International Students

Steps for Acceptance: 

• Complete Midland’s Free Application for Admission

• Send a copy of your current Passport or Visa (upload to your Applicant Next Steps portal – connect.midlandu.edu/status)

• Upload all educational documents, including official transcripts from each secondary school, college, and university attended to your Application Next Steps portal. These documents must be translated into English and be evaluated.
  • Transcript evaluations may be completed through the following services:
    • InCred (preferred)
    • Educational Credential Evaluators
    • World Education Services
  • Students who are from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom generally DO NOT need to do a Transcript Evaluation. Midland reserves the right to request the evaluation if the transcripts are unclear. 
  • International Transfers who are already studying in the United States do not need transcript evaluations; college transcripts are required for admissions consideration. High school transcripts are still required. 

• An English proficiency score is required if you are not from an English speaking country as outlined on page 5 in Midland’s Academic Catalog. Approved proficiency tests and scores are listed below. 
  • TOEFL: Written – 550, Computer – 213, Internet – 79 
  • IELTS: 6.5 
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 100 

• ACT or SAT scores are optional for international students. After the first 5 steps have been completed, your application documents will be evaluated by our Admissions team.

Upon acceptance to Midland University, students will be prompted with the following steps in preparation for their official Financial Aid Offer. 

• Provide a Financial Statement (bank statement, statement of earnings, or government-approved loan) in your Application Next Steps portal. Midland requires a statement of financial support (translated into English) to verify you have resources available to cover the cost of attendance indicated below (minus your scholarship offer). The amount shown must indicate you have sufficient funds to pay for school. Financial statements need to be converted by the bank to United States dollars (USD) and must have a timestamp for approval. 
• Before international students can file an I-20, the statement of financial support must be approved, and you must submit an enrollment deposit of $500 in their Admissions Next Steps portal. The enrollment deposit will be applied to the student’s account for their first term.  

Congrats! At this point, you are well on your way to becoming a Midland Warrior. Please reach out to your Admissions Counselor with any questions or needed clarification. Be confident that you are not in this alone.

Immigration Documents & Visa

• Status 
  • The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited university. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

• Form I-20
  • As an F-1 Visa recipient, you will receive a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from Midland University’s Designated School Official (DSO). You must review your I-20 and keep all I-20s in a safe place for your records. If a correction is needed to the I-20, contact the DSO that signed page one of your document. 

• Pay the I-901 fee
  • After you receive your I-20, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This non-Midland fee is due before your Visa appointment. Bring the payment receipt with you to your appointment and when you enter the US. Always keep the receipt for your records.

• Visa Application 
  • There are multiple steps involved in the Visa application process. They may vary by Embassy and Consulate. View the list of U.S. Embassies.
  • Complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160) after you receive your I-20
  • Schedule an in-person interview appointment
  • Gather the required documents
  • Attend your Visa interview

• Plan your arrival 
  • Make travel and living arrangements after you receive your Visa. Below you will find an overview of Midland’s on-campus housing options. Move-in dates will be published in your Application Next Steps portal as early as March. 
  • When traveling bring:
    • F-1 Students: your I-20, valid passport, valid F-1 Visa, admission letter, and financial documents.
    • You will need to present these documents to a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Officer at the Port of Entry to the U.S.

• Form I-94
  • If CBP admits you into the country, they will give you an admission stamp in your passport and issue an electronic Form I-94, “Arrival and Departure Record.” The Form I-94 includes information about when you were admitted, what status you must maintain (F-1), and how long you can stay in the United States. You can request the Arrival and Departure Record form online.

• Resources
  • Use the Homeland Security, Education USA, and Travel.State.Gov websites to get more information about applying for an F-1 Visa.

• Once deposited, students can access their Statement of Account through Warrior Central 8-10 weeks before the fall semester and 6 weeks before the spring semester.
  • Warrior Central is only accessible in the United States. You can request a copy of your Statement of Account by emailing studentbilling@midlandu.edu.

• The balance is due the first day of class or a Payment Plan can be set up.

