Before leaving your country, you must obtain a passport from your government and a visa from a United States Consulate or Embassy. You should take your Proof of Eligibility (the Form I-20) to the nearest U.S. Consulate to have an F-1 visa stamped in your passport. Most U.S. Consulates require that you also bring your letter of admission from OPSU and documents indicating how you expect to pay your personal and educational expenses while you are studying in the United States. These documents include, but are not limited to, OPSU's financial guarantee form or a personal bank statement.

If you are transferring from another U.S. college or university to OPSU, your SEVIS record must be released by your previous school or university and sent to OPSU. After the release date, an I-20 can be issued through SEVIS. This International Office will need your previous transcripts, all previous I-20's, I-94, passport, and OPSU transfer form. BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) must be notified of the transfer within 21 days of the first day of classes. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor's Information System) requires registration in order to maintain your immigration status.