Visa & Travel Information

First, congratulations! We can't wait to welcome you to Widener. 

Access the Admissions Portal for enrollment steps

To get started with international requirements, please complete the Request an Immigration Document* electronic form. Please note that it will take approximately 2 weeks for ISS to issue your I-20 and 1-2 weeks for you to receive it in the mail.

To complete the form, you'll need the following materials:

• Passport: copy of your passport biographical page
• Proof of Finances: F-1 and J-1 students must prove they have sufficient funding to meet their educational and living expenses for their degree program. F-1 Students must show funding to cover one year of expenses and provide evidence that this funding will continue to the end of the degree program. J-1 students must show funding to cover one year of expenses at the beginning of each academic year or funding for the duration of the program. Review the following documents for assistance.
  • Estimated Cost of Attendance - provides the proof of finance you need to show in order to get your I-20
  • Financial Documentation - informs you as to the type of financial documentation that is accepted
• Payment for shipping I-20 or DS-2019: In order for your I-20 to be mailed, you must prepay for shipping through eShipGlobal. Creating an account is easy and it's free. Please pay close attention filling out this information; incorrect or incomplete information will delay the delivery of your documents. Be sure to select "Widener University - Main Campus" as your recipient and use your Student ID number found at the top of your admit letter.
• Additional Documentation: may be needed, based on individual circumstances.
  • Transferring students already in the U.S. 
    If you are already in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, please provide the documentation required of all students as well as a copy of your current student visa, I-94/DS-2019 card or printout, all previous I-20s/DS-2019s, your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, and any EADs, I-797s or other immigration documents you may have. Learn more about transferring into Widener. 
  • Students Bringing Dependents
    If you wish to bring your spouse and/or children (under age 21) with you, you will need to request an F-2 I-20 or J-2 DS-2019 document for each dependent. Students with dependents must provide the documentation required of all students and additionally do the following:
    • Provide additional funding for each dependent.
    • Provide a copy of the passport biographical page for each dependent.
    • For each dependent already in the U.S., provide a copy of their current visa, I-94 card or handout, and all previous I-20s or DS-2019s.
    • Dependents must have insurance which can be purchased through International Student Insurance.
  • Students Changing Immigration Status
    If you are already in the U.S. on an immigration status other than F-1 or J-1, you may need to change your status in order to study at Widener. If you are unsure whether you can study on your current visa, please contact us. You should not begin your studies until you have confirmed that your immigration status allows you to do so. Changing your status can take up to six months, or more, so be sure to begin the process early. Learn more about changing your immigration status.

Once we receive your immigration record and all required forms, we can issue your I-20 or DS-2019s as well as your dependents, if applicable.

When we emailed your I-20/DS-2019, we also sent a list of instructions regarding paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and booking your visa appointment. Please make sure to consult that email and take those steps as soon as possible. If you cannot find the email with your I-20/DS-2019, get in touch right away.

Visa wait times vary and can be as little as a few days or as long as several months. Please check the visa wait times for the latest information.

Paying your SEVIS fee

Now that you have your I-20 or DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a visa.

• If you are a transfer student, you do not need to repay the SEVIS fee or obtain a new visa, unless your current visa is expired and you are leaving the U.S.
• Canadians do not need to obtain a visa but do need to pay the SEVIS fee.
• Dependents do need to obtain a visa but do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

The SEVIS fee is $350 USD for F-1 students and $220 USD for J-1 exchange visitors. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee.

• Complete the Form I-901 to pay your SEVIS fee. Accepted payments include credit cards or Western Union. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
• Print a copy of the online receipt and be sure to make copies of your receipt and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

Learn more about paying the SEVIS fee.

Applying for your Visa

Once you have paid the SEVIS fee, you need to schedule your visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to your home. Be mindful of visa wait times. You need to schedule your appointment well in advance of your planned arrival date at Widener.

• Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
• Pay the Visa Application Fee ($160)
• Follow the instructions given by the U.S. consulate in the city where you will apply for the visa.

During your appointment, a U.S. Consular Officer will review your documents and ask you about your academic plans. The officer will verify that you have the academic ability, English language skills, and financial resources to study at Widener University. They will also determine whether they think you have sufficient ties to your home country and intend to return home after your studies.

