International Pre-Orientation Program [IPOP]

This section offers the step-by-step process for non-immigrants who will attend Grinnell on an F-1 visa. For immigration purposes, please always present your full name exactly as it appears on your passport. It is important to initiate this process as early as possible. 

1. Complete the I-20 Request Form

Most international students seek an F-1 student visa, and the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility (“I-20”) is a required first step. Your enrollment deposit will trigger an invitation to the I-20 Request Form in your Applicant Status Portal. Complete the request as early as possible, to confirm whether or not you will pursue F-1 status.

The I-20 Request Form asks for biographic data, a scan of your passport, and financial information to document your ability to pay for your Grinnell College enrollment. Your request will be reviewed by the Office of Admission and Financial Aid, then passed on to the OISA. This review can take 2-4 weeks.

• If you already hold F-1 status through a U.S. high school, please ask your current school to release your SEVIS record to Grinnell College [OMA214F00159000] on your graduation.
• If you already hold a different visa status inside the U.S., you can use the I-20 Request Form to confirm your status and let us know that you will not need an I-20. Feel free to contact the OISA with related questions.
• Canadian citizens need to secure an I-20 and you must pay the SEVIS fee, but you do not need an F-1 visa. 

The OISA will issue I-20s for new students on a rolling basis, starting in January. You will receive an email from oisa@grinnell.edu, inviting you to the OISA’s GrinnImmigration portal to access the form. You will log in to the portal using your Grinnell credentials and download your I-20 from the Documents section of your Control Center. You must print all three pages, single-sided, and sign and date Page 1 in blue ink. A physical copy of this three-page document is required during your visa interview, at the U.S. port of entry, and on your arrival at Grinnell College.

2. Pay your I-901 SEVIS fee

Visit this site to submit the required $350 I-901 SEVIS fee. You will input data from your passport and I-20. Print and retain a paper copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt to present during your visa interview and at the U.S. Port of Entry.

• Your SEVIS ID is located on the top left corner of your I-20.
• Your U.S. address will be: 1115 8th Avenue, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112.
• Your Grinnell contact is: Karen Edwards, International Student Affairs, 1226 Park Street, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 50112; edwardsk@grinnell.edu; 641-269-3705.

3. Schedule an F-1 Visa Interview

Visit this site to complete Form DS-160 and schedule the earliest available F-1 visa appointment at a U.S. consulate in your passport country. Read and follow the posted instructions carefully, and do not procrastinate this process. The visa application fee is $185, and the specific process and timeline can vary by country or consulate. 

• Reference the Visa Reciprocity Table to confirm the validity periods (issue length) for an F-1 visa, based on your passport country, since this varies from 3 months to 5 years. Citizens of some countries will also be subject to an additional new “Visa Reciprocity Fee.”
• Use a personal email address that you will have long term access to, since any future communication from the U.S. State Department will rely on the specific email used to apply for your initial F-1 status.

Please contact the OISA if you have difficulty securing a timely visa appointment.

4. Prepare for your Visa Interview

Consular officers conduct a high number of interviews, and many decisions are based on first impressions. Review EducationUSA guidance or visit an in-country advising center for tips and recommendations, including:

• Prepare to explain why you chose Grinnell College.
• Officers will review your digital footprint and/or social media activities as part of the visa application and adjudication process.
• The consular officer will typically ask for confirmation that you can finance your studies, so it is wise to bring the financial documents that you submitted to Grinnell via the I-20 Request Form.
• Remember that F-1 status requires “non-immigrant intent.” The consular officer will want to confirm:
  • that your stay in the U.S. will be temporary
  • that you have strong ties to your home country
  • and that you plan to return home to pursue your long term career goals

Be sure to bring the required (and some recommended) documents to your interview:

• Passport: (U.S. policy regarding passport validity differs by country. In some cases, the passport must be date-valid for at least 6+ months beyond your intended program end date as listed on your Form I-20. Several nationalities are exempt from this limitation.)
• DS-160 Visa application confirmation
• I-901 SEVIS Fee payment confirmation
• Form I-20 (print all 3 pages and sign in blue ink).
• It is also wise to carry financial documents, your Grinnell College Admission Letter, and your secondary school completion documents.
• In addition, set any of you social media accounts to "public." 

