International Students

110

currently enrolled

international retention rate

countries represented

Currently Participating in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training

Welcome!

Delta State University welcomes international students to the Mississippi Delta – providing them with a HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME experience. International students receive assistance, guidance and advice from application through post-graduation.

Are you interested in attending Delta State University?

Check out our International Admissions webpage for details regarding the application process and other vital information you will need to know.

Are you currently enrolled at Delta State University?

Click on the Current Student tab for information you will both need and find useful while you are a Delta State student.

Prospective Students

Am I eligible to apply?
When should I apply?
How do I apply?
Who should I talk to for more information?

Our International Admissions webpage contains the answers to these questions, details regarding the application process, and other vital information potential undergraduate and graduate students need to know.

Interested in knowing more about Cleveland, Mississippi? Visit Cleveland Mississippi has all the information on our little town.

Current Students

Welcome to Delta State, your HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME, located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta! On these pages, you will find a convenient collection of links and documents with answers and information specific to you, the international student.

Your international advisors provide assistance, guidance, and advice throughout your time at Delta State, as well as post-graduation.

As you connect with the Student Success Center’s Division of International Student Services, you will find out why so many students choose to make Delta State University their HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME.

General Information/Forms

Administrative Fee

DSU does not require an out-of-state fee, which most universities use to help fund their international offices, so DSU requires all international students to pay an administrative fee at the beginning of each semester. The fee is automatically posted to your student account and can be paid through MyDSU when paying tuition, insurance, or other student fees. This fee is used to assist International Student Services with DSU van rentals, student events, international student materials, support staff, etc.

Dining and Meal Plan Options

FERPA – Consent to Release Academic Information Link

DSU Payment Guide & Dates

Maintaining Your F1 Student Visa

Arrival

Check-in with International Student Services, Union 200, within 5 days of arrival on campus at the beginning of each semester and after breaks/holidays. Be sure to bring your I-20, visa, and passport. After any international travel an updated I-94 must be printed upon check-in with International Student Services.

Departure

Check-out with International Student Services office no less than 5 days prior to leaving campus at the end of each semester and before all breaks/holidays. Be sure to bring your I-20, visa, and passport to make sure that all travel documentation is update. Failure to do so could result in refusal to enter the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Department of Homeland Security.

Academic Regulations

F1 visa regulations require the following during fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate – Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours per semester with at least 9 hours instructed in-person/face-to-face. Zoom/virtual video meetings are not approved to replace necessary in-person/face-to-face hours.
Graduate – Must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 hours per semester with at least 6 hours instructed in-person/face-to-face. Zoom/virtual video meetings are not approved to replace necessary in-person/face-to-face hours.

International students are required to notify International Student Services prior to withdrawing from any academic courses and/or change of major.

Personal Information Changes

International students are required to notify International Student Services of any changes to student information (address, phone number, academic major/minor, employment, etc.) within 5 days of the change. International Student Services must then update the student’s information and issue an updated I-20, if needed, within 10 days of the change.

Documents

If any international travel documentation (I-20, passport, visa, I-94, etc.) is lost, stolen, or misplaced, please contact International Student Services immediately.

Active Visa Status

All DSU international students are required to maintain an active F1 visa status throughout enrollment. If an F1 visa needs to be extended to maintain an active status, please contact International Student Services no less than 2 months prior to visa expiration.

Health Insurance

DSU requires all international students be enrolled in DSU’s international student health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled upon acceptance and renewed throughout enrollment. Coverage begins on the program start date (first day of classes) and expires on the program end date/graduation/last date of enrollment. Enrollment/renewal fees are automatically charged to the student account and can be paid at the same time as tuition and other student fees.

Please report any medical appointments or surgeries to International Student Services within 5 days for insurance clarification and processing. Any information not submitted in a timely manner may result in the denial of insurance payment, in which case the student will be responsible for any and all charges occurred. If you miss class for any reason, please contact your individual teachers and coach immediately.

Important Instructions Regarding Your Insurance

Insurance Summary of Coverage

Transportation

How to Apply for a Mississippi Driver’s License

OPT & STEM OPT

Important Update About OPT & STEM OPT Applications (Effective December 12, 2025)

USCIS has updated its rules about photographs and biometrics for immigration applications.

What this means for you:

USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photographs for some applications.
For OPT and STEM OPT (Form I-765), USCIS may:
- Reuse a photo taken at a previous biometrics appointment (if it was taken within the last 3 years), or
- Require you to attend a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA) at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). (Nearest location is: Memphis, TN)
  - Location Address: 80 Monroe Ave., 7th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103

If you file Form I-765 on or after December 12, 2025:

You may receive a USCIS notice asking you to attend a biometrics appointment.
If you receive this notice, carefully follow the instructions to schedule and attend your appointment.

