Pre-Arrival Information

We have compiled a Pre-Arrival Guide for your use as you make your preparations for your arrival to Moody Bible Institute. It includes answers to many of the commons questions you have. Please review it carefully as you make your plans.

After receiving admission to Moody, international students with F-1 Visa status will be contacted directly by the International Student Office (ISO) regarding all necessary immigration documents. If you have questions or would like to know the status of your I-20, please contact iso@moody.edu.

If you would like to be picked up from the airport, please fill out the Ride Request Form for a complimentary ride to Moody’s Chicago campus. Please note that this service is only available for the Chicago campus.

You can only arrive on campus on the date listed on your I-20.

Obtaining the I-20

Once you receive your acceptance into Moody, the International Student Office will contact you with a checklist of items to complete in order to receive your form I-20 which you will need in order to apply for a U.S. F-1 visa. The checklist contains 3 items for you to complete:

1. Pay your Matriculation fee to Admissions (this applies to undergraduate students only)
2. Email the following to iso@moody.edu
   1. Personal Information Sheet
   2. Copy of the ID page of your passport
   3. Bank statement showing enough funds for at least 1 year of attendance at Moody
   4. Affidavit of Financial Support
3. Ship via postal mail the following:
   1. Original hard copy of bank statement
   2. Original hard copy of Affidavit of Financial Support

Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa

After you have received your I-20 from Moody’s International Student Office, follow the steps below:

1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
2. Search online for the US embassy in your area
3. Fill out DS-160 Online Visa Application Form (https://ceac.state.gov)
4. Schedule a Visa appointment interview
5. Pay the visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee
   
   

International Student Orientation

Chicago Campus

A special orientation program unique to international students and missionary kids (MKs) is mandatory for all students with an F-1 visa. Missionary kids coming directly from overseas to Moody are encouraged attend international student orientation.

This orientation is intended to help international students adjust to life in the United States as well as assist missionary kids through the repatriation process. There are also several important immigration sessions that take place during this time with required attendance for international students.

One of the most rewarding aspects about international student and missionary kid orientation is the opportunity it gives to international students and missionary kids to make lasting friendships with each other. These friendships often form a support network for the students that will help them through their Moody career.

Spokane Campus

New international students attending the Spokane campus should e-mail the Spokane Student Services office at studentservices.spokane@moody.edu to obtain the zoom link for new international student orientation session.

Getting to the Chicago Campus

Moody is located in downtown Chicago at:

820 N. LaSalle Blvd. 
Chicago, IL 60610 

When you arrive to Chicago for New International Student Orientation, you will likely land at one of Chicago’s two airports: O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport. There are several ways to get to Moody’s Chicago Campus from either of these airports.

1. Free Pickup
   The International Student Office provides complimentary airport pick-up on the first day of Orientation only. Fill out the Ride Request Form to receive a free ride to campus. Rides are available only on the date listed on your I-20.
   
   
2. Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
   You can wave down a taxi to pick you up at the airport curb, or you can order an Uber or Lyft at the airport from the Uber or Lyft Apps on your smart phone.
   
   
3. Train
   You can access Moody via Chicago’s extensive public train system, the CTA. Moody is within walking distance of the Red, Purple, and Brown train lines. If coming from O’Hare, you would get on the Blue Line from the airport and later transfer to the Brown Line, finally getting off at the Chicago and Franklin station. If coming from Midway, you would get on the Orange Line from the airport and later transfer to the Brown Line, also getting off at the Chicago and Franklin station. Using Google or Apple maps on your smart phone is highly recommended for more detailed and updated public transportation directions.