New Students
![SleepingBearDunes2023ExploreMI Group photo of international and third culture kid freshmen students at the Sleeping Bear Dunes overlooking Lake Michigan](/academics/global-engagement/images/intl-student-activities/Sleeping_Bear_Dunes_Group.jpg)
Immigration
The U.S. immigration regulations might seem daunting — we’re here to help! We have some helpful guidelines for visiting the U.S. embassy to apply for your visa. For even more information, refer to the .
- SEVIS I-901 Fee
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Students seeking a F-1 Visa from an embassy or a consulate abroad for initial attendance to Â鶹ÊÓƵ are required to pay a $350 application fee. Exchange visitors seeking a J-1 Visa are required to pay a $220 application fee. It is critical that each visa applicant pay the fee prior to interviewing at the U.S. embassy or consulate. You will be required to show a receipt (proof of payment) at the time of your interview.
Payment methods can be found on the . When paying for the I-901, you will be asked for the school code for Â鶹ÊÓƵ:
- F Visa Applicants: DET214F00329000
- J Visa Applicants: P-1-04386
- INTERVIEW TIPS
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In addition to gathering the necessary documents and forms, we encourage you to prepare for your interview with the U.S. embassy/consulate. You may want to give some special thought to your:
- Foreign residence and ties to a community
- Intention to return to the place of foreign residence
- Ability to financially support yourself (and family if included) while in the U.S.
- ARRIVAL &ÌýPORT OF ENTRY
- Please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for arrival information.
- Transfer Students
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You must transfer your SEVIS record to Â鶹ÊÓƵ if any of the following apply:
- You are currently enrolled in a college, university or high school in the U.S.
- You have recently graduated from a college, university or high school in the U.S.
- You have completed or are completing a period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT)
- You are currently in valid F-1 or J-1 status, even if you are outside the U.S.
You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again!
Instructions for transferring SEVIS record
- Ask your current (or previous) institution's International Student Advisor to complete the SEVIS Transfer-In Form. It is also included in the I-20 or DS-2019 Request Form.
- Submit your SEVIS Transfer-In Form with your I-20 or DS-2019 Request Form.
SEVIS transfer deadlines
- F-1 students: within 60 days of the program end date on the I-20 or within 60 days of the OPT end date.
- J-1 students: by the program end date on the DS-2019.
Complete the SEVIS Transfer Form here by typing in all the information: SEVIS Transfer Form
Please note: You may no longer work on your current campus after the release date.
To complete the transfer process, you are required to contact the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Center for Global Engagement within 15 days of the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20. This obligation is fulfilled by attending the mandatory International Student & TCK Pre-Orientation program provided by the Center for Global Engagement.
Pre-Arrival — What's next?
We’re so excited that you will be joining the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community! As part of Hope’s student population, you’ll need to complete a few forms before arriving in beautiful Holland, Michigan.
- Arrival Form
- This will come as a separate email link to your 1Hope email account and it will request your travel and arrival information. Please make sure to fill out the Arrival Form we send to you once your deposit is paid.
- Host Family Application
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Our host families are an important part of some of our international students’ experiences. By connecting with a host family, you’re able to experience American life in a different way than you would on-campus.
- The Host Family Program at Hope College allows you an opportunity to interact with local families and a chance to experience ‘typical’ American life away from a college campus. We encourage all of our international and TCK students to participate in this non-residential program. You’ll be matched with a host family based on similar interests.
- Are you interested in connecting with a host family?
- Health Insurance
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ has an agreement with a health provider, and all students must have health insurance that meets the same standards. See a full explanation of these standards on our Â鶹ÊÓƵ Student Health Insurance page.
Orientation
The 2024 International and TCK Student Orientation begins on Friday, August 16, and is mandatory for all incoming international and exchange students. Third-culture kids are welcome to join, too. All students should plan to arrive at Hope College on Wednesday, August 14, or Thursday, August 15. During your orientation, we’ll address the academic culture at Hope College, health and safety, immigration, campus services, student activities and more.
- Explore MichiganSaturday, August 17–Monday, August 19, 2024
- Our International and TCK Student Orientation includes a trip to Northern Michigan, where our new students can experience all the beauty that our state has to offer! We’ll hike Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan and tour Mackinac Island, where we’ll use bikes to get around. Expect challenge courses, s’more roasting, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming and more. This trip is required for all new international students and any TCK students attending orientation. The cost (transportation, lodging and meals) is covered by the college.
- International and TCK Student Orientation ScheduleAugust 16–22, 2024
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(Digital flipbook)
2024 International and TCK Student Orientation Schedule (PDF)
- International and TCK Student Handbook
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Check out our handbook for additional information to help you navigate life at Hope College and locate resources in West Michigan, including international cuisine restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
workP. 616.395.7605
offcampusstudy@hope.edu