Important:
Until USCIS updates its official filing instructions, you should continue to submit two passport-style photos with your OPT or STEM OPT application.

If you receive any USCIS notice requesting photos or a biometrics appointment and have questions, please contact International Student Services (ISS) right away.

Want to find something interesting to do in Cleveland? Visit Cleveland Mississippi has all the information on local events and businesses.

International Student Spotlight: Kyuhyeon Cho

Kyuhyeon is from Seoul, South Korea, and graduated in 2024 from the Delta Music Institute’s Entertainment Industry Studies degree program.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Delta State?

A: I chose to attend Delta State for several reasons. Firstly, they offered an Entertainment Industry Studies program aligned with my academic interest and career goals. Secondly, Delta State’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community was appealing, especially for international students. Lastly, the university’s location in the United States presented a unique opportunity to experience Bible Belt culture and affordable education.

Q: What has been a memorable class and professor, and why?

A: One of my most memorable classes was English Composition 2 [ENG 102] with Professor Cowser. Professor Cowser was incredibly engaging, passionate, and knowledgeable about English composition, and I got to experience how to write in the British style. His teaching style made the class informative and enjoyable, and although that was the only B I got from my sophomore year, I learned a lot.

Q: What is your advice about Delta State for current or future international students?

A: My advice to current and future international students at Delta State is to embrace every opportunity to get involved and meet people. Join clubs or organizations like the Student Government Association, fraternities and sororities, DSU Choir, and DMI band that interest you, attend events, and make connections. Additionally, feel free to seek support, whether related to academics or adjusting to a new culture. Delta State has resources to help you succeed.

Employment Options

All on-campus and off-campus employment must be pre-approved by DSU’s International Student Services and meet United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations. Any unapproved employment can/will result in visa termination. For more information, please contact International Student Services, (662) 846-4574, Union 200.

On Campus Employment

Undergraduate and graduate F1 visa students are eligible to work on campus as a Regular Student Employee (RSE). Graduate level F1 students are also eligible to work on campus as a Graduate Assistant (GA). Employment availability depends on individual on-campus departmental openings and work hours depend on the individual department’s needs. For more information, please see the On Campus Guidelines & Application Process form below.

On Campus Guidelines and Sample Employment Letter
Social Security Office Sample Letter
Resume Tips

Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F1 students to participate in off-campus internship, cooperative education, practicum, or employment that is directly related to their current program of study. The work can be paid or unpaid and students are eligible to work full-time (20+ hrs/wk) or part-time (-20 hrs/wk). In addition, the work must be eligible for academic course credit and pre-approved by International Student Services before the student can begin working. Any off-campus work (paid or unpaid) that is not pre-approved by International Student Services will be considered unlawful by the US Department of Homeland Security and is grounds for visa/immigration status termination and deportation.

For more information, please see the CPT Guidelines & Application Process form below.

CPT Guidelines & Sample Letters
Social Security Office Sample Letter
Resume Tips

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-Completion OPT)

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-Completion OPT) allows F1 students to gain off-campus employment while enrolled in their degree program through work or internship in their field of study. The employment can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and must be pre-approved by International Student Services before employment can begin. For more information, please see the Pre-Completion OPT Guidelines & Application Process form below.

Pre-Completion OPT Guidelines & Application Process
Pre-Completion OPT Employer Sample Letter
Social Security Office Sample Letter
Resume Tips

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion OPT)

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion OPT) allows F1 students to gain off-campus employment upon completion of their degree program through work or internship in their field of study. The employment can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and must be pre-approved by International Student Services before employment can begin. For more information, please see the Post-Completion OPT Guidelines & Application Process form below.

Post-Completion OPT Guidelines & Application Process
Post-Completion OPT Employer Guidelines & Letter
Sample Letter for Social Security Office
Resume Tips

Where are you now?

Near or far, in the United States or abroad, let us know where you are. Simply fill out and submit the form below. That way we can keep you up-to-date on what’s happening at the University, invite you to special events and make sure you get access to all the perks of being a DSU Alumni.

No matter where you go, your Delta State University family will always be here for you!

Name(Required)

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Enter Email Confirm Email

Mailing Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone

Current Employer(Required)

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DSU College/School(Required)

DSU Major

DSU Degree Earned and Graduation Year(Required)

Degree

Graduation Year

Why did you choose to come to Delta State?

