Obtain visa (Not necessary for Canadians)

When you have received an acceptance letter and an I-20 from Concordia, you may apply for an F-1 student visa. You will need several documents to support your visa application from a U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa procedures vary slightly from one consulate or embassy to another. Before you apply, check with the office where you plan to apply to determine exactly what you need to do. Several standard items are required for application:

• A current, valid passport
• An I-20 form
• Evidence of financial support for the period of time and amount indicated on the I-20 form
• Proof that you have permanent residence outside of the U.S.
• One or more passport-type photos
• A nonimmigrant visa application

Additional application materials may be requested by the visa officer to prove your eligibility for an F-1 student visa. These may include evidence of English proficiency, school records to verify academic preparation, and additional strong ties to your home country or of your ability to support yourself while in the U.S. An application fee or a short interview may be required. Visa officers assume that the person applying for a visa will want to immigrate permanently to the U.S. The person applying needs to show they only want to reside in the U.S. for a temporary amount of time as a student.

Make travel arrangements as soon as possible.

You are expected to arrive at Concordia University no later than the "report date" indicated on your I-20, item number 5. Concordia offers an International Student Orientation that international students are required to attend before the academic semester begins. Please complete the Transportation Form included with the acceptance letter and the $300 confirmation deposit. Without the deposit, your housing requests will not be processed.

Mail transportation form to Concordia University & $300 deposit

Gather documents

If possible, it is a good idea to bring important documents that relate to your academic, medical and legal history with you to the U.S. Obtain English translations of the following documents and make copies:

• Official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges or universities you have attended. Transcripts are an official academic record listing courses a student has taken and the grade received in each.
• Medical records, including immunizations and vaccinations
• Information about medical conditions or treatments, prescriptions for medications (consider bringing a year's supply) and eyeglasses (consider bringing an extra pair)
• Marriage certificate, if applicable

Obtain medical insurance

Oregon law and Concordia require all F-1 visa holders to have insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment. Concordia has an insurance plan that students can obtain once they arrive.

Buy travelers checks (recommended amount $1,000)

Bring with you enough money to cover the expenses of your first month. You will need to pay for tuition and fees for the first semester.

Bring photos and favorite recipes

You will appreciate having some reminders of home!

Label all your luggage inside and outside with your name and Concordia's address

Check with the airlines regarding their luggage policy

Reconfirm your flight reservations 72 hours before departure

Pack a travel bag with personal articles

Carry this bag with you for use in case your luggage is temporarily lost during your journey. Pack valuables in this bag.

Give your family a contact number in case of emergency

The number for the Department of International Studies is (503) 493-6248.

Toward the end of your flight, the airline personnel will give you several forms to complete for the Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS).

Please complete these forms and keep them with your passport as they will be requested when you go through customs. It is forbidden to bring certain items into the U.S. (fruit, vegetables, drugs, firearms). You will be asked to report the value of the things you are bringing to the U.S. Simply follow the directions on the forms. If necessary, ask the flight attendant for clarification.

Present your passport, visa, I-20 and evidence of financial support to the U.S. immigration officer at the airport.

After questioning you about your plans in the United States, the immigration officer will decide how long you will be allowed to stay. After this, you will be directed to the Customs Service for inspection of your luggage.

When you applied for a visa, you received an F-1 student visa. It's very important that you maintain your status as an F-1 visa holder. Duration of Status (D/S) is the period in which the F-1 Visa student "is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies, plus 60 days to prepare for departure from the United States. The student is considered to be maintaining status if he or she is making normal progress toward completing a course of study." F-1 visa students are admitted to the U.S. for duration of status and must complete their academic program by the completion date on the I-20 or apply for a program extension.

Below is a list of important documents (please make copies of all of them and keep in a separate place).

Document	Issued by	You can
Passport	home country	leave your country
F-1 Visa	US government	enter the US (stamp in passport)
I-20	university	stay in US to study
I-94	US government	arrival/departure record card (stapled in passport)

You can remain in-status as an F-1 visa student by:

1. Keeping your passport valid for at least 6 months. You should apply for a new passport if it will expire in less than 6 months.
2. Maintaining full-time enrollment and normal full-time progress toward your degree.
3. Being enrolled for at least 12 credit hours (6 for graduate students) except for last semester before graduation.
4. Finishing an average load every year (30 credits can include summer).
5. Advancing regularly towards graduation in you declared major.
6. Completing two consecutive semesters before a break.
7. Accepting no employment of any kind off campus.
8. Obtaining extensions, as needed, of your permission to stay in the United States.
9. Obtaining a new I-20 when changing programs/majors.
10. Making sure you meet eligibility criteria before you transfer to another school in the United States.
11. Having your I-20 signed by a Designated School Official, as needed, before leaving the U.S.
12. Understanding and following U.S. law and INS regulations.
13. Making copies of your passport, I-20, I-94 and financial documents and keep in a separate place from originals.
14. Attending the school you are authorized to attend (school that issued most current I-20).

We offer a special welcome to our Canadian neighbors who are interested in learning more about Concordia University. Given its proximity to Canada and its long tradition of receiving Canadian students, Concordia is a preferred destination for many Canadians seeking a first-rate Christian higher education. (Housing and meal plans are calculated in US dollars.)

The aim of this page is to provide information specifically for Canadian prospective students and applicants. We want to make the task of learning about Concordia, contacting Concordia, applying to Concordia, and coming to Concordia as quick and as easy as possible.

Immigration Issues for Canadians

For immigration purposes, Canadian students are classified as International Students. Canadian students intending to enroll full-time (for a minimum of 12 credit hours) must document funding for tuition and fees and will be issued an I-20.

Full-time Canadian students (with a valid I-20 and an I-94 card) are permitted to work on campus. International students (including Canadian students) are not permitted to work off-campus without first receiving special employment authorization from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration.