New Student Information

Important Dates

Application Due Date:

There is no strict Application Due date, however we recommend:

• If you live outside the U.S., please apply 2 - 3 months before the term starts.
  
• If you plan to transfer to the PSU IELP from another ESL Program within the U.S., please apply no less than 2 weeks before the term starts.

Important PLANNING to do before you leave home

1. Make housing arrangements
   
2. Plan to arrive in Portland at least a week before the term begins. International students can arrive in the US up to 30 days before the start of the term.
   
3. Arrange for additional money to be transferred to you when you arrive in Portland. Have extra money available in the US in case of emergencies.
   
4. Research about Portland city
   
5. Make local transportation arrangements for when you arrive in Portland.
   
6. Are you planning to bring your family (wife, husband, and/or children) to live with you in the US? If yes, please be sure to inform the IELP Office. We will send you necessary forms. You will need to show sufficient financial resources to adequately support their stay in the US. After PSU receives and reviews your financial documents, the IELP Office will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 Form for your dependents (wife, husband and/or children).
   
7. Read the 10 Important Steps for NEW F-1 and J-1 international students
   
8. Read the IELP Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQs)
   
9. Register for the IELP placement test, by sending an email message to the IELP Office at esl@pdx.edu, or by calling (503) 725-4088.

While traveling to the USA:

Carry your passport together with your Student Visa, I-20 Form, J-visa documents, and proof of finances at all times. Do NOT pack these items in your luggage.

Prior to entering the U.S., you will receive a small white card, called an I-94 Departure Record. The US Immigration Officer will put this card or staple this card into your passport. Do NOT lose this I-94 form/card, it is very important.

After you arrive:

All new students must take the IELP Placement Test, attend New Student Orientation, and attend Immigration Check-in. Students are required to attend classes the first week. Students who arrive late and miss the placement test, registration day, or the first week of classes may not be admitted until the following term.

IELP Placement Test
All new IELP students and conditionally admitted PSU international students are required to take the IELP Placement Exam. Please view the IELP Academic Calendar for exact time and location.

Immigration Check-in
All new international students who hold an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa are
required to attend Immigration Check-in.  See the announcements update or the IELP Academic Calendar for day, time and location. All new F-1 and J-1 international students need to bring the following items when they complete their immigration check-in:

Passport

White I-94 Form/card

I-20 or DS-2019 Form

Local address (address and telephone number in Portland)

**If you do not complete your immigration check-in, you may violate your immigration status.  It is very important to attend Immigration Check-in.

IELP New Student Orientation
All new IELP students are required to attend the IELP New student Orientation Meeting. Please view the IELP Academic Calendar for exact time and location.

During the New Student Orientation you will

• Receive an Orientation packet filled with helpful information
  
• Meet IELP faculty and staff
  
• Find out your IELP level placement
  
• Receive your class schedule
  
• Receive registration documents for class
  
• Learn about PSU's English language program, IELP class requirements, US immigration requirements, IELP student activities, cultural adjustment, and campus resources
  
• Learn about PSU and take a campus tour
  
• Learn how to get your PSU ID card
  
• Receive information about Portland city
  
• Have a chance to ask questions
  
• Meet other new students
  
• Enjoy lunch with your new classmates & friends!

IELP Class Registration
The IELP office will assist all students with the process of registering for classes. IELP students are restricted to taking only IELP classes. All IELP students have "holds" placed on their registration, and cannot change, add or drop classes without approval from the IELP academic coordinator.

PSU Student ID number
All IELP students will receive a PSU Student ID number. You will receive this information in the mail. Please memorize your PSU Student ID number and keep this information in a safe place.

PSU Student ID card
All IELP students can receive a PSU Student ID Card, which allows access to PSU campus facilities and events, such as PSU sports events, use of recreation facilities, campus clubs and organizations, use of the library and all general use computer labs.

To get a PSU Student ID Card, go to the PSU ID Card Window in Neuberger Hall (NH) to have your photo taken. You will need to bring:

• photo ID (such as your passport)
  
• your PSU or IELP admission letter
  
• $10

There are 2 PSU Student ID card options:

1. A PSU ID card, not affiliated with HigherOne, that is without the MasterCard Logo and HigerOne AccountOne banking features.
   
   To request this option, go to the PSU ID Card Window in Neuberger Hall (NH) and ask for a form to request a non-HigherOne PSU ID Card. The cost for a non-HigherOne PSU ID Card is $20.
   
   
2. A PSU ID card, affiliated with HigherOne
   
   Unless otherwise requested, students will automatically be signed up to receive a PSU HigherOne ID card. This ID card comes with additional optional debit-card banking features, called OneAccount. The cost for this ID card is $10.

For more information about the PSU HigherOne Student ID card

Additional Resources for New Students

Transportation

PSU Computer Access and computer accounts

PSU Email
PSU Student Information System
PSU Parking
PSU Child Care
PSU Disability Resource Center
FOCUS

PSU International Student Groups

PSU International Student Office
PSU Directions/Map
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles
Portland Visitor Association

Where to go, if you have questions:

Come visit the IELP Office and ask questions.

The IELP Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
We are located in East Hall (EH) room 122.