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Welcome to MISSOURI
TABLE OF Contents
VALLEY UNIVERSITY! Moving away from home takes courage, and we are proud to welcome you to the Missouri Valley University family. Here, you will find a community that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates your success every step of the way.
Welcome to Missouri Valley University
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International Office Team
Before You Start
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Academic Calendar Emergency Contacts Your Health Insurance
Welcome to Valley. Your story starts here.
Advisors & Student Success Office
What’s this guide for? This guide is designed to help international students successfully transition to life at Missouri Valley University and in the United States. Inside, you will find important information about F-1 student status, using campus resources, getting involved in student life, staying healthy and safe, and learning about everyday life in the U.S. Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to feel prepared, confident, and supported throughout your journey at MVU. We hope this guide helps make your transition easier and help you feel at home as a member of the Missouri Valley University community.
Campus Map
Living in the U.S. as an F-1 Student
6 Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status 6 Travel 8 Employment 9 Glossary 10
Setting Into Life In the U.S.
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Culture Shock & Home Sickness
STAY Connected iOS
Banking Tips Celular Devices
Climate & Dress Guide
Andriod
Academic Success
University Vocabulary Academic Expectations Student Support Services
@internationalvikings
MVU MOBILE APPS
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INTERNATIONAL OFFICE team
MVU
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Academic Calendar includes important dates such as semester start and end dates, holidays, registration periods, add/drop deadlines, and final exams. Check the calendar regularly to stay informed and plan for the semester.
To view the Academic Calendar Click here .
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE All international students at Missouri Valley University must maintain valid health insurance throughout their studies.
If you are enrolled in the MVU health insurance plan, you can find your coverage details and information, Click here .
For questions about the health insurance plan, contact:
5 The Student Success Center (SSC) mission is to empower you and provide resources to support your academic success, personal growth, and career development. For more information, Click here . ADVISORS & STUDENT SUCCESS OFFICE
CAMPUS MAP
UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
LIVING IN THE U.S. AS AN F-1 Student MAINTAINING YOUR F-1 STUDENT STATUS
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Your passport must remain valid during your stay in the United States. Renew it before ir expires through your country’s embassy or consulate. Your F-1 visa allows you to enter the United States. You may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa as long as you mantain valid F-1 status and have a valid Form I-20.
F-1 students must always keep their U.S. home address updated.
If you move, you must notify the International Office within 10 days so your record can be updated.
You may only work in the United States with proper authorization.
Your Form I-20 is an official document that confirms your F-1 student status.
On-campus employment: Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during official school breaks.
If there are changes to your academic program or major, degree level, financial information, or graduation date, you must inform the International Office so your I-20 can be updated.
Off-campus employment: Only with approved authorization, such as
Before starting any job, internship, remote work, or volunteer position, contact the International Office to confirm that you are authorized to work. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the employment must be related to your program of study.
Undergraduate F-1 students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Only one online course (up to 3 credit hours) may count toward the 12-credit minimum. A Reduced Course Load (RCL) requires prior approval from the International Office. Dropping below 12 credit hours without authorization may result in the loss of your F-1 status.
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If you leave the United States, you need to carry the correct documents to be allowed back in. To re-enter the U.S., you must have a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa, and your Form I-20 signed for travel by the International Office. The travel signature on your I-20 shows that you are still an active student. It is usually valid for 12 months, or 6 months if you are on OPT. Before traveling, always check your documents. If anything is missing or expired, contact the International Office before you leave.
F-1 students must study at Missouri Valley University as listed on their Form I-20 unless they officially transfer to another school. If you want to transfer, you must first be accepted by the new school. After that, you must request a SEVIS transfer through the International Office. You must complete this process before your program’s end date or during your 60-day grace period after finishing studies. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, the new school will issue a new Form I-20, and any work authorization from Missouri Valley University will end.
F-1 students must follow all U.S federal, state, and local laws, as well as Missouri Valley University policies.
Breaking the law can have serious consequences for your immigration status.
This may affect your ability to stay in the United States or continue as an F-1 student.
Maintaining F-1 status is your responsability while studying at Missouri Valley University.
Follow these rules, keep your records up to date, and ask the International Office if you have questions.
Your success starts with staying informed and in status!
8 TRAVEL This section provides important information about traveling as an F-1 student, including required documents, travel preparation, and steps to follow before leaving and returning to the United States.
Passport : Must be valid for at least 6 moths beyond your return date. F-1 Visa : Required for re-entry unless an exception applies. If expired, you may neet to renew it before returning. Form I-20: Must include a valid travel signature from the International Office. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: Download your most recent arrival/departure record. Get acces: Click here. Enrollment Verification Letter: Available from the Registrar’s Office to confirm your MVU enrollment. Keep these documents with you in your carry-on bag when traveling:
Additional Recommended Documents: Copies of previous I-20 forms
University transcript
Current class schedule
Scholarship award letter or other financial documentation.
Before traveling, make sure your Form I-20 has a valid travel signature. Request a new signature if: Your signature is older than 12 moths (6 months on OPT). Your I-20 does not have a travel signature. Submit your request to the International Office at least two weeks before travel. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days.
Travel during the Fall or Spring semester is not recommended unless necessary. If you must travel: Contact the International Office before making travel plans. Provide the reason for travel and expected dates away. Additional approval may be required depending on your abscence.
Before traveling internationally:
Make sure your immigration documents are valid. Check entry requirements for each country you visit. Carry your immigration documents and use authorized ports of entry. Travel to U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands) requires the same documents.
