Important Information for NEW F-1 International Students

1. Applying to the IELP:
When applying to the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at Portland State University (PSU), all international students must submit, together with their IELP application, financial documents demonstrating proof of financial support to cover their tuition and living expenses for the duration of their study at PSU.

2. Will you bring family members with you?
In order for you to bring immediate family members (wife, husband and/or children) to the U.S., you must document sufficient financial resources to adequately support their stay. Once we receive and review your financial documents, the IELP will issue a form I-20, certificate or eligibility for an F-2 visa, for your dependents (wife, husband, and/or children).

3. IELP Admission Documents:
After receiving your application and supporting documents, the IELP will send you a form I-20, certificate of eligibility for an F-1 student visa and a letter of acceptance within one month.

After receiving the form I-20, students should read it carefully then sign it. By signing it, a student agrees to abide by the US immigration regulations for F-1 student visa holders.

4. SEVIS Fee:
After receiving your form I-20, you must pay a $200 SEVIS Fee to the US government. You can do this online at www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml. Or look at www.ice.gov/sevis for more detailed visa information.

5. Visa:
After receiving your form I-20, make a visa interview appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country. At the time of your visa interview you will be required to show proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.  Please click here for additional information regarding visa forms, the application process, and the visa interview process.

6. Travel plans:
After a student's F-1 visa is approved he/she can then make travel plans to come to PSU. International students can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of classes.

7. Entering the United States:
(A) The visa stamp in your passport allows you to enter the United States in a specific immigration category or status. The F-1 visa stamp notifies the U.S. government that you wish to enter the US as an F-1 student.

(B) When you enter the U.S., and pass through the U.S. Immigration station, you will present the I-20, along with your passport and visa, to an immigration officer. The Immigration Officer will stamp your form I-20 with an entry date. You will also receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (it is a small white card, usually stapled inside your passport).

Keep your I-20 and your I-94 card together with your passport. Do not lose these documents. They are proof of your immigration status. You will need these documents for re-entry into the U.S. after temporary trips abroad during the period of validity. Keep all of your immigration documents is a safe place. Never throw these documents away; you should keep them permanently.

8. Orientation for New Students:
All international students are required to attend new student orientation. Look at your admission letter or the academic calendar for the date and location.
Bring your:

Passport, I-94 card, form I-20, and local address.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you new student orientation. This is a requirement to maintain your student immigration status. If you do not check-in, you may violate your student immigration status.

9. Maintaining F-1 Student Visa Status:

All F-1 International students are responsible for maintaining good F-1 visa status. This includes:

• completing a full course load of classes each term
  
• maintaining valid immigration documents
  
• and obtaining a travel signature from an International Student Advisor before traveling outside the U.S.

10. Full-time enrollment Status:
IELP students in a F-1 visa must enroll in a full course load of classes. IELP students with F-1 visas will NOT be able to drop below a full course of study without prior approval from Michele Miller, the IELP International Student Adviser.

Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Michele Miller, the IELP International Student Advisor at millerm@pdx.edu or call 503-725-8126.