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We are excited to welcome you to the Mountie family!
Studying in another country is an exciting opportunity that comes with new experiences, responsibilities, and challenges. The International Student Programs office is here to support you throughout your journey—from the time you apply to EOU until graduation and beyond.
Whether you have questions about your immigration status, academics, housing, employment, travel, or adjusting to life in the United States, we’re here to help.
Applying to a university in another country is different from applying to school at home, mostly because of extra paperwork required by U.S. immigration law. Before you apply to Eastern Oregon University, take time to gather the documents below. Having them ready ahead of time will make your application move faster and help avoid delays. Once you submit your application packet and the Admissions Office notices missing or incorrect documents, they will notify you if additional information is needed.
Submit your online application through the EOU Admissions Office. Please use your full legal name, and list any former or maiden names if applicable.
You will also need to provide:
You will typically need to submit:
Once all required documents have been received and reviewed, Admissions will notify you of your admission decision.
Congratulations! Getting admitted is a major milestone, but a few more steps remain before you can start classes. These steps are required by the U.S. government, not just by EOU, so it’s very important to follow them carefully and in order.
Once admitted, there are several important steps before you can begin your studies at EOU.
The **Form I-20** is an official document issued by EOU called the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Think of it as proof from the university, recognized by the U.S. government, that you have been accepted and are eligible to apply for a student visa. EOU will issue your I-20 once you have:
EOU will issue your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). Your I-20 is required to apply for your F-1 student visa, so review it carefully as soon as you receive it. If anything on the form looks incorrect — your name, birthdate, or program dates — notify the Admissions Office right away so it can be fixed before you apply for your visa.
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It’s the database the U.S. government uses to track international students. Before you can schedule your visa interview, you must pay a one-time fee called the SEVIS I-901 Fee. This is separate from your tuition and is paid directly to the U.S. government online. Be sure to save and print your payment confirmation, since you’ll need to show it later.
The **F-1 visa** is the specific visa category for full-time international students in the United States. To apply, you’ll schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Bring the following to your interview:
Please keep in mind that the final decision on whether to issue your visa is made by the U.S. Department of State — EOU cannot make this decision for you or guarantee approval.
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to plan your trip and your transition to life at EOU. Take some time to arrange your travel and review the following before you arrive:
One important rule to remember: you cannot arrive in the United States more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
All admitted first year students who enroll at EOU within one year of high school graduation for 8 credits or more regardless of class standing MUST live on campus for the full academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring terms). Students beginning Winter or Spring terms must live on campus for the remainder of the academic year. If you plan to live on campus:
Your arrival at a U.S. airport or border crossing is an official immigration event, so it’s important to be prepared. When entering the U.S., carry these documents in your carry-on luggage (not in checked baggage, in case it’s delayed):
A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents at your first port of entry (airport or border) before officially admitting you into the country. After you’re admitted, you’ll be able to retrieve your electronic I-94 Arrival & Departure Record, a digital record that shows your entry date and immigration status. You can access this online and learn more about I-94 in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Be sure to keep a copy of your I-94 for your records, since you’ll need it later.
Once you arrive on campus, there’s one more required step. Federal regulations require all newly arriving F-1 students to complete a check-in with International Student Programs. This isn’t optional — it’s how the university officially confirms you’ve arrived and activates your record in the federal SEVIS system.
During check-in you will:
Be sure to bring the following with you to your check in:
Orientation is designed to help you successfully transition to life at EOU, academically, culturally, and practically. It’s your chance to ask questions, meet other students, and learn the basics of living and studying in the U.S. before classes begin. Orientation is required for all new F-1 students, so be sure to plan your arrival with enough time to attend.
Topics include:
Once you’re enrolled, staying in good standing with your visa, also known as “maintaining status,” becomes your responsibility. This means following a specific set of rules for F-1 international students throughout your time at EOU. International Student Programs is here to help you understand these requirements, but it’s important for you to know them too, since breaking a rule (even by accident) can affect your ability to stay in the U.S.
Generally, F-1 students must:
If you have questions about any of these rules, contact International Student Programs **before** making changes to your enrollment or employment — not after. It’s much easier to fix a potential problem in advance than once it has already happened.
Many students wish to work while studying, whether to gain experience, earn extra money, or build connections in their field. As an F-1 student, your work options are more limited than they would be for a U.S. citizen, so it’s important to understand exactly what’s allowed before you start a job.
Eligible F-1 students may generally work:
No additional employment authorization is normally required for eligible on-campus employment, which makes this the simplest way for most students to start working.
