The first thing you should do is carefully review your I-20 or DS-2019 for accuracy upon receipt of the "Welcome Packet". Immediately report any I-20 or DS-2019 errors by email to the ISSO at [email protected].

I-901 Form (SEVIS Fee)

You will need to fill in the I-901 form with information from your I-20 or DS-2019 form and pay the required fee. Most transfer or continuing students/exchange visitors are not required to re-pay the fee, except for a few unique circumstances. For complete information on who is required to pay the fee, see the SEVP website at: ice.gov/sevis/students. 

For most students, the SEVIS I-901 fee is $350 for F-1 visa holders and $220 for J-1 visa holders. You pay the SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com - make sure to print off the receipt to bring with you to your embassy visit.

Visit oakland.edu/activate for instructions on activating your official Oakland email and MySAIL (student portal) accounts. You will need your Grizzly ID from your acceptance letter. Set up both accounts immediately and begin checking them regularly. The ISSO will begin communicating with you regularly.

Pre-embassy Visit

DS-160 Form

The DS-160 form is the application for a visa to the United States. Locate the website of the United States embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa. Each consulate will be a bit different, but you are looking for the non-immigrant visa section. The United States Department of State has a frequently asked questions list that is regularly updated if you have any questions. Make sure you select the correct visa type. 

After submitting the DS-160, you will schedule an interview for the visa. To get an estimate of visa appointment wait times, use the United States Department of State's estimated wait time list. 

The embassy will let you know which documents you need to bring for the visa appointment. At the very least, you will need the following:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months into the future) for you and any dependents coming with you
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 for you and any dependents coming with you
• Bank statement, scholarship letter, or any other financial proof cited on your I-20 or DS-2019. These funds must be cash, or readily converted to cash on hand.
• Oakland University admission letter
• Proof of I-901 fee payment (SEVIS fee receipt)

Immigration Documentation

Make sure to get your visa stamped at the United States embassy/consulate in your country. Also, confirm the dates/personal information are correct, and match your other documents, such as your passport and I-20 and DS-2019. ISSO advisors cannot inquire on your behalf to the embassy or consulate, so you must advocate for yourself if a document is incorrect.

Students Who Are Canadian Citizens

Students entering the United States in F-1 or J-1 immigration status DO NOT need to schedule an appointment with the United States embassy or consulate to obtain a visa stamp in their passport. 

When entering the United States from Canada, do not enter as a tourist. You must present your I-20 or DS-2019 to the Customs and Border Patrol Inspector upon your arrival at the border, and be able to present financial verification (bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.), if asked.

Embassy Visit: Tips to Remember

NAFSA, the professional organization that oversees international educators in the United States, has created 10 bullet points to remember when applying for a visa abroad. These should be used as general guidelines when applying for a visa. 

The International Students and Scholars Office at Oakland University has also interviewed current students to gain a consensus of some general questions that you should be prepared to answer during your interview. In the visa appointment, you will need to explain your reason for attending school in the United States, how your field of study relates to your future professional career and any economic or social ties that you have towards your home country. Sample US Visa Interview Questions for your reference. The questions are also located in International Student Orientation, Part One on eSpace.

On-campus

Oakland University Housing has seven residence halls and two apartment complexes. Living on campus means you have access to laundry, meal plans, mail service and more, right at your fingertips. Living on campus gives students independence and a built-in community. Oakland University has consistently been ranked as one of the safest college campuses in the United States, and the overall safest in Michigan.  Housing can assist you in filling out the application, and selecting the right housing type for you. 

Oakland University Housing can assist you in filling out the application and selecting the right housing type for you.

Off-campus

Housing Surrounding Oakland University (Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Rochester)