Oklahoma City University : Overseas Programs : Singapore

OVERSEAS PROGRAMS

Overseas Programs
Residency - Living in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City University

About Oklahoma City
Also known as “The Big Friendly,” the city is centered around the Bricktown Entertainment District and is shaped from an extremely diverse population including 39 American Indian tribes, a vibrant Asian district, the iconic cowboy district Stockyard City, Paseo Art District and restoration of historic Western Avenue, just to name a few. All of these experiences are within walking distance or just minutes away by car. Want to learn more about our state? Visit: Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau or Oklahoma Tourism

Oklahoma, the 46th state, entered the Union in 1907 and has developed in to a mixture of rural agricultural and urban communities. Oklahoma is surrounded by six other states: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. It slopes gently down from northwest to southeast, from the Black Mesa (elevation: 4973 ft) in the Panhandle to McCurtain County (elevation: 287 ft) in the southeast corner. The western half of Oklahoma is covered by expansive tall-grass prairie; in sharp contrast, the eastern half is dominated by forest.

Oklahoma's population is just over 3.2 million people and has the largest American Indian population of any state, with just over 250,000. In fact, the name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words okla (people) and humma (red), so the state's name literally means red people.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening on campus?
What is Residency?
When is Residency?
What are the qualifications for attending Residency?
Do I need a Student Visa (F1)?
How do I obtain a Student Visa?
What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should I know about it?
What forms do I need to complete for a Student Visa (F1) application?
What is the required documentation?
What are the required visa fees?
What evidence of financial resources would I need to show?
What should I expect at my appointment with the US Embassy?
Can I be denied a Visa?
If I am denied, how soon can I reapply?
How long may I stay in US on my F-1 Visa?
I have additional questions regarding a Student Visa.
Do I need travel insurance coverage?
Who arranges the flights?
When do I submit my flight itinerary?
What clothes should I bring for Residency?
What do I need to bring to Residency?
How much money should I bring to the US?
How much luggage will I need?
What happens when I arrive in the US?
Where will I be staying during Residency?
Who will I be staying with?
Will meals be included at the hotel?
Is there internet at the hotel?
How do I stay in contact with my family while I am in Residency?
What happens if I get sick during Residency?
Are there any important numbers that I may need during my Residency?
What is happening on campus?
View The Campus online which is the student ran newspaper. Here you can find out what is happening on campus. You may also visit the online master calendar or university news page.

What is Residency?
Residency is the final twelve (12) hours required to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. Students travel from Singapore to Oklahoma City to take their final modules while also getting a chance to experience Oklahoma and the United States. During Residency, students will also participate in the graduation ceremony.

When is Residency?
Residency occurs at the end of the eighteen (18) month Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication either in the Spring (April – May) or Fall (November – December). Residency is three (3) weeks.

What are the qualifications for attending Residency?
In order to attend Residency, students must meet the following criteria.

Completed MCBC 3403 Scripting

Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above

Lack no more than two courses (6 credit hours) after completing residency. This includes any courses that have been deferred or must be remoduled due to receiving a failing grade (F).

Do I need a Student Visa (F1)?
Yes, this is not a social visit. All students will need a student visa.

How do I obtain a Student Visa?
For information regarding Visas, especially changes or updates, please visit the US Department of State website for more information.

For Oklahoma City University, we will issue you an I-20 and a reference letter. We will need from you a completed I-20 request form along with a valid photocopy of your passport. Please be sure your name on the form matches your name on the passport.

You will be notified to come to MDIS to collect your I-20 form and the student referral letter from the Student Service Counter.

Please check your I-20 carefully for errors. Some of the more common errors are:
1. name misspelled;
2. family name and given name(s) reversed;
3. date of birth wrong (month and day reversed);
4. country of birth or nationality wrong.

If you find an error on the I-20, then your SEVIS entry is most likely also incorrect. You should contact your Student Service Officer immediately, get the error corrected and have them mail you a new I-20. In most cases, if the information on the paper I-20 is correct, the electronic SEVIS entry will also be correct.

Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of arrival in the US. If you have previous passports within the last ten (10) years, please bring them too.

You will need to make an appointment with the US Embassy. Print the Appointment Confirmation Letter to bring with you to the Embassy on the date of your appointment.

What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the DHS and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.

