New Students

Expanded Screening of Visa Applicants

Under new guidance, the Department of State will conduct of all student and exchange visitor applicants, including reviewing online presence. Visa applicants will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.”

  • All F, M, or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are “otherwise eligible,” will initially be refused a visa under INA section 221(g) and referred for further review.
    • This does not mean a visa application will necessarily be denied but it is likely that the processing time will be extended to accommodate the additional vetting.

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Change in Deptartment of State policy: Visa interviews required

On Sept. 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for visa applicants. This change is effective Oct. 1, 2025. This new guidance replaces the previous guidance released on July 25, 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and supporting you throughout your program.

Pre-Arrival Information for International Students

An international student is anyone in the U.S. on a non-immigrant temporary visa, such as F-1, J-1, H-4, E-2, TN, etc., taking coursework at CU 91Ҹ. U.S. permanent residents, refugees, and asylees are not considered "international" for ISSS reporting purposes.

International students must arrive on-campus in time to attend the mandatory in-person orientation program.

  • Check the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs webpage for updates on federal actions that could affect your visa appointment, approval, and travel to the U.S.
  • International students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on their I-20 (students in F-1 status) or DS-2019 (students in J-1 status).

Click on your student group below to access additional arrival information.

Undergraduate Students
First-year degree seeking students and students transferring from other institutions for a bachelors-level program.

Graduate Students
Master's and doctoral students including students transferring from other institutions for a graduate-level program.

Exchange Students
Non-degree seeking students on a short-term Education Abroad exchange program at CU 91Ҹ approved by their home institution (typically on J-1 visas).

Sponsored Students
Students sponsored by Aramco Services, KCO, Embassy of Oman, SABIC, SACM, SCO, or Fulbright.

New Student Arrival

Required Immigration Reporting

  • International students in F-1 or J-1 status should complete the Immigration Check-In e-forms as soon as possible upon admission into the United States but no later than the start date of classes.

Students who are transferring their F-1 SEVIS record to CU 91Ҹ from another U.S. academic institution must complete the Immigration Check-In e-forms within 15 days of their F-1 program start date as reflected on the Form I-20.

Fall 2026 Orientation

The required international student orientation for the Fall 2026 semester will be Sunday, August 16, 2026.

  • Attendance at the required International Student Orientation is essential, as it provides important information about CU 91Ҹ and helpful tips to support your success throughout your academic journey.

Fall 2026 International Student Orientation Schedule - Sunday, August 16, 2026

Venue:

Time ()SessionLocation (UMC)
8:30-9:30 AMCheck-in/Photo Booth/ Breakfast Buffet (light fare)/ Coffee/Tea/Music/BINGOUMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
9:30-9:45 AMWelcome - From leadership and ISSSGlenn Miller Ballroom
9:45-10:15 AMU.S. Classroom/Culture Shock Student PanelGlenn Miller Ballroom
10:15-10:35 AMIntro to ISSS services and website/portalGlenn Miller Ballroom
10:35-10:45 AM10-minute break
10:45-11:15 AMStaying Safe in 91Ҹ, CU Police DepartmentGlenn Miller Ballroom
11:15-11:45 AMHonor Code PanelGlenn Miller Ballroom
Send offExplain schedule for rest of day

11:45 AM-2 PM

Required for some

Exchange Student Breakout Session (required, with lunch)

Sponsored Student Breakout Session (required, with lunch)

UMC 235

Aspen Room, UMC

11:45 AM-1:15 PM (optional)Lunch on your own!ISSS SOAR Board Members will lead students to for lunch on their own!
1:15-2:15 PM (optional/tentative)

Activities at the Recreation Center (the REC)

  • Yoga, Soccer, and More!
The REC
2:15-3:45 PM (optional/tentative)

International Buff Campus Quest

Use your map and passport to explore important campus resources for international students. Visit each spot, collect a stamp, and return a completed passport to claim your prize!

Campus

Building a Community at CU 91Ҹ

Explore resources, events, and programs to help you make friends, get involved, and create a rich college experience.

Late Arrival Policies

All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to arrive to 91Ҹ by Saturday, August 15, 2026 to attend the mandatory in-person International Student Orientation program on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Check Late Arrival Policies and Dates

New Student Resources