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EMPLOYMENT F-1 students may work only with proper authorization and must follow U.S. immigration regulations. Always confirm your elegibility before starting any job.
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To be elegible, you must: Mantain full-time enrollment. Remain in good academic standing. Work only on campus or at an approved campus-affiliated location.
F-1 students may work on campus:
Up to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters. Full-time during official school breaks.
To work on campus, you must:
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Complete hiring paperwork with Human Resources and apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Get employment authorization from the International
Receive a job offer from an MVU department.
Mantain full-time enrollment and good academic standing.
Office before starting work.
Examples of on-campus jobs include student assistants, tutors, teaching assistants, resident assistants, dining services staff, and campus support roles.
F-1 students cannot work off campus without official authorization. Off-campus work includes: Paid or unpaid jobs Internships Freelance or remote work.
Employment is only allowed through approved CPT or OPT authorization. Do not begin working until authorization is approved.
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their major after completing their degree. To qualify, you must: Receive approval from USCIS before starting work. Have up to 12 months of work authorization per degree level. Apply for a STEM OPT extension if eligible.
CPT allows eligible F-1 students to gain work experience related to their major while completing their degree. To qualify, you must: Complete one academic year in F-1status. Have a job related to your major.
Important : For more information on CPT, please Click here. Receive approval from your academic advisor and the International Office. Have a CPT authorization listed on your Form I-20.
Important: For more information on OPT, please Click here.
10 GLOSSARY This glossary explains common immigration and University terms used to Missouri Valley University. Use it as quick reference when reviewing F-1 documents, forms, and information from the International Office.
F-1 ESSENTIALS
F-1 Student Status F-1 student status is your legal permission to stay in the United States while studying. It is granted when you enter the U.S. with your F-1 visa and are admitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Form I-20 An official document issued by Missouri Valley University that shows you are eligible to study in the United States in F-1 status. It includes your personal information, program details, dates of study, and financial information. You need the Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa, enter the U.S., maintain your status, apply for work authorization, and travel internationally. SEVIS Record Your SEVIS record is your personal immigration file in a U.S. government system that tracks international student while they study in the United States. Designated School Official (DSO) Is a trained staff member who manages international student records and provides immigration guidance. DSOs can issue or update Form I-20s, authorize CPT, give travel signatures, and update SEVIS records. Students must contact a DSO for immigration approvals and questions.
F-1 Visa The F-1 visa is a document issued by U.S embassy or consulate outside the United States and placed in your passport. It allows you to travel to the U.S. to begin your studies. Port of Entry The port of Entry is the first place you enter the United States, usually an airport or land boarder. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will check your documents, ask about your travel and study plans, and decide whether you can enter the U.S. in F-1 student status. SEVIS SEVIS is a U.S. government system that tracks international students during their stay in the United States. It stores information such as enrollment, adress, employment, and immigration status. The University is responsible for keeping your SEVIS record accurate and updated.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT & SCHOOLS OFFICIALS
International Office
Supports international students with immigration and F-1 requirements. It helps with Form I-20s, travel signatures, employment authorization, SEVIS updates, and general immigration questions. It is the main office that students should contact for F-1 status support. Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) Oversees the University’s international student program and ensures all federal immigration rules are followed. The PDSO is responsible for managing SEVIS operations and supervising DSOs.
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EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION TERMS
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) CPT is permission for F-1 students to work off campus in an internship or job that is directly related to their major. It must be approved before starting work and added to your Form I-20.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) OPT is a work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain experience in their field of study. It is most commonly used after finishing a program, but it can also be approved before graduation in some cases.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) USCIS is the U.S. government agency that handles immigration applications and benefits. for F-1 students, USCIS processes rquests such as OPT, EAD work permits, change of status, and reinstatement. CBP is the agency that checks travelers when they enter the United States. At the Port of Entry, CBP officers review your documents, ask questions about your studies and travel, and decide whether you can enter the U.S. in F-1 status.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
SEVP is the U.S. government program that authorizes schools to enroll international students. It oversees compliance with F-1 rules and manages tha SEVIS system. Only SEVP-approved schools, like Missouri Valley University, can issue Form I-20s and admit F-1 students.
PROGRAM COMPLETION TERM Grace Period
The grace period is the time after a student completes their academic program. During this period, F-1 students may prepare to leave the United States, transfer to another school, or apply for OPT if eligible. For F-1 students, the grace period is typically 60 days.
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It is normal to feel overwhelmed or homesick when you first arrive in the United States. You may notice differences in language, food, weather, classroom expectations, and daily life. Adjusting takes time.
If you miss home or are feeling stressed, try to: Stay in touch with family and friends. Join campus activities. Meet new people. Ask for help when you need it.
It is recommended that new students open a U.S. bank account soon after arriving, as it makes it easier to receive payments, pay bills, and manage daily expenses. Most students choose a local bank or a national bank with branches or ATMs near campus for convenience.
To open an account, students usually need a passport, an I-20, an I-94, and proof of address. Some banks may also ask for a U.S. phone number or student ID.
We strongly recommend getting a U.S. phone number after you arrive. You’ll need it for: Campus communication Banking On-campus jobs You may choose any phone provider or plan that fits your needs and budget. Emergency alerts Two-factor authentication Daily life in the U.S.
At Marshall, you will experience all four seasons. Summer: Hot and humid. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Winter : Cold with possible snow and ice. Bring a warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and winter shoes. Check the weather regularly and dress appropriately, especially during winter when sidewalks may be icy.
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Missouri Valley University
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