CPT allows eligible students to gain practical, hands-on work experience that is directly related to their academic program. For example, an internship at a local business connected to your Business major. Eligibility requirements apply, and students must receive authorization before beginning any CPT employment. Starting work without authorization can seriously affect your immigration status, so always meet with your International Student Advisor to confirm approval first.
OPT is another type of authorized work experience directly related to a student’s field of study. Unlike CPT, OPT can be used either before or after graduation:
Applications for OPT are submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency that processes immigration benefits. International Student Programs will assist you through the application process, since it involves several steps and specific deadlines before you can submit your application.
If you plan to travel internationally during your studies — whether to visit home or for a trip elsewhere — a little preparation goes a long way. Before traveling, make sure you have:
The “travel signature” on your I-20 is a signature from an International Student Advisor confirming your document is up to date; it typically needs to be renewed periodically. We strongly recommend meeting with the International Student Advisor before making any international travel plans, so we can confirm your documents are in order and answer any questions specific to your situation.
Health insurance is strongly recommended. While the U.S. healthcare system can offer some of the best medical care in the world, it is complex, challenging to navigate, and often very expensive. The U.S. healthcare system will also likely be very different from the healthcare system you’re used to back home.
There are staff on campus that can help students get connected to different healthcare providers, health insurance options, and learn about different on-campus and off-campus resources available to our students.
Students should understand:
Adjusting to a new culture takes time, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs along the way. International Student Services is available to help connect you with the right support whenever you need it.
Paying for college is a major part of planning your studies abroad, and there are some opportunities available to help offset the cost. International students may be eligible for selected institutional scholarships offered by EOU. Because scholarship opportunities and eligibility can change, we recommend meeting with Financial Aid or International Student Programs to discuss which options might be a good fit for your situation.
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be challenging — and that’s completely normal. Many students experience a period of adjustment as they get used to life in a new place. You may experience:
These experiences are a normal part of studying abroad, not a sign that something is wrong. International Student Services provides ongoing support and opportunities to connect with other students who understand exactly what you’re going through.
One of the best ways to feel at home at EOU is to get involved outside the classroom. Building community and friendships can make a big difference in how quickly you settle in. Students are encouraged to participate in:
Getting involved helps build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging, all of which make your time at EOU more meaningful and rewarding.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in the process of finalizing a federal rule that could change how F-1 students and their F-2 dependents are admitted to the United States. At this time, the current rules remain in effect until a final rule is officially published and becomes effective.
If you are an F-1 student, your electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) may currently list your admission period as “D/S,” which stands for Duration of Status. In simple term, this means there’s not fixed expiration date tied to your I-94 record. Instead, you may remain in the United States for as long as you:
If the new federal rule takes effect, future I-94 records may no longer display “D/S.” Instead, students may receive an I-94 with a specific expiration date, similar to how many other visa categories already work. Students whose academic programs extend beyond that date may need to apply for an “Extension of Stay” with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other proposed changes could affect grace periods and certain immigration procedures.
No. At this time, there is no immediate action required solely because of this proposed change. Current immigration rules remain in effect until a final rule is published and its effective date arrives. However, we encourage all F-1 students to:
We understand that immigration policy changes can create uncertainty and raise questions. International Student Programs is committed to providing timely information and individualized guidance to help you understand how any future changes may affect your specific situation.
If you have questions about your immigration status, your Form I-94, or how these potential changes could affect you or your F-2 dependents, please contact the International Student Services office. We are here to support you and help you navigate these changes with accurate, up-to-date information.
Not without authorization. Most off-campus employment requires prior approval through CPT, OPT, or another authorized employment category. In some cases, employment authorization must be obtained through an application process with USCIS.
Yes. Federal regulations require F-1 students to report changes to their U.S. address within 10 days. Contact the International Student Advisor so your SEVIS record can be updated.
You should speak with the International Student Advisor and Academic Advisor before making any changes to your schedule. In some cases, a Reduced Course Load may be authorized if you meet specific federal eligibility criteria.
Usually, yes, provided your immigration documents remain valid and your Form I-20 has a current travel endorsement. Always check with the International Student Advisor before making international travel plans.
Passport renewals are generally handled through your home country’s embassy or consulate. If you have questions about renewing your visa or maintaining your immigration status, contact the International Student Advisor before taking action.
We are here to support you every step of your journey.
Whether you need assistance with immigration regulations, academics, employment, cultural adjustment, or simply have questions about life at EOU, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
International Student ServicesEastern Oregon University, Hoke 319
Phone: +1 (541) 962-3588
International Student Advisor: Mika Morton, mnmorton@eou.edu