Visa Information
I. Suggestions for Preparing for Departure
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 various documents to support your visa application at an 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 $200 confirmation deposit. Without the deposit, your housing requests will not be processed.
Mail transportation form to Concordia University & $200 deposit
Gather documents
If possible, it is a good idea to bring with you to the U.S. any important documents that relate to your academic, medical and legal history. Obtain English translations of all these 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 this 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.
II. How to maintain F-1 student visa status
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:
- 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.
- Maintaining full-time enrollment and normal full-time progress toward your degree.
- be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours (6 for graduate students) except for last semester before graduation
- finishing an average load every year (30 credits can include summer)
- advancing regularly towards graduation in the declared major
- completing two consecutive semesters before a break
- Accepting no employment of any kind, off campus.
- Obtain extensions, as needed, of your permission to stay in the United States.
- Obtain new I-20 when changing programs/majors.
- Make sure you meet eligibility criteria before you transfer to another school in the United States.
- Have your I-20 signed by a Designated School Official, as needed, before leaving the U.S.
- Understand and follow U.S. law and INS regulations.
- Make copies of passport, I-20, I-94 and financial documents and keep in a separate place from originals.
- Attend school authorized to attend (school that issued most current I-20).