All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, all F-1 principal applicants must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the DHS for each individual program. See the SEVP Fact Sheet for a fee list. See SEVIS-901 Fee for further information on how to pay the fee.

If you find an error on the I-20, then your SEVIS entry is most likely also incorrect. You should contact your Student Service Officer immediately, get the error corrected and have them mail you a new I-20. In most cases, if the information on the paper I-20 is correct, the electronic SEVIS entry will also be correct.

Please note that the fee CANNOT be paid at the Embassy. It must be paid before you come for your interview; otherwise, the Embassy will not be able to issue your visa until payment is confirmed.

What forms do I need to complete for a Student Visa (F1) application?
You will need to complete the following forms:
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. Visit our DS-160 webpage to learn more about the DS-160 online process.

1) You must pay the USD$140 application fee, and the cashier’s order needs to be purchased from Standard Chartered.
a) Cash, personal checks, Singapore Post money or postal orders will not be accepted.
b) The Cashier’s order MUST be made out to “American Embassy, Singapore.”
c) Payment to any other recipient will not be accepted.
2) Complete Student Questionnaire (Form SGP V-4)
3) Evidence of Financial Resources

NOTE:
You must arrive at the Embassy no later than 10 a.m. Walk in applications will not be accepted from people who arrive after 10 a.m.

You will spend more time in the waiting room than people using the other application channels. Data for applications through a travel agency or mail-in process would have sent ahead their data entry scanned prior to the applicant arriving at the Embassy. With the walk-in channel, this will have to take place while you wait.

What is the required documentation?
Each applicant for a student visa must submit these forms and documentation as explained below:

•Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school.You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. See the previous section for SEVIS information.

•Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. Visit our DS-160 webpage to learn more about the DS-160 online process. .

•A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

•One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements.

•A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee.

•The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (US$200).

Non-Singaporean applicants must also provide:

* Evidence that they are legally present in Singapore
(e.g. Identification Card, Employment Pass, etc.)

What are the required visa fees?
•Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee - For current fees for Department of State government services select Fees. You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid, when you come for your visa interview.

•Visa issuance fee – Additionally, if the visa is issued, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is. If there is a fee for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of nationality.

These fees are in addition to the SEVIS I-901 Fee.

What evidence of financial resources would I need to show?
You will have to show that you are financially sound when traveling to the US. There is no fixed amount indicated by the US Embassy or on their website as to how much this amount is. It depends on the duration and places you travel in the US. Generally, students are expected to have about $4,000 to $6,000.

-Bank Documents: Passbooks or statements showing your current assets and recent transactions for at least the past several months. Letters from your bank or your sponsor’s bank are also acceptable, but the letters should cite the accounts maintained, current balances and average monthly balances over the past year. A letter simply stating that the bank believes the sponsor is capable of supporting the applicant will not be useful for visa-application purposes.

-Sponsorship by Parents: If your parents are your sponsors, they should write a letter stating that they will provide support for your studies in the United States; they should also provide evidence of their assets and income, including current bank statements, and income tax assessment notices for the last two years (Inland Revenue Authority Form 4020 for Singapore residents).

-Sponsors Other Than Your Parents: If you are being sponsored by someone other than your parents, you may want to consider providing something more substantial than just a letter. Some applicants choose to have their sponsors complete affidavits of support notarized. If you do this, the affidavit should state specifically the relationship between the sponsor and the student and the kind of financial evidence used to demonstrate support. In addition, the sponsor should provide the same evidence of assets and income as a sponsoring parent.

What should I expect at my appointment with the US Embassy?
The US Embassy is located at 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508.

The Embassy conducts Visa Appointments only on Mondays through Fridays from 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Please note, however, that the non-immigrant visa section is closed for local and U.S. holidays as well as administrative days – click here for a listing of dates of closure.

An appointment is required. Be sure to arrive early for your scheduled appointment.

On the day of your appointment, you will go through a series of security checks. For this reason, only bring with you what is necessary for your application. Do not bring large bags/purses or backpacks to your appointment. Cellphones and food are not permitted inside the Embassy.

After the security checks, proceed to the visa section and take a NON-IMMIGRANT VISA queue number. When your number is called, give your documents to the clerk and have a seat. Your information will be entered into a database and then you will be called again for your interview.

Please go to Documents on this site to print a Visa Check List.

