University of Nebraska Kearney

International Student Orientation

Fall 2012 International Student Orientation

The Fall 2012 Mandatory Immigration Orientation will be Thursday, August 16, 10:00 a.m., Welch Hall

You will receive an official orientation schedule via email 30 days prior to your arrival, or when you arrive for Check In at UNK. 

Click here for International Student Orientation Week Schedule of Activities

Fall 2012 English Language Institute Orientation, Monday, August 20, 2012 

Early Check In, taking place in Welch Hall, begins Monday, August 13, 2012. 

New and Transfer students must come prepared with all of the following original immigration documents: 

• Passport,
• F-1 or J-1 visa I-94 card (white departure card that you will obtain upon arrival in the U.S.),
• I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) issued by UNK with U.S. entry stamp,
• All previously issued I-20(s) or DS-2019(s), if applicable (a mandatory requirement for transfer students), 
• Any other official correspondence from USCIS, such as an I-797, if applicable.

International Student Orientation is a program for all new incoming international students in F-1/J-1 student status, including transfer students, students returning from leave and exchange students.  This orientation is designed to help students learn and understand immigration regulations required of their F-1/J-1 student visa, confirm and register their arrival in the SEVIS System for required government reporting and to assist new arrivals in adjusting to UNK.

Mandatory New Student Arrival Information Form, Immigration Document Review and Immigration Session 

Federal regulations require that students register their presence at UNK.  This is a three step process:

1. Complete and submit the International Student Information online form.
2. Attend the Immigration Document Review in Welch Hall.
3. Attend the Immigration Review Session in the Ockinga Auditorium.

Please note. ALL steps must be completed after arrival in the United States and upon arrival to the UNK campus. 

  Additional Orientation sessions, workshops and activities to be announced.  Past activities have included:

• Shopping trips to the Hilltop shopping area to purchase items you need for your residence hall room (upon arrival)
• Trips to Wells Fargo bank to assist you in opening bank accounts
• Campus Tours
• Trip to the local Social Security Office (approximately two weeks after arrival)
• OPT workshop

Students are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on their I-20/DS-2019 and they are required to check in upon arrival.  The International Student Services Office will provide early document check in up to one month before the orientation. It is strongly recommended that you bring your documents to the International Student Services Office at this time to avoid long lines on the first day. If you are unable to check in with your documents early, you will have the opportunity to do so on the first day of your orientation program.

Spring 2013 International Student Orientation

The International Student Orientation schedule is currently being determined.  Check back for further details as the semester approaches.  Specific times will be announced in an official orientation schedule that you will receive via email 30 days prior to your arrival, or when you arrive for Check In at UNK. 

Early Check In, taking place in Welch Hall, begins the first week in January before classes begin.