• Payment Methods:
  • Credit/Debit Card – 2.75% to 3.0% non-refundable convenience fee will be added to all card payments
  • E-Check (ACH) – $3 fee
  • Wire Transfer – email studentbilling@midlandu.edu the date of the wire transfer, the amount of the wire transfer, and the student ID number
  • U.S. Mail – Checks, Money Order & Cashier Checks
  • Checks should include the student’s full name and/or ID number in the memo line.
    Midland University
    Attn: Student Billing
    900 N. Clarkson
    Fremont, NE 68025
  • In Person at the Student Billing Window – located on the second floor of Anderson Building. Pay by check or cash.
  • Payment Plan – Nelnet, in partnership with Convera, provides payment plan options for Midland’s international students. Your out-of-pocket balance due will be split between 4 to 6 equal monthly payments. If you would like to utilize this option email studentbilling@midlandu.edu for an international payment link and further instruction.

• Outstanding Balance: Any student who has not paid their account below $500 will be placed on Financial Hold. A late fee will be applied to their account and they will not be able to register for future classes or request a transcript and/or diploma until the balance is paid.

• You can find more information by visiting the Tuition, Fees, & Financial Aid page.

• Yes, all international students are required to have Health Insurance coverage during their period of enrollment at Midland University. International insurance policies do not cover all of the required fields.

• Midland’s annual policy through Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. (EIIA) is added to your account.
  • You will receive a health care ID card that you will present to medical providers. 
  • You may have some out-of-pocket expenses. Please review the plan document and summary located on the EIIA website. 

• International students may apply to WAIVE from purchasing the university’s student health insurance plan if they have proof of equivalent health insurance that is either U.S.-employer based or has a U.S. based claims office and meets the following qualifications.
  • • U.S. based claims office
    • Must meet or exceed all requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
    • Sports injury coverage required.
    • Must include unlimited medical evacuation/repatriation coverage. (If coverage is not included, the student must purchase standalone coverage for waiver.)

• • International students who feel their policy meets these requirements should gather plan and coverage information and email it to StudentBilling@MidlandU.edu for evaluation. Waiver requests must be submitted by midnight on September 30th.
  • All other forms of health insurance are not accepted and will not qualify for a waiver.
  • When necessary, the university will verify additional information such as insurance carrier financial rating and United States claims processing contact information.

• What other medical resources do I have access to? 
  • On-campus, students have access to the following free resources: Student Health Center, Counseling Services, and student-athletes have access to Athletic Trainers. 
  • Off-campus healthcare facilities include hospitals, urgent care, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, eye care, dental care, chiropractics, and psychiatry. These services will require you to utilize your health insurance and pay a fee.

• All international students are required to have multiple immunizations and are strongly recommended to get additional immunizations. 

• In your Application Next Steps Portal, you will be prompted to submit your health records to ATS (Athletic Training System). Here you can upload documentation of your immunizations and health records. Select the eFiles Tab in the ATS to upload these documents or send a picture of them in an email to studenthealth@midlandu.edu. 

• If you do not complete this prior to your arrival, then you will have to wait until your school health insurance kicks in, this could delay your ability to participate in your activity. 

• Required Immunizations:
  • MMR-2 doses
  • Varicella- 2 doses or proof of Chickenpox
  • Meningitis ACWY- one dose after age 16
  • Tdap- current within 7-10 years
• Highly Recommended:
  • Meningitis B
  • COVID-19 vaccines

• Forms to complete: (located under the Forms Tab in ATS)
  • The legal age for medical consent is 19 in Nebraska. If you are less than 19 years old, please have a parent/guardian sign the forms too. 

1. 1. 1. Health History Form
      2. Student Health and Meningitis Agreement
      3. Assumption of Risk and Consent Form
      4. NAIA Consent Form
      5. Sports Physical – Student Health will provide you with a form to complete either at home or once you arrive at Midland.
      6. Health Insurance – Midland assigns you to a health insurance plan. You will receive a card after your arrival. Please upload this into ATS once you receive it.
      7. Emergency Contacts
      8. TB Questionnaire- Student Health will provide you with a form to print off and fill out. Then, they will determine if you need to have a TB test completed. 

