International Orientation

Welcome to Grand View University!

As an incoming international Viking, you are required to attend Grand View’s International Student Orientation. The purpose of this orientation program is to help new international students get acclimated to the campus as well as introduce you to Grand View and the surrounding community resources. We will also review international student policies and SEVP guidelines so that you remain compliant for continued international study. You will need to schedule this individual orientation time with Alex Piedras upon arrival. You may reach out to Alex at 515-263-6107 or apiedras@grandview.edu. 

PREPARATION PRIOR TO ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES

Careful planning and preparation by students can ensure that procedural delays are minimal. If you are a non-immigrant student, here are some things that you should do:

  • Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and non-immigrant visa are valid for entry into the United States. The passport should be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of your expected stay.
  • Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification.
  • If the visa states the name of the institution you will attend, also verify that this information is accurate. If your review indicates any discrepancies or potential problems, visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a new visa.
  • Students entering the United States for the first time under their F-1 non-immigrant visa classification may only be admitted up to 30-days prior to the program start date.
  • When you travel, you should carry the items listed below with you. Do NOT check them in your baggage! If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents to the Customs and Border Protection Officer, and as a result, may not be able to enter the United States.
  • Once you have made your travel arrangements, complete and submit the Pre-Arrival Form as soon as possible but no later than 30 days prior to your arrival.
  • All international students must provide proof of health insurance coverage within the United States each year they are enrolled at Grand View and must submit a copy of their health insurance card showing coverage for the entire academic year from August until April. A copy of the insurance card, as well as a health history form and immunization records must be uploaded in to the secure Medicat system. Please review requirements and instructions for uploading on the Student Health Center webpage.

Vaccination

You will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country. You are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart*

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated. A booster dose is not needed to meet this requirement.

A person who has received only one dose of an accepted 2-dose series and has recovered from COVID-19 does not meet this definition, and therefore is NOT considered fully vaccinated for travel to the United States.

You should also check current CDC requirements in the event they have changed: Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers | CDC.

Arrival

Documents you should carry with you:

  • Passport with F-1 non-immigrant visa
  • SEVIS Form I-20
  • Internet receipt verifying SEVIS Fee payment
  • Evidence of financial resources
  • Certificate of Admission or Acceptance Letter

Additionally, it is recommended that you also carry the following document:

  • Name and contact information for Designated School Official (DSO) at your intended school

Upon arrival at the port-of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have: your passport and SEVIS Form I-20 available for presentation to the CBP Officer. Student will be provided with a CBP admission stamp (I-94) on their travel document (passport). If a traveler needs a copy of their I-94 (record of admission) for verification of immigration status, it can be obtained from http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94-instructions. Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school or exchange visitor program where you will enroll. Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:

  • Issue a CBP Admission Stamp (I-94) on the passport.
  • Return the SEVIS Form and passport to student.