Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below are frequently asked by CESL students.
Do you have a question not listed here? Email your question to us at iss@ou.edu.
- How do I get a student visa?
- Why do I need an I-20?
- Can I get an I-20 for less than one year?
- How soon can I come to the US?
- Do I have to start school right away? Or can I wait until the next session?
- Why do you need a copy of my passport?
- Can I travel while in the US?
- How can I travel abroad and then come back to CESL?
- Can my friend pick up my I-20?
- Why do I have to buy health insurance if I am not sick?
- Can I work in the US?
- Can I get a Social Security card?
- Where can I live?
How do I get a student visa?
Review the student visas page on travel.state.gov, as well as the instructions at the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa. After you receive your visa, check to see that you received the right type of visa and that your name and date of birth are correct and match the information in your passport.
Do I have to start school right away? Or can I wait until the next session?
Yes, if you enter the US using an OU CESL I-20, you must begin classes at the next available session. Failure to do so will result in a loss of your immigration status.
The estimated cost of CESL tuition and living expenses for one year is posted on the CESL website here. It is very important that you have enough money to support yourself while away from home. If you cannot meet your financial responsibilities and/or enroll, your immigration status may be negatively impacted, and you could lose your visa status.
Can I travel while in the US?
Yes, you can travel inside the US. You are encouraged to enjoy your stay in the US, but it is very import that your travel does not conflict with days you should be attending classes at CESL. Missing class could affect your academic performance. This could cause you to lose your visa status, which would require you to return home.
How can I travel abroad and then come back to CESL?
To return to the US and resume CESL classes, you must have a valid passport, a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and your I-20 or DS-2019 signed by the OU ISS office for travel. Plan ahead and request a travel signature for your documents at least 2 weeks before you travel.
Can my friend pick up my I-20?
No, we are not allowed to give I-20s to anyone other than the student. You must either pick up your I-20 in-person or set up a shipment to have it mailed directly to you.
Why do I have to buy health insurance if I am not sick?
The cost of medical services for everyone in the US is very high. It is mandatory that all international students, including CESL students, purchase and maintain medical insurance that includes hospital, medical, and repatriation insurance. Contact CESL at esl@ou.edu if you have questions about the insurance policy.
Can I work in the US?
Yes. CESL students on an F-1 visa can get a job on campus - never off campus. You can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
If you have questions about working, please talk to your ISS advisor.
Can I get a Social Security card?
Yes, if you have an on-campus job. After you have a job offer, please follow these steps:
- Get an employer offer letter, on letterhead
- Request an ISS letter by completing the online letter request form
- Take the required documents to the Social Security Administration office in Moore
Learn more information about the Social Security Number application procedure.
Where can I live?
There are many housing options for CESL students. You can choose to live on campus; for more information, see the University Housing and Food Services website. If it is your first CESL session, or you are under 19 years old when you enter CESL, you must stay in on campus housing.
You may also choose to live off campus; if so, you are responsible for all the necessary arrangements, and may find it more difficult to obtain a short-term lease.