• Bring all important documentation regarding your visa with you, including your:
  • Passport
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • Widener University letter of admissions
  • Financial documentation proving your ability to support yourself and any F-2 dependents
  • Relevant receipts: DS-160 fee, Visa application fee, and SEVIS (I-901) fee receipts
  • Any other document required by the embassy or consulate
• Be prepared to demonstrate your non-immigrant intent. This includes sufficient ties to your home country that will encourage you to return there after completing your education abroad.
• Be polite, respectful, calm, and truthful.

NAFSA offers a few tips and helpful reminders so you can feel confident for your Visa interview.
View Visa Interview Tips

Because visa interviews are scheduled by U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, we cannot guarantee how long your wait time will be for your interview appointment. This is why it is important you begin the process as soon as possible to avoid delays to beginning your studies. 

View current visa appointment wait times

Where to Interview

We highly recommend that you attend your visa interview appointment either in (1) your home country or (2) your current country of legal residence. While you are permitted to attend a visa interview appointment at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide, you are much more likely to be subjected to lengthy administrative processing when attending an interview appointment outside of your home country or country of current legal residence.

What happens if there's a delay?

If the first available appointment does not allow adequate time for you to receive your visa and travel to Widener in time to begin classes, you should follow these steps:

1. See if you can apply for an expedited interview. Each embassy/consulate handles the expedited interview process a bit differently, so you should look for information about expedited interviews and how to apply on your embassy or consulate website. 
2. If you are not able to receive an expedited interview, email your admissions counselor and ISS to let us know. We will be able to inform you of alternative options, such as deferring your admission.

You should receive your passport booklet with visa included in the mail in 10-14 business days after approval. If more than 14 business days have passed and you still haven't received your visa, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you attended for your visa interview.

The U.S. Consular Officer should have provided a reason for the denial. Ask for this reason to be given in writing. Unfortunately, the fees you have paid are non-refundable, so you cannot get your money back. You may reapply for the visa by submitting a new application, repaying the fees, and providing evidence showing that there have been significant changes since your denial that now make you eligible for the visa.

It is important that you prepare well in advance for your trip to the U.S. and for your studies at Widener University. The following information will help you in this process. Please read all sections thoroughly so that you do not miss important paperwork or deadlines.

Booking Your Flight

Do not book your plane ticket until you have received your visa. Keep in mind that you can legally arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20/DS-2019; however, we do not recommend that you arrive early unless you have made prior arrangements. Widener cannot provide housing or airport pick-ups prior to orientation.

Pre-Arrival Guides

Please review the appropriate Pre-Arrival and Orientation Guide for F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors. International Student Services created these guides to assist in your preparation for arrival to Widener University and to ease your transition to a new culture.

F-1 Pre-Arrival and Orientation Guide   J-1 Pre-Arrival and Orientation Guide 

Finances & Other Expenses

In addition to the estimated cost of tuition, fees, books/supplies, medical insurance, and living expenses noted on your I-20 or DS-2019, you will want to bring money for the following expenses that you may incur upon your arrival:

• Bedding, bath supplies, kitchen supplies, personal items, etc. for your residence hall or apartment, if you do not choose to order these supplies in advance.
• First and last month's rent and security deposit are typically required for students renting an apartment. The cost for this can vary but plan on $1,200 USD minimum.
• Emergency cash for unexpected expenses, minimum $300 USD.

If you are planning to pay your tuition by wire transfer, we recommend you do so in advance as your registration will be placed on hold if your payment has not been completed at the time of registration. The amount for the wire transfer should be approximately half the amount listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. For students living off campus: do not include the amount for living expenses. Note that the amount on your I-20 is for the whole year (DS-2019s include the amount for the entire program), and includes living expenses and other fees which may not be due directly to the university.

The Office of the Bursar can assist with wire transfers.

Entering the U.S.

Carry your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-901 receipt with you when you board the plane. Do no place these items in checked baggage. You will not be allowed to board the plane if you do not have all required immigration documentation with you.

At the port of entry, you will speak with a Customs and Border Protection Officer who will examine your documents and stamp your passport. If you have any problems at the port of entry, please contact ISS during regular business hours at 610-499-4498 or 610-499-4472 or Campus Safety after hours and on weekends at 610-499-4200. If the immigration officer has questions, provide the officer with these numbers to call. Keep all your immigration documents available, because you will need to present them to ISS at orientation.

