For information on applying as an Undergraduate international student, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website, or call (248) 370-3360
For information on applying as an Graduate international student, please visit the Graduate Admissions website, or call
(248) 370-3168
TRANSFER International F-1 and J-1 Scholars:
I. The FIRST STEP for all international students:
Complete and submit and Undergraduate or Graduate application, which will be reviewed according to all admission requirements before admission is given.
OU Admissions Information:
- From OU homepage, select FUTURE STUDENTS tab (for application, procedures, documents, deadlines, transfer credit evaluation, English proficiency tests, and more).
- Select Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions, then select International Students. Direct all admissions questions to the appropriate office:
- Bachelor's Degree- Undergraduate Admissions: (248) 370-3360 or ouinfo@oakland.edu
- Master's Degree or PhD Degrees- Graduate Admissions: (248) 370-3167 or gradmail.oakland.edu
II. International STUDENTS with F-1 or J-1 student visas:
Those who wish to TRANSFER to Oakland University (OU) from another American educational institution must follow all USCIS procedures.
For transfer of a students SEVIS record, the necessary "Transfer In" form is included in the OU admission application. Transfer In Form
- International transfer students first complete Part I.
- Students then submit the form to their current educational institution, who will complete Part II and submit the form to OU.
- Students are responsible for follow-up with their current schools regarding transfer of the SEVIS records to OU.
- OU cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 until the previous school has released a student's SEVIS record for transfer to OU.
Please note the following "international transfer student" information:
- An international applicant who applies for OU admission with transfer credits from a NON-American, foreign school is NOT considered a "transfer student" but simply an international student.
- An international transfer student between American institutions should NOT follow general Transfer Student procedures.
- All international students should NOT register for/attend the General or Transfer Orientation meetings of the "domestic" OU student population offered through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
- All international students must attend the International Student Orientation conducted by the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
III. International J-1 Exchange Visitor Research SCHOLARS who wish to transfer between American institutions must follow this procedure:
- OU faculty sponsor must complete and submit to ISSO the DS-2019 Application.
- Dean of Research department sends J-1 scholar an offer letter.
- Upon arrival, J-1 scholar first meets with department sponsor and/or secretary.
- After checking in with department, J-1 scholar brings immigration documents to ISSO to schedule an orientation with the ISSO director.
Change of Immigration Status (COS) to F-1
Federal regulations permit individuals holding a nonimmigrant visa in the U.S. to change status to another nonimmigrant category while in the U.S. by submitting a change of status application. The ISSO change-of status (COS) process (i.e. F-2 to F-1; J-1 to F-1; J-2 to F-1; H-1B to F-1, H-4 to F-1) consists of three 1-hour appointments with an immigration advisor. Students must first be admitted to Oakland University (OU). The COS usually takes 3-4 months for USCIS approval, during which time, the student should not move from their current residence. Please note that Graduate Assistants can’t begin working until his/her change of status is approved. For B-1 visa holders ISSO will issue a COS I-20 and advise on how to best proceed.
1st Appointment:
· Make copies of immigration paperwork, i.e. passport, visa, I-94 card, and OU admit letter
· Identify current immigration status and timeline
· Review COS process and forms
2nd Appointment:
· Verify Financial Support
· Verify OU admitted student status
· Explain process to pay SEVIS fee
· Generate I-20
3rd Appointment:
· Receive check for SEVIS fee
· Review all support documentation
· Finalize the COS packet
· Ready the COS packet for mailing by the student
Once the COS packet has been mailed, monthly update meetings between the student and the ISSO immigration advisor will follow.