Your ASU pre-arrival hub landing page
Your ASU Pre-arrival hub
From next steps and helpful resources to one-on-one support every step of the way, Kaplan is here to help you move forward on your study journey to ASU.
Questions about your visa?
Kaplan is here to help
Here’s what you need to know:
- If you have your visa, you can then book your student housing and register for orientation and classes, if you haven’t already.
- As of June 2025, there is some additional guidance to be aware of. Check out our advice below.
- Visa interviews have now resumed, so you should be able to book your appointment and keep your study plans on track.
Not sure what your options are? Kaplan will work with you to create a personalized enrollment route. Contact your advisor or email us at asu@kaplan.com.
ASU is an excellent place to study, and we’ll do everything possible to keep your US study plans on track and on time.
Important visa guidelines
On June 17, 2025, the U.S. government shared new guidance for student visa applications. Here’s what you need to know:
- Social media settings: When you apply for a visa, you may be asked to set your social media profiles to public. This helps officials review your application more thoroughly.
- Application screening: U.S. embassies will now take a closer look at all applications to make sure they meet updated security guidelines.
- Visa interviews restarting: Student visa processing, which had been paused, is now restarting — so interviews are back on track.
These updates are part of a broader effort to improve safety during the visa process. We’ll keep you informed of any further changes, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Waiting for admission decision
If you’re waiting to hear back from ASU, don’t worry — the University and Kaplan will both contact you as soon as a decision is made.
Here are your next steps:
Note: With some bachelor’s degrees, you may receive a conditional admission offer if you meet academic requirements but still need to improve your English. This gives you up to three semesters to meet the language requirements before starting your degree.
Getting your visa
Most international students will need to obtain an F-1 visa. See below for a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:
You must fill out every section carefully, but in particular:
Funding
You must show that you have enough money to study at ASU for one academic year (9 months). This includes money for tuition and fees, living expenses (housing, food, etc.), health insurance, books and visa-related costs.
Important: The exact amount you need, for I-20 purposes, is listed on your Financial Guarantee form — check it carefully. We recommend you show a little more than the minimum amount. This helps avoid problems if exchange rates change. If your documents show even $1 less than required, your I-20 will be delayed.
Source
- List all sources (family, scholarship, loan)
- If you’ve received funding from ASU (i.e. scholarship or assistantship), list this as a source and provide proof.
- A co-signed loan = family funding
If you’re not transferring, please select ‘No’ for “Do you have an active SEVIS ID?” — don’t leave this question blank.
Dependents
Fill if your spouse/children are joining you on F-2 visas.
You can complete this step in the following portal:
Getting ready to arrive at ASU:
The sooner you apply for housing, the better your chances of securing a place! You don’t need to have your visa in hand before you can book housing. There are many different options depending on your campus. First-year undergraduate students are expected to live on-campus, with the option of living off-campus in your second year. Graduate students may also apply for on-campus housing, though it is not guaranteed.
Apply for housing via the ASU Housing Portal or view off-campus housing options. The deadline for self selection of Housing Assignment is May 1st. The priority application deadline for housing is May 15th.
You can see more details in the ASU checklist to help plan your arrival with ease.
✔ Provide proof of immunization
✔ Complete the math placement assessment (undergraduates only)
✔ Register for orientation sessions
✔ Register for classes, if you haven’t already — you can do this before you have your visa
✔ Prepare for immigration questions upon arrival at the airport
✔ Arrange travel plans, such as flights, trains, or buses
✔ Join our pre-arrival ASU sessions hosted by experts
✔ Check your relevant portal for outstanding tasks
You can also get additional support from ASU’s International Students and Scholars Center!
Still need some guidance? Learn more about next steps for admitted students.
With over 155+ nationalities and 1000+ student clubs, you’ll be part of a vibrant community at ASU. Here are some ways to get involved before you arrive:
- Join the Devil2Devil Discord server
- Share the ASU Family Hub with your parents
- Register for the Fall 2025 Parent/Family Orientation
- Take a virtual campus tour
Virtual pre-arrival sessions
You can register to join insightful webinars and live sessions, designed to help you prepare for your arrival at ASU.
Next Steps for International Students: Student Visa
Register to watch the recording of this session.
In this session, you’ll learn about your next steps after your visa interview.
Next Steps: Let’s Get Enrolled
July 17, 2025, 17:30 Arizona Time
Still making your college decision? Feeling overwhelmed by next steps? This session will help guide you step-by-step to starting the Fall 2025 semester at ASU!
ASU Welcome Week
July 31, 2025, 16:30 Arizona Time
Join this virtual session to learn about upcoming Welcome Week events as you kick off being a Sun Devil.
ASU is the place for you
There are so many things to look forward to at ASU. From personal growth and a vibrant community to student supports and academic success, April Crabtree, Associate VP for Enrollment & Admissions, has a warm welcome message for you.
Arriving at ASU
Before you set off, you’ll need to pack carefully!
Remember to bring:
- Important documents, such as:
- SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Valid passport
- Current visa
- Copy of immunization records
- Original supporting financial documents
- International travel coverage documents if applicable
- Any dependents’ I-20 or DS-2019 and passports if your spouse or children are travelling with you
- Laptop with camera
- Suitable clothing
- Electrical adapter if applicable
- Any medication you need
- Mobile phone
Your ASU checklist
Maintaining your US visa status
Here are some key tips and considerations for protecting your F-1 visa status.
Need additional support?
If you have any questions, concerns, or want to discuss your study options, we’re here to help every step of the way.
