Get the Visa
You need to take your I-20 and acceptance letter along with a valid passport (valid at least six months beyond your intended period of stay) to the U.S. consulate nearest you. You will also need 1 photograph (1.5 inches square (37x37mm), full face, head not covered, on a light background). There may be a fee you will have to pay (depending on your country). The fee will probably be about $50. Visit the U.S. State Department website to find the fee in your country and locate the consulate nearest you.
Pay the SEVIS Fee
If you need an F-1 student visa to enter the U.S., you will have to pay the $200 SEVIS Fee AFTER you are issued a Form I-20 with your acceptance and BEFORE you apply for your visa. Visit the ICE website to learn how to pay the fee yourself.
Make Your Travel Arrangements
We recommend that you arrive in Huntington or Charleston, West Virginia. The airport in Huntington is about 20-minute drive from our campus and the one in Charleston is about one hour from our campus. When you reserve your air flight, you can give the travel agent the following information to describe your destination:
Huntington Tri-State Airport. The airport code is HTS.
Charleston Yeager Airport. The airport code is CRW.
For more information about arriving in Huntington or Charleston, visit our website here
Reserve Your Housing
You will receive a residence hall application along with your I-20 and acceptance letter from Marshall University. In order to guarantee your reservation, it is best to send your application at least two months before the beginning of the semester you will enroll. International students should request housing in Twin Towers. This is the only dormitory that stays open during the breaks. You can learn more about Twin Towers and our other campus dormitories at our Residence Services website.
It is also possible to live in an apartment off-campus, but the Center for International Programs does not provide assistance with securing housing off-campus.
Plan What to Bring
There are many things you may need to bring or buy after you arrive. Visit our website and read our suggestions for things to bring.
Apply for Health Insurance
We require all international students (on F-1 and J-1 visas) to have health insurance while studying at Marshall University. Insurance will protect you against the very high medical costs in the U.S.A. Please visit our website to purchase an insurance plan either before or after you arrive in the United States.
Complete the Arrival Survey
We will assist you with all of the arrival need, including airport pick up, assistance with hotel and housing, taxi and rental car reservations. Please complete our arrival survey so that we can assist you better.
First Meeting
The Office of International Student Services arranges airport taxi service and lodging for newly arriving international students. Taxi and lodging fees are the responsibility of the student. On the arrival survey, please let us know if you would like us to pick you up at the Charleston or Huntington airport. The arrival service fee is $150 for Charleston and $50 for Huntington and includes airport pick up and assistance with moving into your housing. This fee is to be paid to the Center for International Programs before you register for classes.