Accepted International Students

1. Pay the I-901 Fee

• a. Use your I-20 / DS-2019 form to register for the SEVIS program
• b. You are required to pay the I-901 fee before you apply for a visa.
• c. This fee is payable to the U.S. government, NOT our university.
• d. Instructions are available at https://www.fmjfee.com/

2. Apply for a visa at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• a. The visa application process can be complicated and may vary from country to country.
• b. General information on visas is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/
• c. Do NOT apply for a B-1, B-2 or WT visa.

3. Resources

• Use Resources to help you prepare for your interview. Interviews can last about 2 minutes so you want to be well prepared to make a good impression. Visit our page on Visa Interview resources

Received your visa? Email: international@sdsmt.edu

a. Go to: http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt/whoami

b. Follow the instructions

• i. Your student ID is at the top of your admission letter

c. If your change your password, WRITE IT DOWN!

As part of your checklist, You are required to upload a photo for your student ID:

Undergraduate Students:

• a. Log into your New Student Checklist to do this.

Graduate Students:

• a. Upload a photo of yourself Here
• b. Log in with your South Dakota Mines Network

Grubby Mobile ID Setup Instructions:

• Android and IOS:https://www.sdsmt.edu/grubbycard/

a. If you have not set up your South Dakota Mines email account yet, follow Step 2.

b. Step-by-step instructions can be found at the BOTTOM of this page:

• https://www.sdsmt.edu/Academics/Registrar---Course-Enrollment/

a. Submit your immunization form with proof of two MMR immunizations

• i. This must be completed before you arrive on campus. You will be dropped from all classes if not in compliance.
• ii.Immunization form - Download this form. Once completed, submit to Dean of Students Office: deanofstudents@sdsmt.edu and international@sdsmt.edu
• iii.Immunization Requirements - Visit this link to find out more about South Dakota Mines immunization requirements.

b. Insurance

• i.BOR Requirements - South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) requires that you have credible health insurance, please visit this website for more information.

c. Vaccination

• i. In order to enter the US, you must show two COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

There are two orientations specifically for international students (online and in-person).

Make sure to complete the online orientation before arriving in the US. :

a. After making travel plans, fill out the South Dakota Mines Arrival form at this link: South Dakota Mines Arrival Form.

b. When making your travel plans, be sure to fly all the way to Rapid City, South Dakota. There are no "cheap flights" available after you arrive in the United States. It will be much more inexpensive if you book your ticket all the way to Rapid City when you book your ticket to the United States.

• a.On-Campus Housing
• • Contact the Residence Life Office at reslife@sdsmt.edu if you have any questions.
• b.Off-Campus Housing - search engine link
• i. Resources:
• • Off-Campus Housing Links and Information
• • Landlord-Tenant Rights
• ◦ Know your rights as a tenant here in South Dakota

a. Check your email for the estimated costs sheet.

• i. You should have approximately this much money when you arrive on campus.

b. Online payments

• i. View process on the Student Accounts/Cashiering Services page.

c. Flywire - international transfers

• i. View process on the Student Accounts/Cashiering Services page.

d. Payments may also be made at the Student Accounts and Cashiers Office in the Surbeck Center if you pay with cash or a check (no credit cards accepted in the Cashier's Office).

You will receive information from the Registrar's Office through your South Dakota Mines email account.

What should you bring? Check out Things to Pack-Things to Buy and Packing List Tips from current international students.

Curious as to what the weather is like here in Rapid City? Check the U.S. Climate Data website for more information.

Discover the Black Hills of South Dakota: https://www.sdsmt.edu/About/Why-Mines/The-Rushmore-Region/

You are required to attend an initial check-in of your immigration documents with the Ivanhoe International Center staff. We sent an email regarding the Mandatory check-in. Please let us know if you did not get this email.

You will need to bring these documents when you check-in.

• Passport and Visa
• I-20
• Any previous I-20s you have had.
• I-94, if you downloaded it. If this is your first n the U.S, we will do this for you.
• Immunization Records - if you already sent them, ignore this document

Visit the Interactive Campus Map to familiarize yourself with campus before you arrive.

a. Make arrangements to have your official high school and/or college or university transcripts sent directly from your institution:

• i.Only required if awarded degree does not appear on transcript submitted with application. Transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution.
• ii.Send to: Ivanhoe International Center South Dakota Mines 501 E. St. Joseph Street Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-3995

a. Visit your new student checklist for more steps to complete before you arrive.

a. Fill out the Bedding Packet Rental Contract to rent a package including bed sheets, a blanket, a pillow, a bath towel, and a wash cloth to help you get started.

a. Visit the graduate student website for more steps to complete as a Graduate Student.

• i.New Graduate Student Checklist