International Students
Doane University International Students
Doane welcomes and serves international students and scholars from around the globe. Our campuses are home to a diverse population with representation from countries all around the world. At Doane, we review all applications for enrollment in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. Below you will find resources to support you while you take your next steps in becoming a Doane Tiger!
Application Next Steps
We’re excited you're considering Doane University! Below are the steps to complete for admission.
If you are new to the United States, please follow the steps below.
- A Completed Application. You must submit your application online.
- Official transcripts from each secondary school, college or university you have attended. Documents must be in English and include an official evaluation by one of the following services:
- InCred (Required for Athletes and First Year Students. Preferred for Transfer and Graduate)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Education Evaluations (IEE)
- If English is not your native language, you’ll need to submit one of the following test scores: Find a list of countries exempt from this requirement in Doane’s academic catalog.
- TOEFL: Paper – 550 | Computer – 213 | Internet – 79
- IELTS: 6
- Duolingo English Test: 95 minimum
If you are already studying in the United States, please follow the steps below.
If you are transferring from another United State college or university and have 24 or more credit hours completed, the English Proficiency is waived.
- A Completed Application. You must submit your application online.
- Official transcripts from each United States college or university you have attended.
- High school transcript
ACT or SAT scores are not required but can be submitted if you would like them considered.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid for admitted international students is met the same as it is for students from the United States. Our financial aid program is entirely based on need. After you are accepted into Doane, our international team will support you through the official financial aid offer and I-20 issuance. Below are the steps to take once accepted into Doane University.
- Submit Financial Statement
- Provide a statement of financial support in English. This financial statement can be a bank statement, government loan statement, or employer or sponsor letter of earnings. The financial statement must:
- Clearly show available funds to cover the cost of attendance (minus any scholarships)
- Be converted to United States dollars (USD) by the issuing bank
- Include a date and official wet signature for approval
- Submit Deposit
- Once the financial statement is approved, a $200 deposit is required.
International Student Work
If you are interested in a Doane campus job, you must acquire a Social Security number. This can be acquired at:
Lincoln, Nebraska at the Social Security Office.
100 Centennial Mall N, Room 240
Lincoln, NE 68506
888.593.2880
When applying for a Doane campus job, other forms of identification may be required. The list of acceptable documents may be found on the Form I-9 on the IRS website. Students can then apply for on-campus positions at Doane Student Jobs.
International Student FAQs
Maintaining Your F-1 Status
As an international student at Doane, you are responsible for maintaining your F-1 visa status. It's important that you take an active role in understanding and meeting the requirements.
- Always Keep your passport valid (for both you and your dependents).
- Attend Doane University in the school listed on your I-20.
- Enroll full-time each term. Get written approval before dropping below full-time.
- Keep your I-20 current. Request extensions at least one month before it expires.
- Talk to the International Programs Office before transferring to another school or starting a new degree program.
- Get a travel signature before any international travel.
- Update your address and phone number within 10 calendar days of any change.
Do not while attending Doane:
- Work off-campus without prior authorization from your International Student Advisor.
- Work more than 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session.
- Take a leave of absence or withdraw without consulting your advisor.
Drop below full-time without written approval.
Key Responsibilities for F-1 Students
To stay in good standing with your F-1 visa, be sure to:
- Maintain full-time enrollment each semester, unless you have received prior written approval from the International Programs Office.
- Update your address, phone number, and legal name in your Doane record and in SEVIS within 10 calendar days of any change.
- Do not work without authorization.
- Request an extension of your I-20 if you will not complete your program by the listed end date.
- Contact the International Programs Office before taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, or transferring to another institution.
Failure to maintain your F-1 status can lead to serious consequences, including termination of your SEVIS record, which means you would no longer have legal status in the United States.
Failure to maintain your F-1 status
There are two main options for regaining your F-1 status. Your advisor will help you decide which one best fits your situation
- Reinstatement through USCIS - You apply to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for reinstatement after receiving a new I-20 from Doane.
Pros:
You can stay in the United States while your application is processed.
If approved, you retain your original SEVIS ID and remain eligible for CPT/OPT.
Cons:
Processing can take several months to over a year.
You cannot work during the review period.
If denied, you must leave the United States immediately.
