Attend New-Student Orientation
Orientation Schedule
Attendance is mandatory. All new international students must attend on the days that correspond to their admission term.
F-1 & J-1 Students and Activating Your SEVIS Record
Prepare for your immigration check-in with the Office of International Programs by gathering the required documents and completing your iValpo uploads. This step ensures your records are accurate and helps you stay compliant with your F-1 or J-1 visa requirements.
New students must report to the International Programs office orientation sessions to have their SEVIS record registered immediately upon arrival at Valpo.
Mandatory Fees
The following fees are charged to all new international students, whether or not they attend orientation.
| Mandatory Fees | |
|---|---|
| OIP Orientation Fee | $50 — charged to all new international students |
| FOCUS Fee (Undergraduate/Bachelor’s only) | Additional fee — charged to all new undergrad international students |
After Orientation: Maintaining Your Status
Once you’ve completed orientation and immigration check-in, keep these key requirements in mind throughout your time at Valpo.
Full-Time Enrollment is Required. To maintain F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you must enroll full-time each fall and spring semester: 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 credit hours for graduate and MBA students. Only one online course per semester may count toward this requirement. If you need to drop below full-time for any reason, contact OIP before making any schedule changes.
Key Reminders
- Do not let your I-20 or DS-2019 expire
- Keep your passport valid and unexpired at all times
- Never work off campus without proper authorization from OIP or USCIS
- On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester
- If you plan to drop ALL classes or not return the following semester, contact an advisor immediately
- All students who were in the U.S. for any part of the previous calendar year must fulfill tax reporting requirements in the Spring (deadline is usually April 15) — OIP will send instructions in January or February
- Carry your immigration documents at all times. U.S. law requires foreign nationals age 18+ to have documentation of their immigration status on their person at all times. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor.
The OIP team is here to help with all questions about orientation, immigration check-in, and maintaining your status at Valpo. 219.464.5000
