International Student Admissions

Dear International Student: Thank you for considering DeVry as you search for a college in the United States. There are many factors to think about in selecting a school, as I will outline below. Realize that whether you plan on attending DeVry Institute of Technology, or any other college in the U.S., there are some immigration requirements that you must first fulfill.

Required Immigration Documentation:

All F-1 students subject to passport and visa requirements will be admitted to the United States if they have a valid passport and U.S. entry visa stamped in the passport. Students not subject to passport or visa requirements should present the I-20 and proof of financial support at the port of entry.

Visa Status:

You are strongly encouraged to wait to receive your I-20 before entering the U.S. If you enter the U.S. with a B-2 tourist visa (as opposed to an F-1) you will be required to change your visa status to F-1 prior to commencing your studies. Changing visa status is costly and complicated. If you will be entering the country with a B-2 visa, be sure to notify the consular's office of your intention to be a student. Then encourage the consular to indicate a "prospective student" statement on your visa which will facilitate your change of visa from B-2 to F-1. Remember: there is a fee to file a change of status application.

Financing your education:

You will not have access to loans, grants, or any other forms of financial aid during the entire length of your studies in the United States. You will be required to pay all tuition, fees, books, and housing (if you choose to stay in DeVry student housing) before completing registration. Also note that you will be eligible to work on campus only after you have completed two semesters at DeVry. On-campus jobs are limited. You may apply to work off campus after completing one full year of uninterrupted studies in the states. Please do not depend on earning any money during the first year of your studies!

Arrivals from another U.S. institution:

If you are attending another U.S. college or university and will not depart and re-enter the U.S. on DeVry's I-20AB, the Immigration Service considers you a transfer student. Therefore, within 15 days of registration, you must visit the Devry's Student Services Department and bring your DeVry I-20 to complete the transfer process.

What to pack:

Georgia's climate is relatively mild. During the summer months the average temperature ranges from 72 degrees F (25 C) to 90 degrees F (29 C). In winter, the temperature range is from 46 degrees F (7 C) to 60 degrees F (14 C). However, the temperature may vary from 32 degrees F (0 C) in winter to as high as 100 degrees F (34 C) in summer so be prepared to dress for both cold and hot weather.

A medium weight overcoat should keep you warm in the winter. Bring gloves, a raincoat and an umbrella (or plan to purchase them here) as the average rainfall in Atlanta is 50 inches (1,270 millimeters) per year. Students dress informally for class. Men and women often wear slacks or blue jeans. When more formal dress is appropriate, women usually wear a dress or suit and men wear a shirt and tie or suit.

Getting to DeVry:

The Hartsfield Atlanta Airport is located in the Southwest section of Atlanta and is the second busiest airport in the United States. DeVry's Decatur campus is located in the Northeast section of Atlanta, about 45 minutes from the Airport. If you have not made arrangements for someone to meet you at the airport, the easiest transportation to take to DeVry on your own is the Atlanta Airport Shuttle-- a bus service. The Atlanta Airport Shuttle is located with the other ground transportation at the west end of the airport terminal. The bus leaves every 25 minutes, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and costs $15.00 one way in cash or traveler's checks. The drop off point most conveniently located to our Decatur campus is the Holiday Inn in downtown Decatur. If you can carry your own luggage, you may take MARTA from the airport to DeVry. Do not carry large amounts of cash! Traveler's checks are welcome in most hotels and restaurants.

Medical Insurance:

As medical costs in the United States are very expensive, all DeVry students are required to purchase health insurance in order to be enrolled. Basic insurance runs $44.00 a semester. If you would like more extensive insurance as an international student, please see me for referrals.

Automobile Insurance:

Please note that all automobile owners must carry auto insurance. If you plan on purchasing a car when you arrive in the U.S., please look in the city's yellow page phone book and make arrangements to purchase auto insurance.

Housing:

DeVry Decatur currently maintains five housing units located within a three mile radius of the college. All are accessible to mass transportation. Apartments feature kitchen appliances, carpeting, air conditioning, furniture, and lamps. Students are expected to bring or purchase towels, linens, and cookware. All apartments have four students at any given time. The cost for living in student housing is $1,350.00 a semester. These prices are comparable to independent housing that you would find in the Decatur area. To request a housing application, call or fax the Student Services Department.

Getting around Atlanta:

The Atlanta area is serviced by a mass transportation system of buses and trains called the MARTA system. MARTA currently has a flat fare of $1.50 per ride, and exact change is required. An unlimited MARTA pass is available for $35.00 per month. If you want a schedule of buses and trains you can stop by any MARTA information booth located throughout the city. The closest train station to DeVry's Decatur is the Avondale station about ½ mile from the campus on the East West line.

Entry interview with International Services:

To better assist you, we request that you visit our office within the first week of your arrival. Please bring your passport and I-94 (arrival/departure record issued at port of entry) with you. Our office is located in Student Services Department. We require copies of these documents in our office to meet INS requirements.

If you arrive in the United States on an F-1 student visa with the intention of going to school, but change your mind for any reason, INS requires that you return your I-20 to the college and leave the country immediately.

If you have any questions that need to be addressed in order to make your decision, feel free to contact me. Good luck in your search.

International Student Admissions Requirements