What are your plans after graduation? (Or) What have you been doing since graduation?

How would you like to be involved with the Delta State International Student Association (ISA)?

Examples include supporting recruitment efforts, hosting alumni events in your home country, participating in Homecoming activities, host events for Delta State faculty/staff travelers visiting your home country, etc.

What can Delta State do to help you stay connected?

What kinds of communication are you interested in? How often? What do you hope to gain from being a member of the Delta State International Student Association (ISA)?

Current Travel Guidance

International Student Services continues to advise caution with international travel, as U.S. immigration policies are unpredictable and can rapidly change without notice. If your visa is expired, renewing it could be uncertain and may cause extended delays, potentially affecting your ability to return and continue your studies or research. Unfortunately, International Student Services is unable to guarantee your ability to return. At this time, International Student Services does not anticipate that domestic travel within the US will be impacted.

A note on electronic devices: When entering the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may review your electronic devices, including social media. Please review the ACLU’s article for preparation tips before traveling.

Social Media and Apps: Ensure your online presence reflects compliance with U.S. laws and visa regulations. Evaluate your social media presence to ensure it presents a professional and appropriate representation of yourself to any embassy officials or border protection officer.

Entering the US

Upon arriving in the US, you will be required to pass through inspection by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At that time, you will be expected to present evidence that you have been maintaining your F-1 visa status and will continue to do so. Depending on whether or not you are currently an enrolled student or you have transitioned into OPT (or STEM OPT), the documents you may be asked to provide will differ.

F-1 Visa Holders Enrolled in a Degree Program

Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
Valid F-1 Visa
Most Recent I-20 with Valid Travel Signature (travel signatures for active students are valid for 1 year from the date of the last signature)
I-901 “SEVIS Fee” Receipt (print a copy at www.fmjfee.com))
Most Recent Transcripts – Returning Students – ONLY; New students should carry a copy of the DSU admissions letter.
Proof of Enrollment in the Current or Next Term
Financial Documents (bank statement or department stipend letter showing sufficient funding to meet or exceed the amount on your I-20)

F-1 Visa Holders on OPT or STEM OPT

Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
Valid F-1 Visa
Most Recent I-20 with Valid Travel Signature (travel signatures for active students are valid for 6 months from the date of the last signature)
I-901 “SEVIS Fee” Receipt (print a copy at www.fmjfee.com))
Valid EAD (card)
Proof of Employment (such as an employment verification, offer letter, or recent pay stub. The employer name should match the employer name on page 2 of the I-20)

I-20 Travel Signature

Once you receive your new I-20, you must print it out and carry the paper copy for travel purposes.

Renewing Your F-1 Visa Stamp at the US Embassy

Review the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply for your visa for location-specific information. In general, we advise that you apply for your F-1 visa at a US embassy in your home country or country or residence.

When renewing your visa, anticipate delays, especially if you will be traveling during holiday or peak travel seasons. Security checks can delay visa issuance by several weeks. Neither DSU nor International Student Services can assist in the event of a security check. To the best of our knowledge, it is not possible to expedite a security check and all that can be done is wait for the process to be completed.
You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee for visa renewals. The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee paid prior to starting your F-1 visa program. As long as your SEVIS Number has not changed, then you do not need to re-pay this fee.
You can only renew your visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. Renewing your visa inside the U.S. is not possible.

Applying for a Visa as a Third-Country National (TCN)

Effective September 6, 2025, the US Department of State announced that all visa applicants should apply for their non-immigrant visa in their country of nationality (passport country). If you are a resident of a country that is different from the country that issued your passport, you may be able to apply at the US embassy in your country of residence. However, you should contact the embassy in your country of residence to confirm that they will accept your F-1 visa application. You may be asked to provide evidence of your residency status in order to apply.

If you are a national of a country that is not accepting nonimmigrant visa applications, please follow the instructions on the US Department of State website to locate the US embassy or consulate where you must apply for your nonimmigrant visa.

Additional Considerations

As of June 18, 2025, the Department of State requires F and J visa applicants to set their social media privacy settings to “public” as part of the visa application process.

For an overview of the F-1 visa application process, please see the U.S. Department of State website.

CONTACT
international@deltastate.edu
Union 200; DSU Box 3232
Cleveland, MS 38733
P: 662.846.4500

S.O.S. (Stay Okra Strong) Early Alert system helps identify and assist at-risk students through organized outreach.

Your gift to International Student Services supports American students fulfilling their dreams of studying abroad, robust international programming that brings the world to Delta State, and international students who enrich our campus and community.

Thank you for your gift! For more information, please contact us at international@deltastate.edu