• Midland University has a four semester on-campus residency requirement. In order to be approved to live off-campus a student must have:
  • Four prior semesters of on-campus living
  • Age 21 by the first day of the semester
  • Live with a parent/guardian within 30 miles of campus (additional paperwork is required)
  • Have a dependent child living with you

• You will complete a housing application through your Application Portal Checklist. Here you will either apply for on-campus housing or complete the necessary off-campus paperwork. 
  • On-Campus Housing: for more information visit our Residence Life page and check out our Housing Guide.
  • Off-Campus Housing:
    • Students who meet the requirements and have been approved to live off-campus, have the responsibility to find and secure housing. When looking for off-campus housing, keep in mind transportation and distance to campus. There is no public transportation in Fremont. 
  • We recommend purchasing personal property insurance. Here is an example of the type of insurance you could purchase.

• Suggested Packing List
• • • Check out our Move In Essentials Checklist
    • Prescriptions: eyewear, medications, and copies of important medical records/x-rays/prescriptions (written in English)
    • Copies of your academic transcript and diploma (From Previous institutions and or training outside of higher education (e.g Coach certification/first aid training)
    • Driver’s license from your home country
    • Marriage license (if applicable) and other important documents
    • Items for sharing your culture with others: souvenirs, music, postcards, photographs, and traditional dress
    • Sporting equipment: if you have a favorite bathing suit, cleats, or tennis racquet, bring these items with you. Keep in mind that you can buy or borrow replacement equipment in the states. You should leave heavy equipment at home. 
    • You will need to provide your own bedding and towels. It is recommended that you save room in your suitcase and purchase these items after you arrive.
    • Small Appliances: when you receive the packing list from the Housing Office pay attention to the items you can and cannot have in your dorm.
      • If you bring small appliances and electronics from your country (hair dryer, phone charger, laptop computer) you will need an adapter plug. U.S. electrical current is 110-115, 60-cycle AC. 
    • Style of Dress: Students dress casually for class. Dresses and suits are appropriate for formal occasions, such as graduation, weddings, and job interviews. Pack clothes that do not need frequent cleaning and ironing. Feel free to wear your national dress if you prefer. 

• Midland’s Career Studio helps students prepare for and find work opportunities during and after college. 

• As an F1- or J-1 status, the most direct way to work and earn money in the United States is to obtain an on-campus work study position. You may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. These positions are connected to a specific department at the University. 
  • First, you will need to create a profile on Handshake in order to apply for on-campus jobs. 
  • After you receive a job offer, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number with the United States government. All students who receive wages from an employer, either by working or participating in a training opportunity, must apply for a Social Security number (SSN).

• It is  your responsibility to maintain your immigration status at all times. Always ask a DSO if you have questions or concerns regarding your immigration status. 
  • You must enroll full-time at the beginning of each semester, pay all tuition and fees, attend your classes, and make academic progress to maintain your status.  
  • Off-campus employment is not permitted without proper authorization, which is very limited. This includes all off-campus internships required for your program – unpaid or paid.  
  • Report any changes in your local address, immigration status, or legal name to a DSO within 10 days of any change. This is required by law.  
  • You must notify a DSO  if you need to leave the program early. Notify your DSO and get permission before you drop any classes.  
  • Carry your I-94 (either electronic printout or paper card) at all times.  
  • Notify a DSO immediately if you change your major or change your level of study. You must be issued a new Form I-20. 
  • Be sure to keep your I-20 and passport safe and accessible when needed and keep all previous copies for your records.  
  • Make certain your passport is always valid six months into the future.  
  • Never leave the United States without your form I-20 (signed by a DSO), a valid passport, and a valid Visa (or plans to renew your Visa before you return).  
  • It is very important for you to know the program start and end date on your I-20. It is your responsibility to notify a DSO if you will not be able to complete your degree program BEFORE the end date on your I-20. You must notify us and get your I-20 extended BEFORE it expires. Failure to do so will result in being out of status. Your I-20 cannot be extended after expiration.  
  • If you are outside the U.S. for more than five months after being on F-1 status, you will need a new form I-20 and will need to pay a new SEVIS fee before reentering the US. You must also be sure that you have a valid Visa for re-entry.  
  • You must leave the U.S. within 60 days of finishing your program, or, if eligible, apply for OPT, transfer your SEVIS record to another school in the US, be admitted to another academic program at the University, or apply for a change of status.
  •  Whenever you plan to travel outside the United States and plan to return for your studies, you MUST receive a travel signature on the second page of your I-20. To receive the travel signature, please drop off your I-20 with a DSO at least two weeks before departure.  
  • Always ask a DSO if you have questions.

• SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System 
  • It is a national database mandated by the U.S. government that stores current information on non-immigrant students (F-1 or J-1), and their dependents (F-2 or J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to electronically transmit information via the internet to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of States (DOS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other government agencies throughout a student or exchange visitor’s stay in the United States.
  • The following events must be reported to SEVIS within 21 days by your DSO
    •  Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her program
    •  A change of the student or dependent’s legal name or U.S. address
    •  Any student who has graduated prior to the end date listed on their form I-20
    •  Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime
    •  All plans to depart the United States when not planning to return to Midland University must be reported to a DSO
  • Additionally, each semester, no later than 30 days after the first day of classes, schools are required to report the following:
    • Whether the student has enrolled at the school and is physically present,
    • dropped below a full course of study, or failed to enroll.
    • The current address of each enrolled student. This cannot be a P.O. Box
    • The start date of the student’s next session, term, or semester.

• Financial Support
  • You must provide documentation showing you have adequate resources to pay for your cost of education for at least one year, minus your scholarship offer.  The cost of education includes tuition, fees, room, board, international insurance, as well as University-determined estimates for books, personal expenses and transportation.

• Penalty for Failure to Maintain Status 
  • Failure to comply with immigration regulations will result in the loss of your student status. This means that you lose benefits associated with your Visa type, such as on-campus employment. Reinstatement to F-1 status is only possible through re-entry into the United States or application through the USCIS. Applying for reinstatement must be done within five months of termination and is a lengthy, difficult, and risky process. Reinstatement may be denied and deportation is possible. For this reason, it is very important for you to maintain your status while you are in the United States. Please always ask a DSO if you have any questions or concerns regarding your F-1 status. 

• Duration of Status (D/S)
  • A nonimmigrant student may be admitted for their duration of status. This means that you are authorized to stay in the United States for the entire length of time during which you are enrolled as a full-time student in an educational program and any period of authorized practical training as long as you maintain your F-1 status. You are also entitled to a 60-day grace period after the end of your program or authorized practical training. While in the United States, you must maintain a valid foreign passport unless you are exempt from passport requirements. You may continue from one educational level to another, such as progressing from high school to a bachelor’s program, or a bachelor’s program to a master’s program, simply by being admitted to a new degree program at a higher degree level and/or transferring your SEVIS record to a new school within the US. You must receive a new I-20 for the new degree level.

• School of Record
  • For initial entry to the US, you must report to the school whose form I-20 you used to obtain your Visa and enter the US. If you have a Form I-20 from more than one school, it is important to have the name of the school you intend to attend specified on your Visa by presenting a Form I-20 from that school to the consular officer. Failure to report to the specified school will result in the loss of your student status and subject you to deportation. In special circumstances, you may request an immediate transfer out to another school that you have been admitted to and where you will be able to enroll within 30 days of your entry to the US. Students transferring from one school to the next must report to an international student advisor within 15 days of the start of their program and sign their new transfer Form I-20. 

• Re-entry
  • A nonimmigrant student may be readmitted after a temporary absence of five months or less from the United States if the student is otherwise admissible. You may be readmitted by presenting a valid foreign passport, a valid Visa, and a Form I-20 endorsed for re-entry on page 2. All of the information on the form I-20 must be current and your SEVIS record must be active. Please verify this with a DSO before traveling.

