Table of Contents Content Page How to use the Services Provided by UC International Services .................. Inside Front Cover Welcome to the University of Cincinnati ......................................................................... 1 I. Immigration Issues Important Immigration Documents ........................................................................... 2 Certi cate of Eligibility ........................................................................................ 2 I-94 Arrival/Departure Record ............................................................................ 2 Passport ............................................................................................................. 2 Visa .................................................................................................................... 2 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ................................. 3 SEVIS Fee ......................................................................................................... 3 Who Must Pay the Fee ....................................................................................... 3 Fee Payment Process ........................................................................................ 3 Visa Application and Initial Admission to the United States 5 Visa Application Process ................................................................................... 5 Security Checks ................................................................................................. 6 US-VISIT Entry/Exit System ....................................................................................... 8 Upon Arrival in the U.S ....................................................................................... 8 Secondary Inspection Requirements ................................................................. 19 Upon Departure .................................................................................................. 10 If you are Currently in the United States .................................................................. 10 F-1 and J-1 Students .......................................................................................... 10 All Other Non-Immigrant Visa Classi cations .................................................... 10 Special Registration Requirements for Certain Non-Immigrants .......................... 10 Who is required to be Registered? .................................................................... 10 What are the Requirements? ............................................................................. 10 Frequently Asked Questions about NSEERS .................................................... 12 Maintaining Your Status ............................................................................................. 14 Requirements ..................................................................................................... 14 Students Not Subject to Passport and Visa Requirements ................................ 16 Temporary Admission with Form 515-A .............................................................. 16 Visa Expiration/Renewal .................................................................................... 16 Traveling Outside the U.S. ................................................................................. 16 Visits for Spouse and Children ........................................................................... 17 Optional Practical Training/Academic Training ................................................... 18 Curricular Practical Training ............................................................................... 19 A Few Words of Advice ...................................................................................... 19 iStart e-Form Services...................................................................................... 20 II. Packing and Travel What to Bring to the U.S. ........................................................................................... 22 Clothing .............................................................................................................. 22 Finances ............................................................................................................. 22 Special Items ...................................................................................................... 22 Linens, Beddings and Room Furnishings .......................................................... 23 Tips on Travel .............................................................................................................. 23 Housing ...................................................................................................................... 24 On-Campus Housing ........................................................................................ 24 Building and Floor Information ........................................................................... 24 Housing and Meal Plan Rates ............................................................................ 25 Independent Meal Plans .................................................................................... 25 Graduate and Family Housing ........................................................................... 26 Temporary Housing ............................................................................................ 27 Off-Campus Housing ......................................................................................... 27 Estimated Annual Expenses ...................................................................................... 28 Money and Banking .................................................................................................... 31 Banks ................................................................................................................. 31 Types of Accounts ............................................................................................. 32 Foreign Currency ............................................................................................... 33 III. Arrival in Cincinnati How to Get to UC ........................................................................................................ 33 Things to do During Your First Weeks ...................................................................... 34 Welcome Activities ............................................................................................. 34 How to Get a UC Student ID .............................................................................. 35 IV. Taxation Issues Important Dates, Documents, and Forms .......................................................... 36 V. For Assistance On-campus Assistance ...................................................................................... 37 Tenant-landlord Issues ....................................................................................... 37 General Legal Counseling .................................................................................. 37 Cultural Adjustment and Other Issues ................................................................ 37 Campus Security ........................................................................................................ 37 Night Walk ......................................................................................................... 38 Health Care Issues ...................................................................................................... 38 University Health Services ................................................................................. 38 Student Health Insurance ................................................................................... 38 Compulsory Health Screening ........................................................................... 39 VI. Living in the U.S. Cultural Issues ............................................................................................................ 39 Social Invitations ................................................................................................ 40 Hygiene .............................................................................................................. 40 Individualism and Privacy ................................................................................... 40 Directness and Assertiveness ........................................................................... 40 Friendship and Dating ....................................................................................... 41 American Holidays .................................................................................................... 41 Major Holidays Explained .................................................................................. 41 Academic Issues ......................................................................................................... 43 The Oral English Pro ciency Test (OEPT) ........................................................ 43 Cultural Differences in the Classroom ................................................................ 44 De nitions of Important Terms .......................................................................... 45 Vacations and Breaks ........................................................................................ 46 Employment Opportunities ........................................................................................ 46 Special Events & Programs