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Pre-Departure
Visas/Documentation
Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa
At the time of your admission, Miami University will send you the SEVIS Form I-20 (for F-1 visa) or a SEVIS DS-2019 (for J-1 visa), whichever is appropriate. These forms outline the terms of your admission; you will need them when you apply for a visa to the United States. You will receive instructions on obtaining a visa when you receive your visa document.
SEVIS Fee - Before you go to your visa interview, you must pay the $100 SEVIS fee. For more information go to:SEVIS Fee information and http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm
Note: You must have the Form I-20 or the DS-2019 in your possession when you arrive in this country or you may be denied admission to the U.S. at your port of entry.
The International Student and Scholar Adviser at Miami will prepare either the Form I-20 or the Form DS-2019 (Exchange Visitor Program) upon notification that you have been admitted. Only those students who receive full financial support from the university or from the U.S. or a foreign government are eligible to receive a DS-2019. All other admitted students will receive the Form I-20.
You should understand that if Miami University issues the Form I-20 or DS-2019 that you use to apply for your visa, you must attend Miami University after you arrive in the United States.
Preparing For Your F-1 Visa Interview
This information is for people who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study. For information on bringing dependents to the U.S., returning to continue studies, or renewing your visa, or for more details on how to apply for an F-1 student visa, refer to the U.S. Department of State website, at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_students2.html
Preparing for your J-1 Visa Interview:
This information is for people who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study. For information on bringing dependents to the U.S., returning to continue studies, or renewing your visa, or for more details on how to apply for a J-1 student visa, refer to the U.S. Department of State website, at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html
Things You Must Do:
1. After you receive an I-20 or DS-2019 form from the school that you want to attend, follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate's instructions to schedule an interview for your F-1or J-1 student visa. To locate a U.S. Consulate or embassy, go to: http://usembassy.state.gov. It is important to apply for your student visa as far in advance as possible. Many consulates recommend that appointments be made no more than 90 days from the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements for interviews.
2. Complete the following forms (can be downloaded at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html)
(a) DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
(b) DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
(c) if you are a male between the ages of 16 and 45, you must also complete the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
3. Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. embassy or consulate's web site
4. If your I-20 or DS-2019 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 and is for "initial" attendance, you will also need to pay the $100 SEVIS fee before you go to your visa interview. Take your SEVIS fee receipt with you to the interview.
If you have any questions, please contact Molly Heidemann.
Deferring admission
To defer your admission to another term, you must provide us with a written request. For undergraduates, send requests to Deanna Carr (carrdd@muohio.edu). For graduate applicants, send requests to Janet Miller (millerjh@muohio.edu)
If your request for defferral is approved, you will receive a new admission letter and visa document.
If you have already received a visa document from Miami University and will be deferring you admission please return the visa document as soon as possible to:
Molly Heidemann
Office of International Education
216 MacMillan Hall
Miami University
Oxford OH 45056
What to bring with you
Immediate Need Items to Bring With You
- Clothing appropriate for the season: If you arrive in January you will need sweaters, a winter coat, gloves, boots, and scarf. If you arrive in May or August, you will need summer clothing and a lightweight jacket/raincoat.
- Toiletries: shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, a towel and wash cloth, etc.
- Credit Card: some international students find it difficult to get credit cards in the U.S. A U.S. Social Security Number is required and if you don't have a job (assistantship or on-campus job), you are not qualified to apply for a U.S. Social Security Number. It is best to get a credit card in your home country and bring it with you.
- Food: some snacks to have on hand until you go to the market
- Bedding: University housing offers residence hall rooms on campus to both undergraduate and graduate students. The University also has a limited supply of off-campus apartments that are available to graduate students. These rooms supply the following necessities: bed, dresser (drawers for you clothing), and a desk with a lamp and chair. You will need to furnish the bedding for your mattress which measures 80”X36” (called a “twin extra-long”) on campus. You may need to check on the mattress size for off-campus housing, but sheets, pillows and blankets can be purchased locally.
Other Items You May Need and Can Purchase in Oxford
- Alarm Clock
- Basic first-aid kit
- Laundry basket, laundry soap
- Sewing kit
- Umbrella
- Fan
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Extension Cord
- Dishes/Cooking Utensils for those who live off campus
- Iron & Ironing Board, Clothes Hangers
- Towels and Wash Cloths
- School Supplies: pencils, pens, paper, folders, ruler, pencil sharpener, etc.
- Backpack or Book Bag
- Computer and surge protector power strip
- Radio or Television
There is convenient shopping in Oxford as well as bus transportation within the city.
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