Certain violations, like unauthorized work, may make you ineligible for reinstatement.
- Travel and Re-entry - You leave the United States, receive a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, and re-enter to resume your studies.
Pros:
Typically, a faster process than reinstatement, especially if your F-1 visa is still valid.
Cons:
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
If your visa is expired, you’ll need a new visa interview.
You must complete one full academic year before becoming eligible for CPT or OPT again.
If you think you may be out of status - or if you’re unsure - contact the International Programs Office as soon as possible. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your situation. Every case is different, and while neither option is guaranteed, we’re here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
Understanding Your F-1 Visa Status
As an international student studying at Doane on an F-1 visa, you are in the United States on a non-immigrant student status. This status is granted to students who are pursuing a full course of study toward a specific academic or professional goal at a SEVP-approved school like Doane. Maintaining your F-1 status is essential to your ability to live and study in the United States
Important Documents
Passport
Your passport must always be valid and must be valid for at least 6 months into the future for re-entry or visa renewal. You can usually renew or replace your passport at your home country’s embassy or consulate in the United States.
I-20
This is your official Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 status. You’ll need it:
To apply for your F-1 visa abroad
To enter the United States
I-94
This document is your official arrival record in the United States. You can access it online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.
F-1 Visa
Your visa is the stamp or sticker in your passport that allows you to enter the United States. The expiration date only matters for entry purposes. Once you’re in the United States, you can remain here legally as long as your I-20 is valid and you're maintaining status.
Grace Periods
There is a 60-day grace period after program completion at Doane. Below are steps you can during the grace period.
- Apply for post-completion OPT
- Transfer to another school or degree program
- Change immigration status
- Remain in the United States to prepare for departure. You may not re-enter the United States in F-1 status after departure during your grace period.
- Employment is not permitted during this time.
15-Day Grace Period – Authorized Withdrawal
If you’ve been approved for a leave of absence or authorized withdrawal, you are allowed a 15-day window to depart the U.S.
No Grace Period – Unauthorized Withdrawal or Termination
If you withdraw or are terminated without prior authorization, you are immediately out of status and must take urgent action. Please contact our office right away to discuss options.
Travel to Doane University
Planning for departure
Make sure your flight itinerary is finalized and that you have arranged transportation from the airport to campus.
Keep a list of important contact information, including your Doane advisor and any United States based family or friends. It’s best to keep this information in a separate place from your passport and travel documents. This way, you can access it easily if needed.
Always keep your passport and I-20 with you during travel. Do not place them in checked baggage.
Keep the Doane International Programs Office contact information handy in case of travel delays or issues at the airport. If you’re traveling outside of office hours and need urgent help, airport officials can contact our team through Doane’s campus operator.
International Programs Office
Timothy Burge - Director of International Programs
Doane Support
Doane University
1014 Boswell Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
402.826.2161
Packing, what to bring
Plan to bring the following with you on your journey to Doane. For a full list of what to plan for campus life, visit Housing and Dining.
- Passport, visa, and I-20 (originals and copies)
- F-1 Students: Print and sign your I-20 from your Doane Portal
- Driver’s license (or international license)
- Driving record (if you plan to purchase a car in the United States.
- Prescription medications with doctor’s note (translated to English)
- Immunization records (required for Student Health Center)
Documents for dependents (if bringing family): Birth certificates, academic/medical records
United State Port of Entry
All international travelers are inspected by United States Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. There are two steps: primary and possibly secondary inspection. Secondary inspection allows Customs and Border Protection to review your SEVIS record in more detail. This may take additional time, so plan your connections and pickup arrangements accordingly.
Documents to Have Ready:
Passport with valid visa
Signed I-20
Optional: Doane enrollment letter, transcript, or proof of good academic standing
If you’ve ever had a terminated SEVIS record, consult with your International Advisor before traveling
Arriving in Nebraska
Omaha Eppley Airport (OMA)
Most options depart from the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.
Available travel options may include:
- Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft)
- Shuttle services
- Taxi services
Lincoln Airport (LNK)
Most options depart from the Level 1. Available travel options may include:
- Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft)
- Shuttle services
- Taxi services
Doane University provides free shuttle service two times a year: August and December.