APPROVED: The Embassy will keep your passport while the visa is being issued. You will be asked to return to the Embassy two working days after your interview to pick up your passport and visa.

DENIED: Your passport will be returned to you after the interview. You are strongly encouraged to reapply.

Can I be denied a Visa?
Yes. Below is an explanation from the US Department of State website. Please check site for updated information.

The United States is an open society. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities. In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, aliens have a responsibility to prove they are going to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued. Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise.

WHAT IS SECTION 214(b)?

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status...

To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.

WHAT CONSTITUTES "STRONG TIES"?

Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. "Ties" are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.

As a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, imagine your own ties in the United States. Would a consular office of a foreign country consider that you have a residence in the United States that you do not intend to abandon? It is likely that the answer would be "yes" if you have a job, a family, if you own or rent a house or apartment, or if you have other commitments that would require you to return to the United States at the conclusion of a visit abroad. Each person's situation is different.

Our consular officers are aware of this diversity. During the visa interview they look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicants specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

IS A DENIAL UNDER SECTION 214(B) PERMANENT?

No. The consular officer will reconsider a case if an applicant can show further convincing evidence of ties outside the United States. Your friend, relative or student should contact the embassy or consulate to find out about reapplication procedures. Unfortunately, some applicants will not qualify for a nonimmigrant visa, regardless of how many times they reapply, until their personal, professional, and financial circumstances change considerably.

HOW CAN I HELP?

You may provide a letter of invitation or support. However, this cannot guarantee visa issuance to a foreign national friend, relative or student. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of an American sponsor's assurance.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF AN AQUAINTANCE IS REFUSED A VISA UNDER 214(B) FOR LACK OF A RESIDENCE ABROAD?

First encourage your relative, friend or student to review carefully their situation and evaluate realistically their ties. You can suggest that they write down on paper what qualifying ties they think they have which may not have been evaluated at the time of their interview with the consular officer. Also, if they have been refused, they should review what documents were submitted for the consul to consider. Applicants refused visas under section 214(b) may reapply for a visa. When they do, they will have to show further evidence of their ties or how their circumstances have changed since the time of the original application. It may help to answer the following questions before reapplying: (1) Did I explain my situation accurately? (2) Did the consular officer overlook something? (3) Is there any additional information I can present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?

Your acquaintances should also bear in mind that they will be charged a nonrefundable application fee each time they apply for a visa, regardless of whether a visa is issued.

WHO CAN INFLUENCE THE CONSULAR OFFICER TO REVERSE A DECISION?

Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve. An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.

If I am denied, how soon can I reapply?
You may reapply shortly after your application has been denied.

How long may I stay in the US on my F-1 student visa?
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

•F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.

For any changes or updates, please visit the US Department of State website for more information.

I have additional questions regarding a Student Visa.

For additional information regarding Visas, especially changes or updates, please visit the US Department of State website for more information.

For any other information, please contact:

Theresa Richardson
Assistant Director of Overseas Programs
Oklahoma City University
Email: tlrichardson1@okcu.edu

OR

Goh Yee Tze (Yan)
Student Services Executive
Email: yeetze_goh@mdis.edu.sg

When do I submit my flight itinerary?

Flight itineraries issued by the airline or travel agency that include details of both arrival and departure flights must be emailed to our office on as you have made your arrangements or no later than two weeks prior to your arrival in Oklahoma City. This information is to facilitate arrangements to and from Will Rogers World Airport. Failure to submit the information may result in not having a ride to/from the airport.

Please do not book your flights until you have received your Visa from the US Embassy unless you are purchasing refundable tickets.

Who arranges the flights?
Students make their own flight arrangements to arrive in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Many students may arrive early or extend his/her stay in the United States to see more of the country.

Please plan to arrive in Oklahoma City on the Saturday; this is included in your hotel stay. Although classes begin on Monday, there is a mandatory orientation on Sunday at 10 am at the University.

Do I need travel insurance coverage?
Yes. Everyone is required to buy an appropriate travel insurance coverage for the duration of the on-campus residency. This is a precaution that should anyone fall ill during the residency, he/she will be fully covered for the medical expenses. Medical costs are very high in the US and students are strongly encouraged to take sufficient coverage.

What clothes should I bring for Residency?

