Admitted International Students

Once the enrollment deposit and other required documents are received, Hendrix will process your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status). 

To request the I-20, and during the F-1 visa appointment, you must provide evidence of your ability to cover anticipated direct and indirect expenses for the first year of study. You should also have a realistic plan for funding these expenses beyond the first year of study. 

You can expect to receive your initial I-20 via email 5 to 10 business days after you have submitted your certification of finances and any other requested  documentation. Once you receive it, you must use your SEVIS ID number to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

If you are currently outside of the United States: You must obtain a nonimmigrant F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship. You will receive additional guidance from Hendrix along with your I-20. Exception: Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. visa; you will be asked to show your I-20, Canadian passport, receipt of SEVIS payment, and proof of funding at your port of entry.

If you are currently attending school in the United States as an F-1 student: Instructions for transferring your active status SEVIS record will be emailed to you. Hendrix will send your “transfer pending” I-20 to you via email after your SEVIS record is released from your previous school. If you will be traveling outside the United States prior to the start of classes, you must contact the Hendrix Office of International Programs (studyabroad@hendrix.edu) to receive your new I-20 prior to re-entering the United States. Additionally, you must have a valid F-1 visa for re-entry.

The program start date listed on your I-20 is Hendrix’s official arrival and campus move-in date for all new international students. Federal regulations require that F-1 students arrive to the United States no earlier than 30 days before the I-20 program start date. 

When traveling, you should keep your most valuable items on your person:

• Passport, valid at least 6 months into the future, with valid F-1 visa inside
• Printed and signed Form I-20
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Hendrix acceptance letter
• Proof of funding, e.g. scholarship letters, bank statements, affidavits of financial support
• Cash (U.S. dollars) and credit/debit card(s)
• Electronics, e.g. laptop, phone, chargers, U.S. adapters
• Any medications with prescriptions in English

At your port of entry, ensure you enter the U.S. in F-1 status. Do not enter as a tourist. An electronic record of your arrival (Form I-94), will be created by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.

On the official arrival and campus move-in date (I-20 program start date), the Office of International Programs will coordinate your airport pick-up from the Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and transport you to campus. 

The International and Exchange Student Orientation takes place before the general orientation program for new Hendrix students and is required for new F-1 international students. It is designed to help you transition to living and studying in the United States and to introduce you to the people and resources available to you at Hendrix. During this orientation, the Office of International Programs will assist with practical matters such as banking, mobile phones, and transportation and review important topics including F-1 immigration regulations, U.S. healthcare and insurance, academic expectations, and cultural adjustment.

Most importantly, orientation gives you the opportunity to meet other new international students and begin building your Hendrix community.