New Student Information

Important Dates

Application Due Date:

Please check the Academic Calendar for specific application due dates.

• 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 4 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, schedule pick-up day, or the first week of classes may not be able to take classes 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 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 international students need to bring the following items when they complete their immigration check-in:

Passport

White Form I-94

Your Form I-20

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
  
• 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 Schedule Pick-Up Day
All students are required to show up on schedule pick-up day to get their class schedule. 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 office. In some cases, the approval of the Student Academic Advisor is required.

PSU Student ID number
All IELP students will receive a PSU Student ID number. You will receive this information in the mail with your admission letter. 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
  
• $15

For more information about the PSU One 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 UCB (University Center Building), Suite 400.