| Congratulations! We are really excited that you are about to be a student at GCU. We want to give you helpful hints on preparing for your travel to the U.S. and what to do once you are here. Please read through the information provided so you will be prepared for the details from applying for your visa to arrival and adjustment to life in the U.S. Obtain F-1 Visa - Instructions for Obtaining an F-1 Visa
When your acceptance for admission to Grand Canyon University (GCU) is complete, you will be sent an I-20 form and letter of acceptance. Follow these steps to apply for an F-1 visa: 1. Make an appointment with a U.S. Consulate. Find nearest consulate at http://usembassy.state.gov/ and arrange for appointment as soon as possible. You may apply 120 days before the program start date, but you will not be able to enter the U.S. until 30 days before the program begins. 2. Complete the SEVIS I-901 form and pay the fee. Click here for instructions on how to Complete the SEVIS I-901 form and pay the fee. The fee must be paid at least 3 business days before you apply for visa. 3. Prepare for visa interview Keep in mind, the F-1 is a non-immigrant visa which means you need to show proof that you do not intend to immigrate to the U.S. but plan to return to your country. Please see Ten Points to Remember in Preparation for the Interview. The interview will be very brief, so be organized and express your educational plans in a complete but concise manner. Organize Papers - Application for F-1 visa (see website of the consulate you will visit)
- Unexpired passport
- I-20
- Letter of Admission
- Receipt of I-901 SEVIS fee payment
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of ties to home country
- Academic records (for example if coming for Graduate program have diploma and transcripts from Bachelor?s degree)
Have a Plan Prepare a cover sheet for your application expressing your plan for study in the U.S. with short sentences in bullet format with career goals upon return to your country. Learn about GCU You will likely be asked why you chose this school and how it fits with your educational and career plans. Read about GCU on web at www.gcu.edu or by downloading the catalog. 4. Let us know when you receive your visa Send an email to international@gcu.edu letting us know when you've received your Visa. 5. Canadian students Canadian students are not required to apply for an F-1 visa stamp, but will apply for F-1 status at the port of entry. Take same documentation listed above. IMPORTANT! If you are denied an F-1 visa, do not enter the U.S. on a tourist or business (B-1/B-2) visa. It is not legal to study full time on this type of visa. Let us know as soon as possible so we can advise you. - SEVIS fee and form I-901
Prior to applying for an F-1 visa and for initial entry to the US, students must complete a Form I-901 and pay a $100 Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) fee to cover the cost of administration and maintenance of the system. The form can be found at www.fmjfee.com. You must submit the form and pay the fee in time to have it processed before a consular official must make a decision about your visa. The form can be submitted on-line or by mail and the fee can be paid in one of three ways as listed below. 1. Internet The fastest and most efficient way to submit the form and pay the fee is to do it over the internet with a credit or debit card using the web site listed above. When completing the form, be sure to type your name exactly as it is on your I-20 and print a copy of the on-line receipt once it has been submitted and accepted. The Web site will allow students to see that their fee payment has been received and provide them with an estimate as to when they can reasonably expect the consular office to be able to independently verify the SEVIS fee payment in their system. 2. Western Union Another option is to pay the fee through Western Union Quick Pay. The website for instruction is www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm. It is recommended that you print the instructions on how to complete the form and take it with you. Find the nearest Western Union at www.payment-solutions.com/agent.asp and request the Blue Form. 3. Mailing The last option, which is not recommended, is to print the I-901 form from www.fmjfee.com and mail it with the fee. Carefully follow the instructions on the form and mail to the address provided. The fee must be paid by check or money order made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a bank located in the U.S. The fee should be made payable to the "I-109 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee." There is an option to send by courier, but be sure to send it to the correct address for this process. Checks are subject to collection. If the bank on which it is drawn does not honor the check, you will be charged a $30 fee. For more complete information about form I-901 and the SEVIS fee go to www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq4.htm. - Preparing for the F-1 Visa Interview
In order to successfully apply for an F-1 student visa, applicants must prove to the consular official the following: - The sole (not just "primary") purpose of travel is to pursue a full-time program of study.
- The ability and intention to be a full-time student in the United States. Applicants must prove that they have been unconditionally accepted to the school's accredited academic program by providing an I-20 form issued from the school and a letter of acceptance. Applicants should also prove that they have the skills and background necessary to complete the program including documents such as diplomas, transcripts listing courses they have taken and grades received, TOEFL score reports, if applicable.
- There is adequate funding to cover all tuition, living expenses, books and insurance. Applicants must prove that they have enough funding for tuition, living expenses, books and health insurance. If a scholarship has been awarded, the applicant should provide the letter issued from the school. If personal funds will be used, there must be adequate funding for the entire course of study. If a family member or some other person is supplying the funding, an affidavit of support should be included.
