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New International Students

Welcome to Denison University! Denison prides itself on offering a culturally diverse environment for its students. Our strong academic reputation attracts talented students from 50 states and nearly as many countries, so our students interact with people of many different faiths and cultural backgrounds. International students (anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States: 16% of our first-year class) are also given the opportunity to work closely with faculty and staff, forming long-lasting and meaningful relationships. Faculty and staff (including our President) recognize the needs of international students and are supportive of their academic and social endeavors.
If you haven't had a chance to visit our beautiful campus, be sure to take a virtual tour before you start your journey here.

We provide one-on-one advising on the academic, social, and personal challenges associated with living and learning in an unfamiliar culture, and continuing education on the immigration regulations, requirements, and expectations pertinent to the non-immigrant student visa.

Please work through the sections below. We have put together some important information that will help you apply for a U.S. visa and prepare for your arrival on campus. We hope you will find this information helpful and look forward to meeting you in August!

International student arrival dates for the Fall 2025 semester. Please plan to arrive in Columbus, Ohio at John Glenn International Airport (CMH) on one of the following dates: 
  • August 17, 2025 - if you are participating in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program
  • August 18, 2025 - for all other arrivals
 
International students coming to the United States for study will need to apply for the appropriate visa before being permitted to enter the country. As a student, you will be applying for an F-1 student visa. U.S. law states that F visas are given to those who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily, and their primary purpose is for academics. The Denison Admission Office will issue you a form I-20 (certificate of eligibility) after receiving all necessary documents (copy of your passport and proof of finances). You will need this form to complete the next steps in the process: paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and making a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Ten Points to Remember when Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
All F-1 visa applicants must complete Form I-901 and pay a SEVIS fee, $350 for F Visas, to the Department of Homeland Security before applying for a new visa. You will need to include the receipt in the documents you take to your interview. The purpose of the fee is to cover the costs of administering and maintaining SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Please visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program fee processing website for more information and to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee. 
The next step will be to complete your online DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Application. Please have a passport photo (2 inch x 2 inch) available as you will be asked to upload your photo while completing the form. You will need to complete this step before contacting your local embassy or consulate for a visa interview. For more information on completing the DS-160 and photo requirements, please see the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs Student Visa webpage. 

Please review your local embassy website for more details and exceptions.
Finally, you can contact your local embassy or consulate to make a visa appointment. To find your nearest U.S. Embassy, go to the list of U.S. Embassies and Consulates on the U.S. Department of State website. Visit your embassy or consulate’s website for specific application procedures. Denison University does not have any power to influence your consular officials. Please use the Denison University letters and Form I-20 in your admissions package when applying.

As a student, you will be applying for an F-1 visa. U.S. law states that F and J visas are given to persons who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily and their primary purpose is for academics. 

What you will need to obtain a student visa:
  • I-20
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application DS-160
    • See your embassy website for more details and exceptions. Electronically submitting your DS-160 online application is only the first step in the visa application process. Once you have electronically submitted your DS-160 online application, you must contact the embassy or consulate at which you wish to apply to confirm whether you need to be interviewed by a consular office and to schedule an interview. 
  • Visa fee (check list of updated fees before your visa appointment)
  • One passport photo (2" x 2")
  • Valid passport
  • Financial support letters and bank statements
  • Denison University acceptance letter
  • Other documents are required by U.S. Embassy or Consulate (TOEFL, IELTS, DET, SAT scores or transcripts from previous institutions)
Please plan to arrive at Denison on one of the dates listed above for the Fall 2025 semester. If you arrive prior to these dates or outside of the scheduled campus check-in times on an arrival day, please plan to secure a hotel room.
Arrival plans should be submitted via the Arrival & Airport Transportation Form in your Admitted Student Portal. 

**Notes** 
  • You will be able to move directly into your room upon arrival. 
  • Denison cannot provide accommodations for family members. Family will be able to reserve local inns or hotels on their own. Accommodations are available at area inns, hotels and bed & breakfast establishments.  A list is available on our website. Also, please be aware that there is no public transportation in our area. The Granville Inn, Buxton Inn and some of the local Bed & Breakfast and Airbnb establishments are within a 20-25 minute walk. 
  • F-1 visa holders entering on an initial entry I-20 cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date on the I-20.
Fall Semester Only: Be sure to confirm your travel arrangements via the Arrival and Airport Transportation form in your Applicant Portal. Attendance at the International Welcome/Orientation is mandatory for all new international students.

Spring Semester Only: Upon arrival, be sure to check in with our office. We'll connect you with our Global Ambassadors and ensure you have a smooth start. 
Arrival and Transition Days
Denisonians coming from abroad will be able to arrive on campus a couple of days before the Orientation programming begins. The Center for Global Programs will help students settle into their residence halls, open bank accounts, apply for mobile phone services, and explore campus. Our mandatory International Orientation will be held the morning of August 20th. We look forward to seeing all of you then!

Global Ambassadors
The Center for Global Programs employs students called Global Ambassadors who serve in a mentorship capacity to assist you in your transition to Denison. Our Global Ambassadors will welcome you when you arrive in Granville and help to guide you throughout your first semester on campus.