International Pre-Arrival and Orientation

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1. Review Your Conditional Offer Letter and Submit Missing Documents
   Your conditional offer letter outlines any missing documents or next steps needed to complete your admission process. Carefully read through the letter, note any documents CSU still requires from you, and submit all outstanding materials as soon as possible. The University needs all required documents on file before proceeding with your I-20 or final admission.
    
2. Submit Your I-20 Request Form and Financial Documentation
   To receive an I-20 (which is required to apply for a U.S. student visa), you must show proof of financial support for at least one year of study. Complete the I-20 Request Form and include your financial documents based on the appropriate form:
   • Undergraduate Certificate of Finances (if you’re an undergraduate student)
   • Graduate Certificate of Finances (if you’re a graduate student)
      
3. Wait for the University to Process Your I-20.
   Once your I-20 Request Form and financial documents are received, the University will begin processing your I-20. It typically takes a minimum of 10 business days for the I-20 to be issued and emailed to you.
    
4. Apply for Your Visa
   As soon as you receive your I-20, you are eligible to apply for your student visa (F-1 visa) at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Follow the visa application steps promptly to schedule your visa interview and complete all requirements.

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After you receive your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

1. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
2. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

1. Complete your Visa Application.
2. Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee, a general fee associated with F-1 or J-1 visa application processes that is assessed by the U.S. government. It is very similar to a visa application fee. You must pay the SEVIS fee/ I-901 fee before visiting the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for your visa interview.
3. Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and required documentation.
4. Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:

• Video: Applying for Your F-1 Student Visa
• Video: How to Prepare for a U.S. Student Visa Interview

Other links you may find useful:

• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the U.S.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Already have a visa, or you're already in the U.S.?

Check out these scenerios to follow the instructions that best reflect your current status.

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Pay in full at least two weeks before your arrival on campus to avoid enrollment delays.

1. Flywire: submit international and domestic ACH payments
   • Flywire payment options include international wires, international credit cards, and other country specific payment options.
   • Flywire guarantees the best exchange rates, offers 24/7 multilingual customer service, and provides payment tracking and an instant payment receipt.
   • Flywire will be accepting U.S. bank accounts.
2. CampusNet: CSU's payment portal

Helpful payment resources:

• Tuition Payment and Finances (CISP)
• How to Pay (Bursar's Office)

This action is required.

International students are required to live in an approved program residence. Choosing where to live during your studies is an important decision, and indicating your housing preferences is a required step in the enrollment process.

Explore on-campus housing options or review our housing resource page to help you get started.

Plan to arrive early so you have time to settle into housing and attend international orientation before classes begin.

When can you arrive?
F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on their Form I-20.

Why arrive early?

• Get settled in temporary or permanent housing
• Adjust to Cleveland’s climate and surroundings
• Secure permanent housing before classes start
• Attend international orientation

What about transportation?

It's up to you to arrange transportation to campus or your new housing. Here are a few transportation resources.

Stay Connected
Consider setting up a U.S. phone plan before you arrive. Having a local number makes it easier to navigate, communicate, and get settled quickly.

• CampusSIMS: Get a U.S. number and data ready to use as soon as you land
• Bring your current phone: Contact a U.S. provider like T-Mobile for service options

Plan for the Weather
Fall arrivals (August) can expect warm and humid weather in Cleveland. Temperatures will cool from September (about 70°F/21°C) through December (about to 32°F/0°C), requiring layers and winter gear. 

Spring arrivals (January) can expect cold winter conditions—an average of 28.5°F/-1.9°C with significant snowfall—so bring or plan to buy a heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf and snow boots to avoid frostbite.

Students from warmer climates may find it more affordable to purchase winter clothing after arriving in Ohio.

Please take another look at your admission letter. If you see documents listed there that still  need to be provided to CSU, please bring them with you to Cleveland. 

Also, remember to bring with you:

1. Form I-20 (Please sign this document prior to leaving your home country)
2. Passport with valid F-1 Visa
3. Admission letter
4. Address of your temporary or permanent housing

These documents will help you upon arrival in the U.S.at Customs and Immigration control.

This action is required.

As soon as you arrive in Cleveland (before classes begin), you'll need to complete the below in order to maintain your F-1 status and remove your course registration hold.

1. Complete your VIC Check-In
   • Submit a VIC check-in request in the CISP Portal
   • Attend a VIC check-in session
2. Upload immigration documents in the CISP Portal
   • Clear picture of your visa
   • Clear picture of your passport
   • Form I-94 travel record
3. Update your local Cleveland address in CampusNet
   • Choose the Personal Data tab to update your address
   • Update as soon as you arrive to maintain your F-1 status

View instructions for uploading documents and updating your address.

📌 Maintain Your F-1 Status

As an F-1 student, you must follow all U.S. immigration laws. Failure to comply can impact your ability to study in the U.S.

Completing your VIC Check-in and attending orientation will help you understand these requirements and stay in-status.

This action is required. 

Orientation is mandatory for all new students, but it's a great first connection point to meet other international students and get accustomed to campus. Learn more about orientation. 

SAVE THE DATE
Fall 2026 orientation begins Aug. 17!

During orientation week, you'll meet with a dedicated academic coach to go over your educational goals and select appropriate courses for the coming semester. Once you've come up with a plan together, you will be able to officially register for your courses in CampusNet. 

In the meantime, review the registration and advising web page for helpful video tutorials and how to schedule an appointment with your academic coach.