Common Questions

Documentation

1. What is an I-20 or DS-2019?
2. When and where do I apply for the visa?

Financial Information

1. How much money shouldl I bring with me?
2. In what form should I bring my money?
3. Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship
4. Other SCSU Scholarships

St. Cloud, MN

1. What is the weather like in St.Cloud?
2. What is the nearest major city to St.Cloud?
3. Where can I live in St.Cloud?

St. Cloud State University

1. How do I get the Pick-up assistance?
2. Where and to whom do I report after arriving in St.Cloud?
3. Do I have to attend an orientation session?
4. How do I transfer my credits to St. Cloud State University?
5. Are there any student association from my country? if so how can I contact them?

If you have additional questions or concerns about issues that are not covered here contact our office.

Common Questions About Documentation

1. What is a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019?

Most degree-seeking students enter the United States in F-1 student status. A Form I-20 (certificate of eligibility for an F-1 student visa) is issued to students by St.Cloud State University for entry into the US. Dependents of an F-1 visa holder are classified as F-2 and are not permitted employment in the US. There are also restrictions on enrollment in coursework at the colleges and universities.

Some students enter the US in J-1 student status. A Form DS-2019 is issued by St. Cloud State University to exchange students. The J-1 visa is administered by the United States Information Agency and is used for a variety of educational purposes.

If you reside outside the US, St.Cloud State University will mail you the certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) after you have been admitted to St.Cloud State University and have submitted the required evidence of financial support. The certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) must be presented at the US Consulate or Embassy when applying for your F-1 student or J-1 student visa, together with your unexpired passport and evidence of financial support.

If you do not receive the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, do NOT enter the US on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa. A change to F-1 student status can be difficult after you are in the US.

2. When and where do I apply for the visa?

• Apply for the visa as soon as you receive the Form I-20 or Form DS 2019. This should be done well in advance of the required international student orientation at St. Cloud State University.

• Apply for the visa at any nearest US Consulate/Embassy.

• What documents do I need to apply for the visa?
  You need the following documents to apply for the visa:
  

  1. Unexpired passport
  2. I-20 or DS-2019 from St.Cloud State University
  3. Bank Statement (A statement from your bank showing you have enough funds to cover expenses for the duration of your study.
  4. CA Statement (A statement from a Charted Accountant or any Authorized person showing the property you own and your annual earnings.
  5. TOEFL Score report
  6. GRE or GMAC Score report (For Graduates only)

Common Questions About Financial Information

1. How much money should I bring with me?

Bring the amount that is printed on your I-20 (Including Tuition fees and Living expenses) for one year.

2. In what form should I bring my money?

You can bring your money in the form of Demand Draft payable to St.Cloud State University or traveler's Check. Make sure you carry some cash with you for the taxi or any personal expenses.

Common Questions About St. Cloud, Minnesota

1. What is the weather like in St.Cloud?

St.Cloud is a cold place. Temperatures go below 7°F in winter. Make sure you bring jackets etc. that can resist cold below 7°F. For more information in weather in St.Cloud check http://www.stcloudstate.edu/weather/default.asp.

2. What is the nearest major city to St.Cloud?

The nearest major city is Minneapolis. Minneapolis is about 78 miles from St.Cloud.

3. Where can I live in St.Cloud?

Most of the students live in on-campus residence halls. To reserve a residence hall room, complete the residential form that came in your packet, with a $250 application fee ($200 prepayment and $50 non-refundable application fee), and submit the application by May 1, 2007 for fall semester 2007 and November 16, 2007 for spring semester 2008. It is better to book in advance because On-campus housing is limited.

More information about St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Common Questions About St. Cloud State University

1. How do I get the Pick-up assistance?

You can fill out the International Student Arrival Pick-up Form and send it to Center for International Studies.

2. Where and to whom do I report after arriving in St.Cloud?

After arriving in St.Cloud you have to report to:

Ballroom, Atwood Memorial Center
Orientation Check in is on August 18, 2008 for fall semester. Check your acceptance packet for the time you are scheduled to check in. If you arrive before or after this date, please check in at:

Center for International Studies
Lawrence Hall 101
St. Cloud State University
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

3. Do I have to attend an orientation session?

Yes. All colleges and schools require that you attend an orientation. Students admitted to the university are expected to attend orientation before classes start. You will receive information about orientation in the mail after your admission to the university. You can also visit this link for the latest schedules: Orientation Schedules

4. How do I transfer my credits to St. Cloud State University?

Make arrangements to send the official transcripts from your previous school and fill out the form for transfer notification.

5. Are there any student association from my country? If so how can contact them?

Go to the SCSU Student Organizations web site to check if your country has a student organization.