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 approxi-mately $1,014 per semester for the Fall Semester (subject to change for 2013-2014). International students who provide proof of con-tinuous 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 ap-pointment 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.

EmergenciesFor 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 emer-gency 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.

Medical Requirements and Health Services

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How to Apply for a VisaTo 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 RulesThe most important rule may seem strange to you. The consular of-ficer 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 pro-gram 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 Uni-versity, 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:

Idaho State University, West Campus745 South 5th AvenuePocatello, ID 83209

U.S. Government officials are much more easily convinced by docu-ments 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.

Be PreparedBe 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 state-ment 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 autho-rized on your Form I-20. Though limited work permission is pos-sible 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 require-ment 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.

DependentsYour 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.

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 re-ceive. 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 VisaWhen 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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When you arriveon campusThe 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.

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

o I have paid the SEVIS fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/ . o 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. Ad-vising 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 ori-entation registration form online at

www.isu.edu/ipo/new/orientation.

o I have all the proper documents I need to check in at the Inter-national Programs Office promptly after my arrival and under-stand 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 Pro-grams Office: (208) 282-4320 or email ipomail@isu.edu.

Pre-Departure Checklist

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

International Programs

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