Preparing for your Departure to UND
Checklist for New International Students
□ Sign your I-20/DS-2019
o For F-1 and M-1 students, make sure to read the terms and conditions on your I-20, and then sign the bottom (# 11) of your I-20. You will need to print your name, sign your name, and write the date.
o For J-1 students, make sure to read the terms and conditions on your DS-2019, and then sign the bottom of your DS-2019. You will need to sign your name, write the name of the place you are signing it, and write the date.
□ Pay the SEVIS Fee
o The SEVIS fee must be paid before your visa interview. You may pay the SEVIS fee by credit card, by check or bank draft from a US Bank, by international money order, or through Western Union. The SEVIS I-901 website has detailed information and frequently asked questions about the SEVIS fee.
□ Get your U.S. visa
o If you are applying for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 student visa, you should plan to do this as soon as possible. New security requirements at US Consulates have increased the processing time for non-immigrant visas. In order to ensure that you have your visa in time to travel to the U.S. and begin school, you should apply for your visa at the earliest possible time. The U.S. Department of State website has valuable information about applying for your student visa.
o To find the embassy nearest to you, go to the U.S. Embassy website.
□ Arrange Housing
o Please make your housing arrangements before you arrive. The Office of International Programs (OIP) does not have the resources to help you in finding off-campus housing.
o If you would like on-campus housing, complete a housing application and contract with the required $35 fee as soon as possible and your housing will be arranged for you by the housing office.
- You may access UND housing information, applications and important dates at the UND Housing site.
- Students planning on living in residence halls will need to register for early arrival housing in order to attend orientation. Registration for early arrival housing is available on the housing office website prior to each term. Instructions on how to apply for early arrival housing will be sent to you about a month before the term starts. However, you will still need to apply for housing before this time.
- Please note that Brannon Hall is the only residence hall that is open year round. If you think you will need housing during the winter break, it is recommend you request Brannon Hall for your housing assignment.
□ Get in touch with your mentor
o As part of our International Peer Mentor Program, we will pair you with a current UND student who will contact you shortly before your arrival. More information is on the Peer Mentor page under Programming.
□ Prepare for living in the U.S.
o Education USA (a division of the U.S. Department of State) offers a pre-departure guide for students planning to study in the United States: http://www.educationusa.info/pages/students/getready.php
□ Make arrangements to arrive in Grand Forks
o In order to ensure that you can participate fully in the orientation, we recommend that you arrive on campus no later than the day before it begins.
o Your mentor will provide a ride for you from the Grand Forks Airport, Grand Forks Train Depot, or Grand Forks Bus Depot and assist you in adapting better to a new environment and academic system. Please communicate with your mentor about your arrival plans. Note that your mentor will not be able to pick you up in Fargo or other cities outside of Grand Forks.
□ Attend New International Student Orientation
o Orientation for new international students is mandatory.
□ Meet with your International Student Advisor
o When you arrive, you must make an appointment with the International Student Advisor at the Office of International Programs in order to get your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 signed. This form must be signed in order for you to stay in status with immigration requirements. At that meeting, you will need to bring your passport, I-20 form and I-94 card to be photocopied and filed. You can set up this check-in appointment at the orientation, or by calling (701) 777-4231.
□ Complete the Health History and Immunization Form
o Complete the Health History and Immunization Form by following the instructions included. Please bring these forms with you to Orientation.
