Before You Start

Before you start the steps below, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!

After you receive your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

1. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
2. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
3. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

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• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the U.S.

When purchasing your airline ticket to Cleveland, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day.

We are so excited for you to join us on campus! To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, plan to arrive on or before your official move-in day. Airport pickup is available at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to campus.Once you book your flights, you must fill out the student arrival form. If your family is joining you, you must also complete the family arrival form.

• Student Arrival Form
• Family Arrival Form

Move-In Dates

For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit the Important Dates page.

We are looking forward to meeting you in person!

For discounted international travel, click here

Pay in full two weeks before you arrive to avoid enrollment delays.

1. Flywire by Peer Transfer:Please visit Cleveland State Global’s Flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a US credit card or US bank account to make your payment.

Please complete the following forms:

1. FERPA Disclosure Form: Complete this form prior to your arrival.

Cleveland State Global Housing Form

There are many things to consider when preparing for university, let alone moving to a new country! To make your transition to the US easier, we’ve put together a list of everyday necessities.

Set up a US Bank Account

In collaboration with Shorelight, Ellis helps international students apply for a US bank account and international Visa debit card. With a US bank account already set up, you won’t have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees, carrying cash with you or delaying the purchase of important items. Plus, it only takes 5 mins to sign up!

Ellis Debit Cards Offer:

• No monthly fees
• No SSN required
• Withdraw money with no fees at 60,000+ in-network Allpoint ATMs
• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• No foreign transaction fees
• Bank-grade encryption account protection, all transactions verified through Visa’s fraud algorithm
• FDIC-insured accounts up to $250,000

Sign up here and get everything you need, all in one place.

Get a US SIM Card – Before you Leave Home

Sign up for a US phone plan before leaving your home country. This means that you will be able to use your cell phone the minute you land in the USA – no wi-fi or high daily rates required. Plus, it only takes 5 mins to sign up!

Ellis SIM Cards Offer:

• Ultra-fast 5G
• Pause anytime you want
• Only pay for data you use
• Low monthly prices with different sign-up options

Sign up here and get everything you need, all in one place.