Office of International Student and Scholar Services NEW

Guidance and Support for Creighton’s International Community

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports F and J visa holders at Creighton University throughout their time on campus and during post-graduation Optional Practical Training. The office offers guidance related to immigration, F-1 and J-1 visas, orientation and ongoing visa compliance—all resources needed to navigate life in the United States and succeed at Creighton.

New Students: Obtaining a Visa

Once you are admitted to Creighton University, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa for your initial entry to the United States.

You will receive an email requesting the documentation for your Form I-20 processing. When you upload the requested documents to the student application portal, a Designated School Official (DSO) at Creighton will issue the Form I-20. You will receive the Form I-20 via email when the document is ready. If you have questions or concerns about your Form I-20, email globalengagement@creighton.edu.

You will receive an email at your Creighton and personal email address when the document is ready. Review the I-20 carefully to ensure all information is correct, then sign the document.

After receiving a Form I-20, admitted students will pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and print the receipt. All initial F-1 students (except Canadian citizens) are required to apply for a visa and schedule their interview with the United States embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or country of residence. If there is not a United States embassy or consulate processing visas in your home country, review the Department of State guidance on where to apply. Students will complete a DS-160 online application and schedule an interview. Consulates vary in their application requirements, so be sure to review your country’s respective website to verify that the documentation prepared in advance is complete. F-1 visa applicants are subject to biometric screening and social media vetting. 

If you are a current F-1 student transferring to Creighton or changing levels, the International Students and Scholar Services advising team will communicate requirements unique to your situation.

Next Steps

After you have been accepted to Creighton, obtained your visa and finalized your travel plans, follow the checklist below to help ensure a smooth transition to campus.

  • Complete required health forms: Before arriving on campus, complete all required health-related forms, including documentation demonstrating compliance with the University's immunization requirements. Submission instructions are available on the Student Health Education and Compliance site. You will also need to review health insurance requirements and confirm your coverage prior to arrival. If you have questions, email studentinsurance@creighton.edu.
  • Arrange housing: Review on-campus living options, which are required for freshmen and sophomores, as well as available off-campus options for upperclass students. Contact the Department of Residential Life with questions about on-campus housing or meal plans.  
  • Prepare for orientation: Review orientation countdown emails to learn more about campus resources, daily life and student services, and attend an official ISSS orientation prior to the fall or spring semester. You should also attend the orientation for your specific academic program (if one is offered). Visit the Global Jays Portal to find the orientation agenda. For questions about your orientation timeline, contact Global Engagement.
  • Request your Student ID: Visit the Card Services website for instructions on requesting your Creighton ID card, which provides access to campus buildings, meal plans, parking garages and other services. If you have questions, contact Card Services.
  • Connect with the International Student Association: Get involved with the International Student Association to connect with other international students and participate in campus events. Follow Creighton_ISA on Instagram and watch for updates in the Friday International Student Newsletter to learn about upcoming events.  
  • Explore Omaha resources: Review local transportation options, places of worship, community resources and international student employment information to help you settle into life in Omaha.  

Exchange Students

Creighton is pleased to host international exchange students for one semester (fall or spring) or one academic year (fall and spring semesters) from partner universities. Through bilateral exchange agreements, students pay tuition and fees at their home institutions while earning academic credit at Creighton University across a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Eligible Programs

Eligible students include those participating through ISEP exchange partners or the Magis Exchange Program, as well as students who have completed at least one academic year at a sister Jesuit institution or approved partner universities, including those listed below:

Requirements for Incoming Single-semester or Year-long Exchange Students

Students must meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of at least one full academic year at the home university
  • Nomination by the home university
  • A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 88, with no subtest score lower than 20, unless otherwise indicated in the exchange agreement. 

Short-Term Exchange Students on Specialized Programs

Students participating in specialized, short-term exchange programs sponsored by Creighton University departments should contact either the sponsoring department or the Global Engagement Office (GEO) with questions about requirements and participation. 

Exchange Student Deadlines

The deadlines indicated below allow the Global Engagement Office sufficient time to review materials, confirm availability of requested courses, and issue the documentation required for exchange students to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. If possible, nominations should be submitted as early as possible (August for fall exchange; February for spring exchange) to support timely housing placement.

  • Fall and academic year exchange: Students must be nominated by their home institution by 1 March of each year. An application deadline before 1 April will be announced with all nominated exchange students. Priority is given to students whose complete application materials – including course registration information – are received before the deadline.
  • Spring exchange: Students must be nominated by their home institution by 15 September of each year. Priority is given to students whose complete application materials – including course registration information – are received before 1 October.

Housing for Exchange Students

During their time in Omaha, exchange students typically reside on campus in self-catering, apartment-style residence halls. All residence halls include laundry facilities, which accept payment by coin or student ID card.  

Exchange students are usually placed in Opus Hall or Davis Square Apartments. Housing charges are assessed through the NEST after arrival on campus. Costs for Opus Hall or Davis Square Apartments are determined individually based on each student’s move-in and move-out dates. Learn more about on-campus housing. 

J-1 Scholars

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) administers Creighton University’s Exchange Visitor Program, also known as the Visiting Scholars Program. Only the Responsible Officer (RO) and the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) are authorized to sign immigration documents (Form DS-2019) and are responsible for safeguarding all forms issued to the sponsor by the U.S. Department of State. Creighton’s Omaha campus is the only location authorized to host sponsored J-1 exchange visitors.

Obtaining J-1 Status

Host or sponsoring departments determine the objectives and requirements for their programs. To participate in Creighton University’s Exchange Visitor Program, applicants must contact the sponsoring department directly. GEO can accept inquiries and application materials only from sponsoring departments.  

Once the sponsoring department has submitted all required documents, GEO staff will contact the applicant directly to request any additional financial documentation required by federal regulations to complete the process.  

Maintaining J-1 Status

J-1 Visiting Scholars must meet certain obligations to maintain lawful immigration status. Maintaining status is required to remain eligible for future immigration benefits, such as applying for a change of status, if needed. Resources on maintaining J-1 status, as well as frequently asked questions, can be found on my.creighton.edu (login required).

Contact Us

Global Engagement Office
Phone: 402.280.2221 
Fax: 402.280.2211 

Office: 
Creighton Hall 
Global Engagement Office 
Suite 324, Third Floor

Hours: 
Monday through Friday 
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CT)

Street Address: 
Creighton University
Global Engagement Office (GEO)
2500 California Plaza 
Omaha, NE 68178 USA 

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