After Acceptance

After you have been accepted, (if you don’t have a non-immigrant visa) make arrangements to have your acceptance packet and I-20 form shipped to you. You’ll use your I-20 to apply for your non-immigrant F-1 or M-1 student visa.

Then apply for your non-immigrant F-1 or M-1 student visa.

Health insurance

Arrange to purchase health insurance and means to be evacuated.
Do this step only after you know the results of your visa interview.
All international students and visiting scholars who are engaged in educational activities are required to purchase a Mandatory International Student Medical Insurance plan. The cost of the plan is approximately $1,801 per year. If written verification can be obtained from the student’s government or sponsoring agency accepting full responsibility for any medical claims that might occur, then the insurance is not required.

• United Healthcare: search for Lake Superior College and to review the medical plan and email (include your LSC ID #) to have a charge added to your LSC account and to sign up for insurance. You can contact United Healthcare directly at 1-888-251-6243 if you have questions about the health insurance plan. It is advisable to have a health care plan in place prior to travel. Health insurance coverage must be paid in full prior to registration.

Arrive one month (30 days) before the start of the semester to complete the following tasks

• Complete placement testing with at least minimum placement test score requirements for your program, see program guide. You can download the study app to your phone. It is a good idea to take this test when you are well-rested; not travel-weary. Study and take your placement test after you have been in Duluth for at least two days. Your score will determine which classes you can initially register for.
• Attend registration. It is strongly recommended that you attend a session as soon as possible after admission for the best class selection and meet with your Academic Advisor. We recommend to schedule your testing after you have had a couple of days to rest.
• Provide proof of health insurance payment (required prior to course registration).
• Register for classes. Be prepared to show proof of health insurance payment and updated address and contact information. Make an appointment with the International Admissions Representative in Student Services. Update your local address and phone number and pick up an updated copy of your I-20 Form. It will now say ‘Continuing’ and show that you have registered for classes.
• Attend an international student orientation meeting. Orientation time and location will be emailed to you. More information about the orientation will be in an email as we get closer to the start of the semester.

There are several local housing options available. One option is the University of Wisconsin-Superior which has a block of rooms reserved for our students to rent. Room rental includes a meal plan. The University of Wisconsin-Superior is located across the bridge in Superior, Wisconsin. However, it takes an hour on public transit – which is free for LSC students – to travel to between campuses. Another option is Campus Park Apartments which has reserved a block of apartments for our students to rent. They provide a free shuttle to LSC. Rental at Campus Park Apartments does not include meals, and there is no bus service to campus in the evenings or on the weekends. Check out information about other local housing options.

You can either fly directly to the Duluth airport or you can fly to the Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP) airport and take the Skyline Shuttle to Duluth.

Note: If you will be dependent on public transit, make sure that the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) stops by your chosen housing option. This will be very important in the winter months.

Once you have passed the immigration inspection at your U.S. Port of Entry, you will be asked to declare to a U.S. Customs inspector what you have brought into the country. Usually, you will fill out a declaration from on the plane and make a verbal statement to the official. They may or may not inspect your baggage.

You may bring in anything for your personal use without paying duty. Quantity limitations are placed on alcoholic beverages (1 liter, if you are over 21 years old); cigarettes (1 carton); cigars (100); smoking tobacco (2 kilograms). A total of $400 worth of gifts may be brought in duty free every six months. Any value over $400 will be assessed duty. Any amount of money may be brought into the U.S. without paying duty; however, you must declare any amount over $10,000. Certain articles may not be brought into the U.S. Please check with the US Customs and Border Protection on the extensive list of Prohibited and Restricted Items that cannot be brought into the US. For more information, contact a U.S. Consulate.

Make all financial arrangements before you arrive in Duluth. Lake Superior College cannot and does not assume financial responsibility for international students and their families. To be admitted to and attend LSC, you are responsible for be able to have access to the amount of money you indicated on the financial certificate or affidavit you submitted to LSC. You are to have access to the total amount typed on Item #7 of your I-20 Form. On-campus employment is limited. In addition, students should not expect to be able to finance their studies by working in the U.S. Evidence of financial support was a required part of your application. It is also required for your visa to verify that you would not have to work to support yourself.

It is unwise to carry large amounts of cash with you. It is recommended that you have immediate access to at least $6,000 in cashier’s or traveler’s checks (in U.S. currency) or credit card. This will cover the majority of your first year’s immediate tuition expenses. If you wish to deposit your money in the LSC Business Office, the checks are to be made payable to “Lake Superior College.” Money on deposit is refunded when the student terminates enrollment at the college. It is also recommended that you bring $200 to $500 cash in U.S. currency. You’ll need money for taxi, phone, and other charges that may occur upon your arrival.

While in the U.S., you are responsible for all your financial obligations. You will pay rent, telephone bill, credit card expenses, food, shelter, etc., and for all bills owed to Lake Superior College. This is a serious matter. Students will not be allowed to continue their studies at our institution and register for future semesters until all tuition fees are paid in full. You will not be permitted to work off campus until you have completed 2 full semesters in your program of study (other restrictions apply) and on campus jobs are very limited.

It may take few days for you to open a bank account. You can do this at any local bank or credit union. You’ll need to bring your passport and show your visa to set up your account. US Bank (218) 723-2800, Wells Fargo (218) 723-2694 or Members Cooperative Credit Union (218) 625-8500 are some local options. You will need to confirm that they are able to accept international wire transfers.

Important: You may want to bring Traveler’s Checks to cover immediate expenses. This includes health insurance (currently $1801), registration deposit, first month’s rent and other expenses if you are planning to live off-campus. US currency should be in small denominations, approximately $200-$500. Purchase a money belt, neck pouch to carry your valuables such like passport, I-20 Form, money order, checks and cash.