- Sufficiently strong social, economic and other ties to compel departure from the United States upon completion of the program of studies. Applicants must prove that they intend to return to their home country after the completion of their course of study in the United States.
10 Points to Remember in Preparation for the Interview 1. Ties to home country
Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. Therefore, you must be able to show that you have more compelling reasons to return to your home country than stay in the U.S. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence such as job, family, property, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. An interviewing officer may ask a prospective student about these and long-range plans and career prospects in your home 2. English
Expect the interview to be conducted in English and not in your native language. If you are coming for the American Language Program (Intensive English) be prepared to explain how the program will be helpful for you when you return to your country. 3. Speak for yourself
Do not take parents or family members with you to the interview ? the consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. It may give a negative impression if you cannot speak on your own behalf. 4. Know the program and how it fits your career plans
Learn as much as you can about the school?s program and be able to explain how studying in the United States and GCU in particular will benefit you in your future professional career when you return home. 5. Be concise
Consular offices are under time pressure to give quick interviews because of the volume of applicants. What you say first and the initial impression you create will be critical to your success. Answers to questions should be kept simple and to the point. You may want to have your plan typed on a page with bulleted points. 6. Supplemental documentation
It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you have and what they represent, so have the documents neatly organized. Avoid lengthy written explanations which cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Keep in mind most interviews last only 2-3 minutes. 7. Not all countries are equal
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or countries from which many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Be aware of your country's status, and be prepared to answer questions about job opportunities at home after your study in the United States. 8. Employment
Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While some students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education, and is done only with special permission. Be prepared to articulate your plan to return hom at the end of the program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents CANNOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, be employed in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time, however, are permitted activities. 9. Dependents remaining at home
If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence, especially if you are their primary source of income. If the consular officer gains the impression that you will have to remit money from the United States to support them, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If they decide to join you later, it is helpful if they apply at the same consular post where you applied for your visa. 10. Maintain a positive attitude
Do not argue with the consular officer. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents they would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing. Summarized from shanghai.usconsulate.gov/student_visas.html and www.nafsa.org/advo/apply_nonimmigrant.html. Pre-Arrival - Housing arrangements
Most of our international students stay in campus housing. There are dormitories and apartments available. Be sure to send your $200 deposit and application early to secure housing. North Rim Apartments Rate Table (Rates billed per semester) Plan A: 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom 671 sq ft Single: $3,160.00
Double: $1580.00 Plan B: 2 Bedroom/1 Bathroom 772 Sq. ft. Single: $3618.00
Double: $1809.00
Triple: $1206.00 Plan C: 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom 934 Sq. ft. Single: $4352.00
Double: $2176.00
Triple: $1451.00
Quad: $1088.00 Non-Resident Meal Plan 5 meals per week: $581.00
10 meals per week: $1,117.00
14 meals per week: $1,130.00 Apartment rates include electricity, water, local phone service, basic cable and wireless internet. 1.8% sales tax (not included in above rate) will be added to student account upon billing Hegel Hall Rate Table (Rates billed per semester) Typical Suite: 647 square feet. Double: $3655.00
Single: $5475.00 Corner Suite: 717 square feet. Double: $3850.00
Single: $5865.00 Hegel Hall rate includes the Cart Blanche Meal plan of $1835.00. 1.8% sales tax (not included in above rate) will be added to student account upon billing. - Health Issues and Health Insurance
Immunizations For your health's safety sake, GCU requires that students provide immunization verification. Students are required to have two Measles, Mumps and Rubella immunizations or documented evidence of immunization against or immunity to measles, mumps and rubella before being allowed to register for classes. See pages 29 - 30 of the GCU catalog. International students often find it is more convenient and less expensive to have these immunizations before departing for the United States. Health Insurance All international students are required to carry health insurance through Grand Canyon University. When you arrive on campus, you will be directed to the appropriate office to process your insurance information and obtain the needed identification cards. Health Center The Cooke Health and Wellness Center is conveniently located in the Student Union and provides limited health care services for a nominal fee. The Center is staffed by nurse practitioners who make available some of the following services: - Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Prescribe medications
- Blood pressure screening
- Primary wound and burn care
- Health education
- Weight management
- Allergy injections
- Referral to specialists
- Immunizations
- Physical exams
- Counseling referral
- Banking in the U.S.
