Congratulations on your admission to Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish, South Dakota! The staff in the International Relations and Global Engagement Office are committed to BHSU's global mission and vision, and we are eager to welcome you to our campus and into our community.
Please review the information below about applying for your F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the US. You can also find detailed information in our Visa FAQ guide. You should also consult your local Embassy website and the Study in the States website to learn more about the visa application process.
STEP 1: Collect and Verify Your Documents
Verify that all information on your I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) is correct. If you believe there is an error, please contact the International Relations and Global Engagement Office at International@bhsu.edu.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity at the time of your visa application and appointment.
Remember to bring your financial documentation proving your ability to pay the cost of attendance and your original acceptance letter to the university with you during the visa interview.
STEP 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
All applicants for the F-1 or J-1 visa are required to pay the "SEVIS fee." You can learn more about this fee by going to the Study in the States website. You need to complete and submit payment for the SEVIS fee here.
STEP 3: Apply for Your Visa
After paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, you will be able to apply for your visa and schedule the in-person interview. Each country will have slightly different processes and wait times for the in-person interview, so consult your local US Embassy or Consulate and the Study in the States website for how to submit the visa application and schedule the interview appointment.
**Note: J-1 students and their dependents (J-2) will be required to provide evidence that they will have insurance that meets the US federal requirements for J visa holders. If you have questions about this, please contact us by emailing international@BHSU.edu.**
Enrolling at BHSU
As you prepare to enroll as a student at BHSU, there are a few important steps to complete prior to arriving, as soon as you have received your visa. As you complete the steps below, please feel free to contact us by emailing international@bhsu.edu. We will also be sending you communications through email about completing this information, so please check your email regularly!
STEP 1: Make it Official
Ready to commit to BHSU? Make the international student enrollment deposit today! All F-1 international students must pay a $500 enrollment deposit to secure their admission. This deposit is due by July 1 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission. The deposit is an advance on your international student fees, and will be applied to your bill once you start classes. This is not an additional fee but rather a pre-payment of part of your I-20 cost. Students should note this is non-refundable if you chose not to enroll, so please only pay the fee once you are ready to confirm your attendance to BHSU. If we do not receive confirmation of your payment by the deadline, your I-20 will be cancelled.
First access your Yellow Jacket Email account. This will be our official way to correspond with you in the future. If you need help setting up your Yellow Jacket Email, click here.
After accessing your email account, then set up your MYBHSU/SNAP account by using your email login credentials (email and password). This account is used to register for classes, pay your tuition, and more. Your account must be set up prior to your advising appointment, so please do this as soon as possible.
STEP 3: Immunization Records
Immunizations are required of all students entering universities in South Dakota. Because students are eating, living, and studying in small spaces, immunizations maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Per South Dakota State law, all students must document TWO (2) Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. If you do not or cannot document these vaccinations, they can be administered when you arrive for approximately $100 per vaccination. Document your health history and Immunizations using the Immunization Form. Once completed, please email to international@bhsu.edu.
STEP 4:Housing Reservations
BHSU residence halls offer a comfortable, convenient, and economical way for students to stay close to campus. For more information about living on campus, including pictures and videos of housing facilities, please see the Residence Life website. To request your room reservation, complete the short online form, and then submit the $100 housing deposit.
**Note: South Dakota Board of Regent Policy requires unmarried students to live-on campus during their first two years of school except upon appeal. If you are outside of this requirement, or a gradaute student, you are welcome to secure your own housing.
STEP 5: Registering for classes
The International Relations and Global Engagement Office will guide you through the process of registering for courses prior to arriving on campus. In order to register for classes, you will need to meet (virtually) with your academic adviser. These appointments will be arranged for you approximately 1-2 months before the beginning of the semester. You can begin searching for classes that interest you using the links below. We will reach out to you to schedule the advising appointment with your advisor soon.
South Dakota State law requires all F-1 and J-1 visa holders to possess an approved health insurance policy. You must enroll in and purchase the State of South Dakota Board of Regents' health insurance policy for international students each semester: International Student Insurance
Preparing your Arrival
At BHSU, we work with our students on an individual level. You will notice our individualized student service from the day you arrive here when you will be greeted at the airport by staff from the International Relations and Global Engagement Office. Below, you will find important information you will need to plan for a smooth arrival to BHSU.
STEP 1: Book your Flight and Request Airport Pick-up
We offer complimentary pick-up at the Rapid City Regional Airport prior to the start of each semester (Fall and Spring) and before the start of the new student orientation.
If you wish to take advantage of our complimentary airport pick-up service, you must arrive at Rapid City Regional Airport on the dates specified below. To reserve the shuttle, email a screenshot of your flight confirmation to international@BHSU.edu. You will receive communications from our office via email about this service, so check your email regularly! If you are a new international student arriving by our shuttle, you are permitted to move onto campus early directly from the airport. If you do not arrive on our shuttle, you will need to secure your own check-in with Residence Life.
Upcoming Services:
Spring 2024 Drop-off
Friday, Saturday,
Fall 2024 Pick-up
Tuesday, Wednesday, August 21
Fall 2024 Drop-off
Spring 2024 Pick-up
Wednesday, Thursday,
If you are unable to arrive during these dates, you may secure independent transportation. Here are some options we are aware of, please note, you should organize/reserve transportation prior to arrival:
Uber (May or may not be available at arrival time)
Lyft (May or may not be available at arrival time)
STEP 2: Clearing US Customs and Passport Control
We recognize your initial arrival in the United States may be stressful! The better prepared you are to talk with the Customs and Border Patrol agent upon your arrival at the US Port of Entry (usually, this will be the airport you arrive to from your international flight), the less stressful it will be. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Ensure you have with (NOT in your checked baggage!) the following documents:
Passport with at least 6 months of validity
US visa (F-1 or J-1)
Original, signed I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)
Financial documents (recommended)
University admission letter (recommended)
Contact information for your DSO at BHSU (recommended)
If you have not visited the US before, it might be helpful to watch this video to give you an idea of what to expect as you proceed through US customs and passport control upon arrival at the US port of entry.
STEP 3: Review Additional Resources:
We know students will rely on their friends, family, and other social networks to gather information about what it is like to study and live in the US. We encourage you to use this information to help prepare for your arrival, but we also know a lot of misinformation is shared through personal networks and the “stories” people tell. In addition to your personal contacts, we suggest you take advantage of these official resources in preparing for your studies in the US:
New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students. Be sure to book your flight to arrive prior to the first day of Orientation. Please see the semester schedules:
Spring 2024 Schedule:
Arrival Days (with free airport pickup): & New Student Orientation: - First day of classes: Last day of semester: Airport Departure Days: & Holiday Schedule
Fall 2024 Schedule:
Arrival Days (with free airport pickup): & New Student Orientation: - First day of classes: Last day of semester: Airport Departure Days: & Holiday Schedule
Spring 2025 Schedule:
Arrival Days (with free airport pickup): & New Student Orientation: - First day of classes: Last day of semester: Airport Departure Days: & Holiday Schedule
Fall 2025 Schedule:
Arrival Days (with airport pickup): & New Student Orientation: - First day of classes: Last day of semester: Airport Departure Days: & Holiday Schedule