5. Traveling to and Arriving in the U.S.

International travel can be stressful, so be prepared and approach your trip with a positive attitude! Carry your immigration documents on your person at all times (not in your luggage). Before boarding the plane, upon entering the U.S. and on arrival at Grinnell, you must present your:

• Passport
• F-1 visa
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Form I-20 (all 3 pages and signed in blue ink)

When you land in the U.S., you will claim your luggage and pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The inspecting officer will review your travel documents, and take your photo and fingerprints. Your electronic devices and social media are subject to search. Review guidance on electronic device searches from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. If the officer has concerns or you forget required documents, you may be directed to "Secondary Inspection" for additional questioning. 

On your successful entry of the U.S., the officer will stamp your passport to reflect your admission in F-1 status, with Duration of Status (D/S) benefits. When you reach Grinnell, we will teach you how to access and print your I-94 Arrival/Departure record. The I-94 is an important document that confirms your lawful entry into the U.S. You will need to access and print a new I-94 (to retain with your immigration documents) every time you re-enter the U.S. throughout your academic program.

During IPOP, we will teach you more about your documents and the benefits and limitations of F-1 status. You will continue to use your GrinnImmigration portal for timely requests and updates, and you will also have log-in access to the OISA's regulatory handouts on GrinnellShare!

A new F-1 student is allowed to enter the U.S. within the 30-day window immediately prior to the start date on your new I-20, but Grinnell's IPOP arrival and move-in day is on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. Late arrivals (after Aug. 16) are not allowed. A late entry can result in a denial at the U.S. Port of Entry. All new F-1 students are required to attend the full week of IPOP.

Booking Your Flight

We recommend that new students fly through to the Des Moines International Airport. Des Moines is located 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Grinnell — a one-hour drive from campus. Grinnell College offers pre-scheduled transportation between campus and the Des Moines Airport.

If your flight ends in Cedar Rapids or Chicago, you will need to arrange your own transportation to campus.

• The Cedar Rapids airport is one hour away or more  by car, with limited taxi options.
• Chicago is five hours away by car and seven or more hours away by bus.

If you are booking a round-trip ticket, the Five-Year Academic (Planning) Calendar offers helpful information regarding the academic calendar and college housing dates.

• Note that international students are also eligible to register with Residence Life to access winter break housing, if needed.

Airport Transportation

Public transportation is nearly non-existent in rural Iowa, but Grinnell’s Office of Facilities Management (FM) offers cost-effective airport shuttles to and from the Des Moines Airport. 

On IPOP Arrival Day (Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026), FM will offer shuttles from Des Moines at:

• 10 a.m.
• 2 p.m.
• 6 p.m.
• 10 p.m.

Click here to reserve a seat on the shuttle in advance, using the Transportation website.

Note:

• If your flight lands in Des Moines after 10 p.m. on Aug. 16, please register for the last shuttle of the day but indicate your anticipated arrival time and flight number. FM staff will try to assist you.

Lodging

Registered IPOP participants automatically get special permission to move into your residence hall on Sunday for IPOP arrival day. The OISA staff will hand out room keys at check-in. If you arrive in Iowa before Aug. 16, you need to make arrangements for alternate lodging and/or transportation. One option is to book a hotel room in Des Moines and use the College Airport Shuttle on Aug. 16. Students often stay at the Ramada Inn, but other airport hotels can also be found online. 

Please encourage your family and guests to visit the webpage for families of admitted students as their go-to source for next steps, updates, and timelines for Grinnell. They are also welcome to attend the June virtual IPOP Planning Meeting via Zoom, mentioned above.

Most international students travel to Iowa on their own, and the College is prepared to support their arrival. That said, international family or friends who travel with you to campus are invited to join you at IPOP check-in. The OISA staff would enjoy the chance to meet them!

IPOP family members are also invited to the following activities on Sunday, Aug. 17 and Monday, Aug. 18:

• campus tours
• the IPOP welcome event
• an evening Q&A social with OISA staff

Please make arrangements for family's lodging and transportation in advance of your arrival in the U.S. There are no taxi or Uber services in Grinnell, nor is there a local car rental service. Family members should pre-reserve a rental car via Des Moines Airport ground transportation.

If your guests will not have a car in Grinnell, you should book their lodging within walking distance of campus. If your family cannot drive in the U.S., you can request assistance for their airport transportation to/from the Des Moines airport via the Aug. 17 IPOP airport shuttle link. This service is only available for international family members, and it must be arranged in advance. It is possible to hire a taxi, Lyft, or Uber from the airport in Des Moines — but some drivers will not travel this far, and these services are not available here in Grinnell.