The banking system in the U.S. is different, of course, than other countries, but with the advent of the internet, banking is more manageable than before. However, it is helpful to be aware of some items before you arrive so you will be prepared for living expenses and paying for your tuition and other costs. Bringing Money to the U.S. Since you will need a large sum of money to pay for your school fees and living expenses, you may want to have an official bank check drawn in U.S. currency to bring with you. Do not carry a large amount of currency with you while you travel for security reasons. Instead, you may want to consider Traveler's checks. You will be advised to record your traveler check numbers on a separate piece of paper for your safety and report lost or stolen checks to the bank immediately. Opening a Banking Account in the U.S. Most banks will require you to come into a local branch to open a U.S. banking account. Banks often have multiple branches and some located inside grocery stores for convenience. You will be required to show identification, so it is best to bring your passport along with you to the bank. List of banks near the campus: Arrival - What should I expect at the port of entry
1. Inspection The immigration inspector will be checking the documents for authenticity and to be sure you are the same person who qualified for the visa. For initial entry, the school of the F-1 visa must match the school on the I-20. A student who attends a school other than the one authorized on the visa, will be violating visa status and would have to apply for reinstatement. Be prepared for the inspection by having in hand your: - Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- F-1 visa (Canadian students excepted)
- I-20 (may be sealed in envelope by the consulate--do not open)
- Financial documentation
- Proof of SEVIS fee payment
2. U.S. Visit Procedures You will have your photograph taken and your two index fingerprints scanned. 3. Issuance of I-94: After your admittance is approved, the inspector will issue the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and stamp it, the I-20 and your passport page with a stamp noting the date, place of entry, status as F-1 and period of admission which should be D/S for Duration of Status. These documents will be returned to you and should be brought to our office for copying. You should safeguard these documents since they show proof of your legal status. For more information, see: - Check-in at GCU
International students must check in with the Center for International Education office upon arrival on campus. If you come at a time when the office is closed, come the following day of business. Please bring with you the following items: - Passport containing F-1 visa
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record you will receive at the port of entry
- I-20
We will copy the documents for your file and give you useful information about the next steps to take for getting acclimated to the campus. - International student orientation (COMING SOON)
- Registering for classes
International students are assisted with registering for classes through the Center for International Education. Our staff can help with course selection and registration. When you come to the office for check-in, we will assist with registration at that time or schedule a time for you to come. Life in the U.S. - Student handbook (COMING SOON)
- Employment for international students (COMING SOON)
- Social Security Number
Social Security was created as a pension program for citizens of the U.S. Over time, however, the Social Security Number (SSN) has become somewhat of an identification number routinely requested by places of business and other institutions. After 9/11 the issuance of these numbers has been limited particularly for international students. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required in order to be employed in the U.S. For F-1 students to obtain an SSN, they must have a job on-campus or have other work authorization like Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training. To apply for a SSN on the basis of an on-campus job, student must provide a letter from the department on campus and from the Center for International Education verifying the job and eligibility. The following documentation will be necessary to present when applying: - Unexpired passport containing F-1 visa
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record (small white card received at port of entry)
- I-20 form
- One other piece of identification - a student ID card, driver's license, etc.
- Letter of eligibility from the Center of International Education
- Letter from campus department where you will be working
To apply on the basis of Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training, please see staff in the Center for International Education. To apply for a Social Security Number, go in person to the Social Security Administration office, located at: Social Security
5907 W Kings Ave
Glendale, AZ 85306 1 block south of Bell Rd., SW corner of 59th Ave. and Kings Ave. The office is open MONDAY - FRIDAY, 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM, except for Federal holidays At the time you apply, you will be given a receipt as proof of your application. The Social Security card will be sent to you by mail. If you have questions about your application you can call Social Security toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm. For more information see www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html - Driver's License
If you plan to drive a motor vehicle while at GCU, you may need to obtain a driver's license. If you do not already hold a driver's license in another state of the U.S., you may be asked to take a vision, written and possibly driving exam. If you purchase a car in Arizona, you will need to register it here and have an Arizona driver's license to obtain car insurance, which is mandatory. Please view the information at www.azdot.gov/mvd/azwelcome.asp for more detailed information. Documents to Take Arizona state law requires applicants show at least two forms of identification - one must have your photo. These documents should be in English. Recommended documents include: - Unexpired passport containing F-1 visa
- I-94 Arrival/departure record (receive at port of entry
- I-20
- School Identification card
Driver's Manual See the Driver's Manual to study for written exam: www.azdot.gov/mvd/custsvcguide.asp. If you purchase a car in Arizona, you will need to register it here and have an Arizona driver's license to obtain car insurance, which is mandatory. Nearest Motor Vehicle Department location: Phoenix West
4005 N. 51st Ave.
Phoenix AZ 85031
Get Map Tue Wed Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri, Sat: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun, Mon: CLOSED NEVER drive a car in the United States without a valid driver license or car insurance. It is against the LAW. - Things to do in AZ
Just think, you'll be studying just a few hundred miles from one of the Seven Wonders of the World! You can enjoy landscapes from desert to mountain and ocean beaches all within a few hours time. There are more things to do in Arizona than you will have time to do! Please visit these websites and plan to take in some of the scenery and activities abounding in our state: |