Applying for Housing

Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students are required to live on campus, provided that enough housing is available. Please complete our convenient, online housing application by May 1. Log onto the housing portal using your new Widener email and password. Once you log in, you will see "housing application" on the left. Follow the steps and be sure to print out your confirmation once finished. You will receive an official letter from the Office of Residence Life via email indicating your housing assignment information by August 1. 

Explore our residence halls 
Start your housing application

Graduate Students, Chester Campus: Graduate students at the Chester campus will need to find housing in the local area. International Student Services (ISS) can connect you with local landlords to help you secure a place to live. Contact ISS at iss@widener.edu with the subject line "Off-Campus Housing."

Delaware Law Students: Students at the Delaware Law School may live on or off campus, and information regarding housing will be provided to you in your admissions packet. Learn more about housing at Delaware Law School.

Widener Law Commonwealth Students: Housing options are available within walking distance to Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Students may email the Admission Office at admitcwlaw@widener.edu for housing information in Harrisburg.

Preparing for Your New Residence

Residence Hall Supplies

ISS has partnered with DormCo to provide you with a way to purchase in advance your bedding, towels, lamps, and any other supplies you may need for your room. Your items can be shipped directly to International Student Services and will be waiting for you when you arrive on campus! This service can be used by students at both campuses, including those who live off campus. Best of all, shipping is only $2.95 for your entire order.

In order to ensure timely delivery, please purchase your items by July 31st.

Use the address below as the ship to address:
International Student Services
Widener University
1 University Place
University Center, Upper Level
Chester, PA 19013

Cell Phone Service through CampusSIMs

CampusSIMs provides reliable, no-contract cell phone service specifically designed for international students. The CampusSIMs mobile plans start at $25/month and work on any unlocked GSM cell phone. Sign-up is quick and easy, and plans include many features that are ideal for international students such as free unlimited international texting, multilingual customer support, and the ability to freeze your account (and stop payment) while you are traveling out of the country. Visit CampusSIMs to learn more and pre-order your SIM card.

As a Widener University student at any of the three campuses, you are required to be enrolled in the university health insurance policy*. Your university account will be invoiced for the insurance fee. Since you will be automatically enrolled in the university plan, it is not necessary to purchase health insurance prior to arriving in the United States. 

*SACM and Fulbright students will not be enrolled in the university medical insurance because of the coverage provided by their sponsor as long as appropriate documentation is received verifying your insurance coverage.

View health policies and access required health forms
Learn more about health and wellbeing resources at Widener

For more information on how medical insurance in the U.S. works, watch this video on the U.S. Healthcare System.

First, you will go through customs at the airport. A Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer will ask to see your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019. Please have these documents readily available. Additionally, the CBP officer may ask to see your admissions letter and proof of finances, so it is suggested that you have those readily available as well. After reviewing these documents, the CBP officer will either admit you into the U.S. or deny you entry. In most cases, F-1 and J-1 visa holders are admitted to the U.S. However, there is always a risk that you may be denied entry when traveling internationally.

After you officially “enter” the U.S., you go to baggage claim to pick up your luggage and coordinate a pick-up spot with the Campus Safety team member who is picking you up and bringing you to campus.

If the CBP officer issued you Form I-515A, this means that there was a problem with your documents, fees, or SEVIS record, and you have only been granted temporary admission into the U.S. for 30 days. You must email WUISS immediately at iss@widener.edu so we can help you resolve the I-515A. Failure to contact us in a timely manner could result in loss of your immigration status.

After you land at the Philadelphia airport, we will pick you up and transport you and your belongings to our campus. There, you’ll meet the ISS team, grab some food, and then get settled in your residence hall. WUISS will provide you with sheets, a blanket, a pillow, toiletries, a towel, and a SIM card for your phone so that you can spend your first night on campus comfortably resting.

The next day, you will attend a short welcome session and enjoy a light breakfast with the WUISS team. Campus Safety will run shuttles throughout the morning to take you to a local grocery store and supermarket so that you can purchase supplies for your dorm room. That evening, your Pride 2 Orientation Experience with the rest of the first-year Widener students will officially begin!