Dress for comfort as you travel -- a light sweater and a neck pillow are wise carry-on items. If you have any Grinnell gear, wear it in route in case you meet a fellow Grinnellian in the airport!

Packing for College, and for an international journey, is an adventure! It is wise to travel light, since you will need to haul your belongings through the airport, load them onto the shuttle, and carry them up the stairs to your residence hall room. You can also shop more (locally or online) after you get here.

Communicate in advance with your airline to confirm any luggage size or weight limitations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers guidance here about traveling with medication, and most airlines forbid items like pocketknives, nail clippers, or fluids of over 3oz. in your carry-on luggage. 

Your mailing address will be: [Name & Campus Box #] Grinnell College, 1115 8^th Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112 U.S.A. The College Mail Room does not offer pre-arrival storage, but you can ship items to campus (mailed to yourself) as of Aug. 10.

IPOP participants can click here to order towels and/or linens via DormCo. If you place your order before July 15, it will be delivered to your residence hall room prior to your arrival. If you order after July 15, or if you purchase items through a different vendor, they will only be available for in-person pick up at the College Mail Room (open Monday – Friday, between noon and 4:30 p.m.).

IPOP will also include a Souvenir Gift Exchange, so please bring 15 inexpensive items to share with your IPOP Amigos group - a favorite snack, craft, or souvenir from home.

The Office of Residential Life offers helpful information for new students. Here are a few additional tips:

• Your room will have a desk, chair, chest of drawers, and a bed (sized 36 inches by 81 inches - extra-long twin size). 

• Iowa is very hot in August, and the daily dress code on campus is informal. You might appreciate having a small umbrella and a light sweater for meetings held in air-conditioned buildings. You will not need cold-weather clothing until well into the fall semester.

• You may want to bring one or two dressy outfits for special events. There are opportunities, if you wish, to feature traditional attire from your home country or culture. 

• It is wise to secure a small amount of U.S. currency before you travel, or at the first U.S. airport that you land in.

Note: Please check back this summer for the updated and more detailed schedule!

Sunday, Aug. 16

IPOP Arrival and Move-In Day

Check-in at the Global Living Room in the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC), Room N1170 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Pick up your Pioneer-One Card, room key, and IPOP packet. Grinnell’s airport shuttles disembark at the Joe Rosenfield Center (JRC), and an IPOP Mentor will meet the shuttle to help you find the HSSC. If your shuttle arrives after 7 p.m. an IPOP Mentor will meet you to help you access your residence hall room and you can complete your SEVIS Registration on Monday morning.

F-1 Students must present your passport and I-20. We will help you print your I-94 Record and we will register your arrival in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must complete this task on Sunday between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or on Monday between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Your documents will be processed and returned to you in a grey passport sleeve.

Campus tours and local shopping shuttles will be available on Sunday and Monday. The downtown shopping district is within walking distance. Also, the College runs a regular Local Shuttle and Saturday Metro Shuttles to Des Moines or Iowa City throughout the year
 

Monday, Aug. 17

Sessions run from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities.                                                                                    

Today will likely include: 

• the IPOP Welcome for Students & Family
• a group photo
• get-to-know-you activities with your IPOP Mentor and Amigos
• completing required Student Health and Wellness forms

IPOP Family members are invited to the IPOP Welcome Event, and to an evening Q&A social with OISA staff.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. 

Today will likely include:

• YOU.S.A. session, about life in Grinnell, Iowa, U.S.A.
• in person visits to a variety of campus resources
• an educational session about F-1 Visa Regulations (or a Global Nomad Breakout for students who don’t hold an F-1 visa)
• visits to the Museum of Art and World Music Room with the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP)

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. 

Today will likely include:

• informational sessions about Academic Success and cultural transitions
• a Scavenger Hunt in downtown Grinnell
• a social event with Friends of International Students (for students who choose to participate)

Thursday, Aug. 20

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. Bring your gift items today!

Today will likely include: 

• Resource sessions for medical services and religious life
• the IPOP Gift Exchange
• IPOP Mentor Open Floor
• an evening social at the Grinnell Golf Course, with peers from the Grinnell Science Project (GSP) and PCPOP
   

New Student Orientation (NSO) starts on Friday, Aug. 21 and fall semester classes begin on Aug. 27, 2026.

Students who are brave enough to cross borders to pursue higher education are also wise to anticipate a learning curve -- culture, language, visa status, and distance from home will impact your journey! We’ve included a few initial examples below in the form of “Frequently Asked Questions.” If you have additional questions that aren’t addressed below, explore the Grinnell website and GrinnellShare (log-in required). You are always welcome to contact the OISA -- we look forward to working with you!

