Application Process for Exchange

During my whole application process I was lost and at some point was a bit stressed. I could'nt find the due help I needed and ended up figuring them out by myself. O'Gem website does'nt give specific instructions either. Desperate I hunted down 1 students who went to Clakson Uni to seek help. I managed to get their FB contacts and she seemed reluctant to offer help. SADLY:(

..... So here is my step by step guide and of course if you have any quires i will be more than happy to help. Just drop me a e-mail:)

Application Process!

Step 1

After acceptance from O'GEM. You need to submit all the relevant documents that your host university requires for "HOST SIDE" application. This will be done via hard copy where O'GEM office will help you submit and for some host uni it will be done via their online portal.

- Passport Copy

- English Proficiency (you need the HSS school english department to evaluate you)

- Certificate of Finance from local bank - Proof that you have sufficient fund to study abroad POSB charged me $20.00 for the authorized letter. This is required for your host uni to process your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

- Official Transcript ( this has to be ordered in advance click here for step by step guide)

- Host uni application form

- other host uni forms

Step 2

Your host uni acceptance will be notified via your e-mail that you provided.

Once the host uni accepts you which will take about a month or more you need book your flights and apply for your VISA. Application for Visa to U.S.A is teidius and MAH FUN (hassle)!!! SO if you are reading my blog you can consider yourself luckyy!!!!

1st

Your host uni will be sending you a hard copy of Certificate of Eligibility Form (DS-2019 form). Make sure the information in the form is accurate. In the form you will be provided with your SEVIS ID. Proceed to make your payment for your SEVIS fee.

The SEVIS fee is separate from, and in addition to, the visa application fee. This fee is US $200 for F-1 students and $180 for J-1 visa applicants. St. Louis, MO 63197-0020 The information on Form I-901 has to match the I-20 or DS-2019 exactly. DHS will mail the student a paper receipt at the address on Form I-901.

click here to make payment for SEVIS fee.

Note: Keep this DS-2019 form safely. You will need this for your VISA interview and bring it along in your hand carry you will be DENIED entry to US without this.

2nd

Now you can proceed to fill out the (DS-160 form) Online Non-immigrant application form click here.

Start the application and complete all the parts. You can save and continue the application over 30 days period.

3rd

Once you receive a confirmation of the online non-immigrant application. You can proceed to pay the VISA Fee -S$224.00.

3 payment options 1) SingPost Post Office (Cash/NETS)

2) SAM KioskSAM Web (www.mysam.sg)

3) Mobile App

Print this and proceed with the payment.

I choose SAM because its the fastest and simplest option. Your payment will be received the next day by 10 am.

4th

Once Payment is received you can proceed to schedule an appointment.

create account before you schedule - click here

use the user name and password of the above account created to schedule an interview appt - click here

5th

Attend your interview ---> get clearance ----> Receive your visa in a week

Note : your passport will be seize your passport... So make not plans to JB or Batam if you are intending to.

Step 3

Inform host uni upon receiving your visa and complete the application process as to what the host uni requires.

Step 4

All NTU exchange students are required to travel insurance (TRAVELSURE) click here to read more and to apply for the mandatory insurance provided by United Overseas Insurance

.

Your host university might also require you to purchase a health insurance separately. They will insist that the travel insurance by UOI is insufficient (even in the case for Europe). Although they claim there will not be any compromise in this .. There is a way around.

1st - E-mail your host university to ask their preferred insurance policy.

2nd - Forward this to UOI TRAVELSURE and ask them to write a letter proving that the insurance UOI provides is sufficient. Provide this letter to your host university. Problem solved!!!

Step 5

Get your vaccinations done.

Different schools and counties requires different vaccinations and blood tests to be done. If you are Singaporean kid born after 1991 you would have done most of the vaccinations required by your host uni/country. You are still required to get a doctors endorsement.

How to check what are the vaccinations you have taken?

1) Check your health booklet.

2) call your birth hospital for records.

On top of vaccinations you may be required to take some medical test.

Price range for these are from $50 to $500.

I know it is a lot of money but on a brighter side you are checking and ensuring you are healthy:)

Step 5

Submit NTU's indemnity forms and other required forms online.

With all this done I believe you are ready for your exchange. It can be daunting but it is all worth it!.... Feel free to drop me a mail if you have any queries. :) CHEERS

#Highlights