The University of St. Thomas

Orientation & Document Check Appointment

Orientation

All new international students are required to attend a group orientation and schedule an individual immigration "document check-in" appointment.

The orientation and document check are intended to help you complete important procedures and become acquainted with your new environment so that you have a good start to your academic and personal career at St. Thomas. We will begin with a welcome, some basic information about St. Thomas and the services our office provides. We will address academic, legal, financial, health, cultural and social concerns that international students face at St. Thomas and in the United States.

Individual Document Check-In Appointments

You may complete your document check-in anytime after your arrive in the U.S.  Yes, even before orientation. The Check-In process takes about 1 hour from beginning to end; however, waiting times vary depending when you sign up. Waiting time is longest during the dates of orientation and the week classes begin. You may call the OISS office 651-962-6650 to schedule an appointment now or sign up for a time during Orientation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students will not be allowed to register for classes or get a St. Thomas ID until you complete a Document Check-In appointment at OISS, which includes presenting your immigration documents.

You must bring the following documents to OISS Check-In:

  • Passports for you and any accompanying family members.
  • Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (if applicable)
  • All previous I-20s if you are a transfer student
  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record for all family members (the I-94 is a little white card given to you at the Port of Entry)

At the Document Check-In you will:

  • Complete required information forms and have your documents photocopied.
  • Receive OISS Orientation materials
  • Receive additional information on Orientation social events, housing, and much more!

International Student Orientation Programs and Dates

It is required for new International students to attend the mandatory orientation:

 

If you can not attend this orientation, you are required to complete the on-line orientation which can be accessed through our website, located here. Click on the New Student Orientation and Arrival Information button. This is a supplement to the document check appointment which you must attend in person.

NOTE: If you arrive any time after orientation you must report to OISS within 3 days of your arrival. Call the OISS receptionist at (651) 962-6650 to schedule an appointment. We will check your immigration documents, provide you with a basic orientation, and inform you of your legal and academic rights and responsibilities.

Registration for Courses

You should register for classes as soon as you complete your Document Check.

Undergraduate students with a TOEFL score over 600 (or 250 on the computer TOEFL) will have an advising appointment set for them.  If you are currently in the U.S. or will arrive before orientation  please contact the OISS assistant director to schedule your academic advising appointment.

Undergraduate students with a TOEFL score less than 600 (or 250 on the computer TOEFL) will be required to take the English Advising and Placement Exam in order for academic advisors to make appropriate course registration decisions. Please see the orientation schedule for times of the placement exam. You cannot register for classes without taking this placement exam. An advising appointment will be set for you following the placement exam.

Graduate students should contact their department for specific registration information.