Academics

When and how will I choose my classes?

In early June, you will submit your First-Year Tutorial preferences via the New Student Checklist. You will choose your courses later in the summer. 

In July, you will engage in an Academic Onboarding activity on Canvas (Grinnell’s online learning management system) to learn about Grinnell’s educational philosophy, the role that your academic adviser will play, strategies to choose your classes, and your agency as an undergraduate student scholar. 

Questions? Contact the Academic Success Center.
 

How much will my books cost?

The cost for your textbooks is included in your comprehensive fee, through a program called GrinnBooks. 

One great resource for securing other educational materials is the Pioneer Bookshop.

 

What kinds of support are available if I struggle adjusting to Grinnell’s academic demands?

We are confident that you can be successful at Grinnell, but using the excellent available academic resources is certainly in your best interest. 

 

Billing and Payments

What is the billing schedule and payment process?

Visit the Office of Student Accounts website to learn about the billing schedule, your student self-service portal, and/or how to submit international payments using Flywire or TransferMate.
 

You must clear your unpaid balance before you are allowed to register for classes. You should not travel to the U.S. without submitting your due balance for fall semester.
 

Questions or unique challenges in this regard? Contact the Office of Student Accounts.
 

Is it possible to increase my financial aid award?

International student tuition grants are offered on the basis of financial need at the point of initial admission to the College, only. 

The Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing a consistent aid package that is renewed annually, with moderate increases to grant assistance as costs rise. The maximum time frame to receive aid is eight semesters.

Grinnell will not increase (or decrease) your award for changes to your family’s circumstances such as fluctuations in exchange rates or additional family members in college. No changes are made for loss of sponsorship. (U.S. citizens apply for financial aid based on CSS Profile and FAFSA guidelines.)

Questions? Contact Mary Phipps.

Cell Phones and Computers

Do I need a U.S. phone number?

Most students secure a U.S. cell phone number. If you’d like to set one up before you travel, consider using Mint Mobile. In addition, there are local stores for U.S. Cellular, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. 

Some phone plans require a U.S. Social Security Number, and you will apply for this during IPOP.

Upper-level students sometimes advise against using a phone from home with a U.S. SIM card due to poor service and higher fees. Feel free to consult your IPOP mentor, too!
 

Do I need my own laptop computer?

There are public computer stations and public printers on campus, but most students do have their own laptop and this is definitely preferable to support your academic success.

There is free wireless on campus, and you will get free network storage space that is accessible from any campus computer. On arrival, you should connect your personal device to access on campus printing services.

Questions? Contact Information Technology Services (ITS).

Some students with very high financial need can access a “loaner laptop” from the College. Contact Financial Aid to confirm eligibility.

Disability Accommodations

How do I seek accommodations for a disability?

Student Disability Resources works with all students who may need support for access to academics, housing, dining, and facilities.

Questions? Contact Student Disability Resources.
 

Who at the College will know about my disability, and does reporting a disability impact my academic standing?

Students who disclose their disabilities to Student Disability Resources will receive reasonable accommodations to help make the educational environment accessible.

Students who disclose their disability will not have their academic standing impacted by disclosing. Information is kept private and only the needed information is disclosed to help coordinate accommodations. 

Employment, Banking & Taxes

How do new students access on-campus student jobs?

This website offers a great place to start, if you’d like to learn more about student employment at Grinnell. New students are introduced to the process by the Office of Student Employment, and more detailed instructions are posted on GrinnellShare. 

International students with an F-1 visa can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. During break and vacation periods, the 20 hour per week limit is lifted.
 

Do international students need to open a U.S. bank account?

Most students open a U.S. bank account in the town of Grinnell. The OISA offers an advising handout on this topic, which includes a list of local options and related recommendations.

 

Do international students have U.S. tax obligations?

All international students do have income tax obligations, even if you had no income during the tax year. Wages, gifts, fellowships, and prizes are taxable, as are scholarships that exceed tuition. The OISA offers complimentary access to Sprintax Returns to support your annual tax obligations.

Health Care and Insurance

How will I access medical care as a student at Grinnell?

All students have on-campus access to Student Health and Wellness (SHAW). SHAW staff include registered nurses and qualified counselors that provide on-campus health and counseling services to students. 

Most services are free, and all new students receive instructions to submit required health and immunization records to the College. 