Although Residency is three weeks, you do not need to bring enough clothes for three weeks. The hotel has laundry facilities. Plus you may do a lot of shopping and purchase new clothes as many of the previous students have done. :)

You will want to bring clothes that are appropriate for your Management of Personal Lifestyles course, such as tennis shoes, gym clothes and possibly a swim suit. You will be also want tennis shoes for the Environmental Science course due to nature walks.

For the commencement ceremony, it is recommended for students to wear business-casual style clothing under the gowns. Dark shoes are appropriate.

Oklahoma weather can be very inconsistent. A famous Oklahoman Will Rogers said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, just wait five minutes.” One day it can be sunny with a high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the next day we have freezing weather with four inches of snow on the ground.

If you are coming for Fall Residency, please bring a warm, winter coat and prepare to layer your clothing. It can get very cold in Oklahoma and the wind chill can be hard on those who are not used to it. A warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf are strongly suggested. Many students will buy sweaters or sweatshirts while they are visiting.

If you are coming for the Spring Residency, please bring a jacket, preferably waterproof due to the chance of rain.

How much money should I bring to the US?
The tuition fees for the residency have already been paid and would be reflected in your I-20 Form. In addition, the residency package which you would have paid prior to your departure to the US will include the following:

Management of Personal Lifestyle & Environment Science textbooks

Hotel stay (excluding any additional nights)

Charter bus transportation related to OCU activities namely:
o Traveling to and from Campus
o Academic field trips
o Shopping trip in Texas
o Scheduled excursions

You will need to bring money for your other expenses:

Food/meals

General traveling expenses

Taxis

Entertainment (museums, activities, etc.)

Shopping

Personal expenses

What do I need to bring for Residency?
You will want to be sure to have the following items:

• Money
• Passport
• I-20
• Camera
• Laptop (at least one per room)
• International phone cards
• Medications
• Medical information (allergies or medical conditions)

How much luggage will I need?
You will want to check with the air carrier regarding luggage restrictions and charges. If you plan to go shopping, then you may want to bring an extra bag or be prepared for extra luggage fees. Some students have purchased additional luggage during their stay. You may also ship items back home. Be sure to check with different shipping agents (UPS, FedEx, etc) for costs.

What happens when I arrive in the US?
At the airport where you enter (Port of Entry), your travel documents (passport, visa and I-20) will be reviewed. A US Customs and Border Protection Officer will ask specific questions regarding your planned stay in the United States.

Most visitors traveling on visas will have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken. All of the data and information is then used to assist in determining whether or not to admit the traveler.

In the event of any difficulties when you arrive, please contact Virginia Oden at 405-921-9415.

Where will I be staying during Residency?
All students stay at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oklahoma City. No one is allowed to stay at any other hotel. We have arranged special rates for our students. These will be provided to you prior to Residency.

Who will I be staying with?
You can choose to room by yourself or with a roommate. Prior to residency, you will be able to choose your rooming option. If you decide to share a room, you must decide on your roommates and a representative for each room. Once you have submitted your room and your roommates form, changes will not be permitted.

Will meals be included at the hotel?
A complimentary continental breakfast is served Monday to Friday 6 am – 9:30 am and on weekends from 7 am – 10 am. There is an Evening Social served Monday to Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm that consists of a light meal and free beer* and soft drinks. Otherwise, you will have to pay for your own lunch, dinner and other refreshments. *For those 21 years and older.

Is there internet at the hotel?
Yes, the Marriott Residence Inn has free, wireless high-speed internet access in the guest rooms and free, wired or wireless high-speed internet access in the public areas.

How do I stay in contact with my family while I am in Residency?
We highly recommend considering international calling via your mobile phone or investing in international calling cards. You can purchase these in Singapore or in the United States. The hotel does allow international calls; however, it is very expensive.

What happens if I get sick during Residency?
Oklahoma City University has a Student Health Clinic that is available to all Oklahoma City University students. Due to the excessive cost of healthcare, students are encouraged to utilize the Student Health Clinic first.

Are there any important numbers that I may need during my Residency?
Below are some numbers that may be helpful:
• School of Adult & Continuing Education (SACE) Office 405-208-5365
• Marriott Residence Inn 405-942-4500
• Yellow Cab 405-232-6161
• Singapore Embassy 202-537-3100