• Transfer from or to another school 
  • When transferring in from another US school to Midland University, students must work with an admission counselor to ensure they are properly admitted and have full documentation. The admission counselors and Midland’s DSO will work with your previous DSO to get your SEVIS record transferred to Midland University. You will receive an initial form I-20 from Midland University, and once classes begin and attendance has been verified your I-20 will be updated to an active status. 
  • When transferring out to another school from Midland University, a student should notify their Student Success Advisor and DSO as soon as possible and fill out the proper forms. 
    • An acceptance letter is required for the completion of the transfer. There may also be documents from the school you are wishing to attend that need a DSO signature. Please work with your transferring school to get those documents. 
    • The next school will issue a Form I-20 upon release of the SEVIS record from Midland University. Be sure to buy health insurance coverage for the time between schools. If dismissed from a program, you have limited time to transfer out your SEVIS record. Please contact a DSO for questions about this timeframe.

• Program Extension 
  • If you cannot complete the educational program by the end date on your form I-20, you must apply for an extension at least two weeks before the form I-20 expires. An application for an extension of stay must be requested and approved prior to the expiration date on your I-20. Failure to submit a timely request for an extension may result in falling out of status. Poor academic performance is not in itself a permissible ground for approving an extension. 
  • Students requesting an extension must provide a compelling academic or medical reason verified by the academic advisor/student coach and DSO., an updated financial affidavit form, and bank documents showing funding to complete the program. To request a program extension meet with a DSO to complete the process. 
  • This must be approved before your I-20 expires, so we recommend starting this process at least a month before your I-20 expires.

• Travel and Vacation 
  • Please see the Academic Calendar for holidays when Midland University is closed, fall break, winter break, and spring break. International students are required to enroll full-time in all terms with the exception of one vacation semester. 
  • Due to Midland University’s limited class availability in summer, the traditional vacation semester is in the summer term. Requesting an annual vacation in another term other than summer must be discussed with a DSO before taking that term as a vacation term. 
  • A vacation term can be taken only once per calendar year. To be eligible to take the vacation term in a term other than summer, you must have been enrolled full time at Midland University for a minimum of one academic year (three semesters) prior to taking the vacation term.
  • Please be aware of the attendance policy at Midland University when planning travel. Departing before the conclusion of classes or returning after classes have resumed can result in a negative impact on your grades and potentially affect your immigration status
  • All international students must get the back of their I-20 signed by a DSO in order to leave the country. This travel endorsement is good for one year from the DSO signature date. Flight itineraries must be provided upon requesting a signature.
  • A valid Visa is also required for re-entry. If you will be traveling out of the United States and will be applying to renew your Visa, be prepared to provide financial documentation for your interview at the consulate. If you are changing your source of funding, provide our office with updated bank documents so that your form I-20 can be updated before you travel. 
  • Passports should always be kept valid six months into the future. Do not let your passport expire while you are in the US. Contact your embassy if you need to renew your passport.
  • When making travel plans, you must take your studies into consideration. Midland University has a strict attendance policy, which must be considered when traveling. 
    • It is typically not advised to travel while classes are in session. 
    • Never travel during the term unless you have already made arrangements with the professor. It is your responsibility to make those arrangements and ensure participation and enrollment is maintained. 
    • If an administrative withdrawal takes place due to nonparticipation, F-1 status may be affected, which would prevent re-entry into the US. 
    • Please consider all of the risks before traveling while class is in session. 
    • Keep copies of all your immigration documents for your own records. When you arrive in or leave the United States, your travel history is recorded on an electronic I-94 record. You must download a new I-94 after each entry into the US.

• Every student at Midland is assigned to a Student Success Advisor. First Year College students will work with an advisor during the first year at Midland. Then, they will transition to a Program Advisor based on their major for their remaining time at Midland. Students Transferring to Midland from another institution will work with a Program Advisor based on their major. 

• Advisors are here to help support you in and outside of the classroom. Each semester you will work with your advisor to register for your courses, discuss your degree plan, and implement strategies for success. Your advisor will also serve as a guide who can connect you to other resources on campus, both academic and personal. 

• You will meet with your advisor during your Virtual Student Registration Day.

• The Omaha Eppley Airport is located in Omaha, NE. It is a 50 minute drive to Midland University. 
  • Other international airports in the region include: Des Moines (3 hrs.), Kansas City (3 hrs.), and Minneapolis (5 hrs.)
  • Airport Pick-up: Your Coach will help to coordinate and pick you up from the airport.