SHAW also assists students who need to seek care in the local community.

Questions? Please use your SHAW portal or email the SHAW office. 
 

Do international students have to purchase health insurance?

Yes. All students must carry an ACA-compliant health insurance plan. 

As part of the billing process, you will be prompted to either enroll in or request a formal waiver of the Student Health Insurance plan that is available through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. The deadline to enroll is Aug. 14 but it is best to pre-enroll to ensure coverage prior to your arrival. The charge will be included in your fall bill. 
 

Should I also purchase dental and/or vision insurance?

Health insurance in the U.S. does not include care for your teeth or eyes (with limited exceptions in a medical situation or students under 19).

Grinnell students all have the option to purchase Delta Dental insurance and/or Delta Vision insurance. This can be a wise decision, since even simple procedures like a dental cleaning and/or a basic eye examination can be very expensive. This additional coverage is also applicable for dental and vision providers in Grinnell.

Immigration Regulations

How will my visa status impact my experience in the U.S.?

Your compliance with your visa status is essential. Your visa type impacts your options, and the OISA is your primary resource in this regard.

We will teach you a lot about the benefits and limitations of your status during IPOP and throughout your F-1 student experience. The OISA offers regular information sessions, individual advising appointments, and advising handouts that are posted on GrinnellShare page (login required). We support your SEVIS compliance through our GrinnImmigration portal vai Terra Dotta ISS.
 

Who at the College can advise me regarding my visa limitations and benefits?

The Office of International Student Affairs is your first stop for all visa related matters. 

Three professional staff in the OISA serve as certified Designated School Officials. We are fluent in F and J visa regulations, and responsible for Grinnell’s compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

We are engaged with relevant professional networks, and we have access to expert legal counsel. If your needs exceed our purview or expertise, we can also offer legal referrals.      

Parents and FERPA

When, why, and how does the College communicate with my parents?

Click here for parent and family resources, including information about parent and/or guardian notification.

The Office of International Student Affairs welcomes outreach from parents but we don’t typically initiate contact with them, and our priority is to support students directly.

In the U.S., the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations prevent us from sharing personal information about your educational record without your written consent (even parents), with the rare exception of concern for your personal welfare or the safety of others.
 

What if my parent or alternate emergency contact does not have English fluency?

The OISA has an account with Language Line Solutions, to assist with verbal and written translation services if they are needed in emergency situations.

Residence Hall Life

When will I learn more about my room and my roommate(s)?

Housing assignments are available for students to view as early as July 1 and can be viewed by logging into the Residence Life StarRez Housing Portal. 

Students are required to live on-campus, with limited exceptions. IPOP participants can move directly into your fall housing assignment, and you will meet your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) and Community Adviser (CA) soon after. RLCs are professional staff who live in the halls and support community life, and CAs are trained peer leaders.
 

Can I stay in campus residence halls over College break periods?

Residence Hall open & closing dates apply to all students, but you can also consult the Office of Residence Life if you are having a difficult time booking an affordable flight while abiding by residence hall exit & entry dates. The Five-Year Planning Calendar is a helpful resource when booking round trip international flights. In addition, Residence Life does offer limited access to Break Housing as follows: 
 

Fall Break: Residence halls and dining are open for no extra fee.

Winter Break: Halls close, but international students can register to stay. There is a mandatory meal plan fee, and need-based aid is automatically applied.

Spring Break: Residence halls and dining are open for no extra fee.

Summer Break: Residence halls do close for the summer, but some students stay to participate in summer research or to work on campus (F-1 students are automatically allowed to work on campus). Limited campus housing is available for a fee, and some students choose to rent or sublet an off-campus apartment.

Sports and Fitness

What types of student clubs and/or arts communities can I participate in?

Students are encouraged to GET INVOLVED, and there are many activities and a broad range of student organizations to consider. 

There are also a variety of artistic opportunities, ensembles, performances, and publications.

 

Can I join a varsity athletics team?

Grinnell Athletics offers 20 varsity sports (NCAA Division III). If you are interested in participating as a varsity athlete, you are invited to initiate contact with a coach via email. It is wise to reach out as soon as possible.

As an alternative to varsity sports, there are several competitive club sports, including Ultimate Frisbee and water polo, and various “intramural” sports invite broad student participation to compete on a less formal basis with Grinnell peers. 

Grinnell’s outstanding athletic and fitness facilities are a great place to work out on your own or with friends.

We look forward to meeting you soon, and we hope that you will experience more culture & less shock!