New Students

International students who plan to study at Oxford College as an F-1 visa student must receive an Emory Form I-20. A Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 status, (I-20) is an official U.S. government immigration document.  An I-20 is required to obtain an F-1 visa and to maintain F-1 status while in the U.S. 

To receive an Emory I-20, Oxford College international students must:

1. Be admitted and submit their enrollment deposit to Oxford College,
2. Complete the Initial I-20 Request in ISSS Link, and 
3. Upload to ISSS Link copies of their passports and proof of financial support equal to at least the estimated annual cost of attendance at Emory University.

Detailed instructions and the link to the ISSS Link portal will be emailed to newly admitted students after the enrollment deposit deadline.  The ISP will issue I-20s after required documents have been received and approved.

Inquiries about I-20s should be sent to OxISP@emory.edu. 

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows non-U.S. citizens to study at an accredited college or university in the United States. F-1 visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Rather, it allows travel to a U.S. port-of-entry to request permission from a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent to enter the country. An F-1 visa is not renewable from within the U.S. Canadian citizens are not required to have an F-1 visa for entry as an F-1 student.

Locate the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for an F-1 visa. Learn what the F-1 visa requirements are and how to apply. Allow plenty of time for the processing of your visa application.

Steps of the F-1 Visa Application Process

1. Receive your Emory I-20: Ensure the information on your I-20 is correct and the spelling of your name is at appears in your passport.
2. Complete the Online Form I-901 and Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Information about the SEVIS I-901 fee is located at Study in the States website. 
3. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). 
4. Schedule a Visa Interview
   • Review instructions for scheduling a visa interview at the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.
   • Wait time for an interview appointment varies among embassies and consulates. Check Visa Wait Times on the U.S. Department of State website or the local U.S. embassy or consulate website.
   • Be prepared to provide documentation and to answer questions about ties to your home country, English language skills, your academic background, the academic program to which you have been admitted, and your financial support.

More information about applying for an F-1 visa can be found at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website, at the Study in the States website and at EducationUSA Advising Centers around the world.

Complete the following tasks as you prepare for your arrival on campus.

• Submit the Admission Option Form and your enrollment deposit by January 15 for Early Decision I, March 1 for Early Decision II, or May 1 for Regular Decision.
• Obtain a valid passport if necessary. While in the U.S., your passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at all times.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print your receipt of payment.
• Apply for your F-1 student visa. Currently, citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to have an F-1 visa to enter the U.S.; however, they must still pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Upload digital copies of new F-1 visa, signed I-20, and new passport, if applicable, to ISSS Link. Select "Pre-Arrival & Orientation", then "Oxford Fall 2021 Orientation", and then "Submit Pre-Arrival Documents".
• June 1 – Deadline to sign up for housing and dining options at myhousing.emory.edu. Direct questions about housing to RES@emory.edu.
• July - Obtain copies of important medical records or prescriptions if necessary.
• July – Obtain copies of your financial documents that show you will be financially supported what attending Emory University. You may be asked to present these during inspection at the U.S. port of entry.
• July  – Participate in the Pre-Arrival Essentials Webinar. Date and time to be announced. ISP staff will be online to answer questions you have for us.
• July – Determine Payment Deadlines and how Payments will be made for tuition, student fees, housing and meal plans, and other costs of living. Plan to arrive in the U.S. with ready access to about $1000 to $1500 USD to cover costs during your initial time in the U.S.
• July 1 – Deadline to register for the International Student Welcome.
• Make arrangements for transportation to Oxford and local hotel accommodations if you will be arriving early, or will not be using the International Student Welcome airport pick-up service, or if you have family members traveling with you.
• July 1 – Submit required student health forms. Direct any questions to oxfordshs@emory.edu.
• July 1 – Complete mandatory health insurance verification online in OPUS.
  
• July 19 - Deadline to register for International Student Welcome airport transportation. 
• August – Print copies of your Emory University Student Health Insurance card and On Call International Travel Assistance contact information if you selected the Emory University Student Health Insurance plan. Travel with this card in your carry-on luggage.
• August 1 – Deadline to submit a digital photo for your student identification card, EmoryCard. This card is required to access your residence hall and to dine in the campus dining hall. Direct any questions to ox-financial@emory.edu.
• August 1 – Submit your final high school transcript to Enrollment Services, if necessary.

Additional Pre-Arrival Information

• Pre-departure information from EducationUSA
• Pre-departure information for Chinese students
• U.S. port of entry information for international students

• Pack Carefully — Visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration website to find out what items are prohibited for air travel. 
• Immigration Documents - Keep your passport and Emory I-20 with you during your flight. DO NOT pack your passport and I-20 in your checked suitcase. You must present these documents at the port of entry in the U.S.
• Clothes — The weather in Georgia changes with the seasons. It is hot in the summer with an average temperature range of 22 to 31 degrees Celcius (72-98 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold in the winter with an average temperature range of 7 to 12 degrees Celcius (45-54 degrees Fahrenheit). It rains often in the spring and fall and sometimes even snows in the winter. This means you should bring clothing appropriate for all weather. 
• Fashion — There is no formal dress code at American universities, and most students dress casually in jeans and shirts. However, it is recommended that you bring at least one semi-formal outfit for special occasions and interviews.
• Mementos from Home — You may want to bring items and photos that remind you of home. You may also want to bring traditional dress from your country for cultural events, festivals or special occasions. This is a great way to share your culture with others on campus.
• Household Items — Plan on purchasing most of your household items (small electrical appliances, kitchenware, bed sheets, towels, etc.) after you arrive. Residential Education & Services provides a list of items students often find helpful to own in the residence halls. 
• Valuables — We recommend that you pack valuable items in your carry-on bag in the event your suitcase gets lost or misplaced during your flight. 
• Important Documents — Consider having your important documents (school transcripts, medication prescriptions, etc.) translated into English before you leave your county.
• Medications and Prescriptions - Bring any medicine that you are familiar with until you find a U.S. equivalent and become accustomed to medicines available in the U.S.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) - Drivers with valid "out of country" licenses may drive in Georgia for up to one year with that license. However, if the license is not printed in English, the driver will need a valid International Driving Permit. If you are considering obtaining an IDP, do so prior to arriving in the U.S. 
• Cash and Traveler's Checks - It is a good idea to have funds on hand to cover immediate costs upon arrival such as purchases for your room, textbooks, cell phones, and opening a bank account. We recommend at least $1000. Do not pack cash or checks in your checked luggage; keep your money with you during your flight.