Global Health Initiative

The information on this tab details which programs SMU offers, steps for applying to the program, and next steps for submitting documentation. 

1. Choose your program - find the program that suits your career goals, ensuring you meet the minimum requirements. 

• College of Nursing

• College of Health Sciences 

• College of Podiatric Medicine

2. After researching the different programs SMU offers, follow the link to apply for the program.

3. Prepare all documents – submit the required documentation to Samuel Merritt University and the Global Health Initiative Departments

Congratulations on your admission to Samuel Merritt University! 

The information on this tab details the steps you need to take to begin your study in the U.S. how to obtain your required F-1 documents to study at SMU, visa appointment requirements, steps you must take to complete your mandatory online orientation and post-arrival status check-in upon arriving to SMU. It is very important to contact GHI via email (ghi@samuelmerritt.edu) as soon as you have been admitted so we can begin the process.

Pre-Arrival Information 

Step 1: Submit all immigration documentation via email to GHI

Documents required for F1 Visa

1. Passport valid for travel to the US

2. Financial Evidence 

3. Letter of Affidavit is required for any financial sponsor

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Regulations require all prospective F-1 students to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee before the U.S. Department of State issues you a visa.

After you receive your SMU I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status - for Academic and Language Students) you will need to:

• Pay the mandatory one-time SEVIS I-901 Fee  online before you schedule your F-1 visa interview. 

• Print a copy of your payment confirmation to present to the visa officer during your F-1 visa interview and when entering the U.S.

Step 3: Apply for F1 Visa from U.S Embassy or Consulate

• Identify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is most convenient for you to visit.

• Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you will visit and follow the instructions on the site to pay your visa fee, obtain acceptable photographs, complete your online DS-160 visa application, get a list of all of the required documents you must bring, and schedule your visa interview appointment.

For more information on submitting a U.S. F-1 visa application, visit the official Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website. 

Step 4: Prepare for your arrival to the U.S

You must enter the U.S. no later than the start date indicated on your SMU I-20. The earliest date you may enter the U.S. in valid F-1 status is the Earliest Admission Date (30 days prior to your program start date) indicated in the Program of Study section of your I-20. Please keep this in mind when planning your travel and housing arrangements.

Maintaining your Status

Students in F-1 status are required to abide by various federal regulations to maintain immigration status. A few of these requirements include providing us with a current address and phone number, enrolling in a full course of study and keeping your immigration documents up to date.

F-1 international students are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with the U.S. laws and regulations regarding their F-1 status. Failure to understand and comply with F-1 regulations (such compliance is often referred to as “being in status” or “maintaining status”) may jeopardize both students’ legal status in the United States and future academic plans.

Please use this link to understand better how to maintain your non-immigrant status or visit Study in the State’s website.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) / Optional Practical Training (OPT)

An F1 student may only work when authorized by a DSO (Global Health Initiative Department). If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately, and you may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date.

Please follow this link to find learn more about CPT and OPT or visit  Study in the States website.

Registration Verification 

All international students enrolled at Samuel Merritt University are required to contact the Global Health Initiative (GHI) office at the beginning of each academic term to confirm their registration for classes. 

Please use the link to access the instructions for this verification and submit the form to GHI.

Here are some helpful documents and links regarding your studies at SMU and F1 Visa Regulations. 

Tuition and Fees

F1 Visa

USCIS Website 

Travel for F1 Students 

How to Obtain a Social Security Number 

California Driver's License 

CPT Request Form

Travel Endorsement Request Form

Arrival Confirmation Form

How do I apply to Samuel Merritt University? 

• You can use this link to apply to your desired SMU Degree program. 

What visa will I need to study in the United States? 

• All international students will need to apply for a F1 (non-immigrant) visa to legally study in the United States. Please follow the link for more information. 

How do I apply for my visa?

• After being accepted into Samuel Merritt University, you will work with GHI to obtain your I-20 and next steps on how to apply in your home country. 

Who do I contact if I need help with my visa documents? 

• The Global Health Initiative department is here to help all international students. Please feel free to contact our office: ghi@samuelmerritt.edu 

Disclaimer for International Students
Samuel Merritt University does not accept F-1 international students into the following programs, as they are delivered fully online:

• Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing – Executive Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (Online)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post-Master’s (Online)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Online)
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the GHI office before applying.

Term and Application Dates 

Each College at Samuel Merritt University has different semester start dates; therefore, we recommend to all International Students to give themselves enough time to apply, gather immigration documents, and apply for their visa prior to their start date. SMU cannot guarantee when visa appointments will become available for any U.S Embassy.