International Students

Congratulations on becoming a Bearcat at CECH! 

You're now a Bearcat! Now it's time confirm your admission, and pay your confirmation fee, if applicable. 

Make sure to check your requirements for official transcript submission.

Using new UC login, access this portal to request and update international documents.

After your Immigration Documents e-form is approved, you will be mailed or emailed a Certificate of Eligibility. You need this document to apply for your visa.

Before you can apply for a visa, you must pay a SEVIS fee to the US Department of Homeland Security. Read all the instructions before paying the fee.

Once you have confirmed your admission, received your I-20 or DS-2019 and paid the SEVIS fee, you can apply for your student visa. You can apply at any US consulate or embassy, but it may be more difficult outside of your country of citizenship.

If you have been accepted, congratulations!

• Start completing UC's New International Student checklist.
• Purchase your airfare to the United States.
• Enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

If your visa has been denied. 

Most UC students and scholars will be successful in obtaining their visas, but a small number have their visa applications denied. The visa officer must verbally inform you of the reason for the visa denial.

If your visa is denied, email UC International at international.services@uc.edu. Provide the date and location of your visa interview, and the reason given by the visa officer for the denial. We will help you reapply or determine your next steps.

You may reapply for a visa within 12 months without having to pay the SEVIS fee again.

First-Year Students

All first-year students are required to attend New Student Orientation also called Bearcats Bound Orientation (BBO). 

Transfer Students

Transfer students are not required to attend BBO because the colleges organize transfer student orientation differently than freshman student orientation. Refer to the confirmed student webpage to learn what you need to do next.

Complete your mandatory health screening prior to your arrival on campus. The health screening includes two parts: Tuberculosis (TB) screening and proof of required immunizations. Instructions and necessary documentation are available on the University Health Services website.

All incoming students are required to complete our New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal. 

Undergraduate Housing

Whether you're a high school student exploring your options or an incoming freshman preparing for this exciting chapter, we're here to guide you through the process.

Graduate Housing

The Graduate Housing office has compiled several helpful resources for renters, including a list of basic utilities providers in Cincinnati, questions to ask prospective landlords and more.

Your travel checklist for the US will include all the essentials that you would need to keep handy while you are traveling to the USA from your country. Enjoy this exciting step!