There are many actions students must take in order to maintain their F-1 status. Failure to maintain F-1 status at any point could result in the termination of your I-20 and a requirement that you depart the U.S. immediately. Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are maintaining your F-1 status.

1. Maintain a Full Course of Study

F-1 students are required to maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters of their F-1 program. Not only must F-1 students be enrolled in the proper number of credits, but they must also continually make satisfactory academic progress on their degree. This means that F-1 students must be enrolled in classes that apply to their degree program and must continually pass these classes.

• Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 credits per semester

• Master's students must enroll in 9 credits per semester

• Doctoral students must enroll in 6 credits per semester, except for doctoral students who have completed all courses and only have their thesis remaining. Students in this situation must enroll in at least 1 credit per semester.

Where needed, F-1 students may request a Reduced Course Load through Terra Dotta. Students must never drop credits until their Reduced Course Load request is approved by a DSO. Even if your academic advisor says it is OK, dropping below a full-time course load without approval from your DSO is a violation of your F-1 status. Students may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load for illnesses or medical conditions, academic difficulties in the first term, or if the student is in their final term and does not need a full-time course load in order to graduate. 

Additionally, F-1 students may only count up to 3 online credits per semester toward their full-time course load requirement.

2. Only Work with Authorization

Working without authorization is an immediate violation of your status. ISS is legally required to terminate your I-20 if we learn that you are working without authorization. For more information about F-1 student work authorization and accessing important forms, please visit the Study in the States website.

3. Report Any and All Changes to ISS Within 10 Days

As an F-1 student, you are required to keep us up to date on any changes that occur during your F-1 program. If you move, change majors, change status, change your name, or change anything else about your identity, living situation, or educational program, you must notify ISS within 10 days of the change. Most of the time, you can notify us by submitting a request in Terra Dotta or by emailing us at iss@widener.edu. Always err on the side of caution—notify us of any and all changes so that we can help you stay in status. 

4. Keep Documents Current

You must keep all of your immigration documents current while you are in the U.S. This includes:

• Your I-20: You must ensure that your I-20 remains current while you are in the U.S. Once the end date on your I-20 passes, you must depart the U.S. within 60 days. If you need to extend your I-20 in order to complete your program, you must place a request to extend in Terra Dotta before the end date on your I-20. SEVIS does not allow extensions after the end date has passed. 

• Your passport: Your passport must remain valid the entire time you are present in the U.S. It is your responsibility to be aware of when your passport will expire and to apply for a renewal of your passport in a timely manner.

• Your visa: Your visa is the one exception to this rule. You may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa so long as your I-20 and passport are still current. However, if you travel outside of the U.S. with an expired visa, you must plan to attend an interview appointment in your home country to renew your visa and wait the requisite 10-14 days to receive your visa in the mail before you will be able to re-enter the U.S. 

5. Request a Travel Signature Before Traveling Outside the U.S. 

You must request a travel signature in Terra Dotta at least 14 days before you plan to depart the U.S. Failure to receive a travel signature on your I-20 before departing the U.S. may result in denied entry. Additionally, you must have a valid passport and F-1 visa upon entry. 

There are many actions students must take in order to maintain their J-1 status. Failure to maintain J-1 status at any point could result in the termination of your DS-2019 and a requirement that you depart the U.S. immediately. Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are maintaining your J-1 status. 

1. Maintain a Full Course of Study

J-1 students are required to maintain a full course of study during the Fall and Spring semesters of their J-1 program. Not only must J-1 students be enrolled in the proper amount of credits, but they must also continually make satisfactory academic progress on their degree. This means that J-1 students must be enrolled in classes that apply to their degree program and must continually pass these classes.

• Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 credits per semester

• Master's students must enroll in 9 credits per semester

• Doctoral students must enroll in 6 credits per semester, except for doctoral students who have completed all courses and only have their thesis remaining. Students in this situation must enroll in at least 1 credit per semester.

Where needed, J-1 students may request a Reduced Course Load through Terra Dotta. Students must not ever drop credits until their Reduced Course Load request is approved by an RO/ARO. Even if your academic advisor says it is okay, dropping below a full-time course load without approval from your RO/ARO is a violation of your J-1 status. Students may be eligible for a Reduced Course Load for illnesses or medical conditions, bona fide academic reasons, or if the student is in their final term and does not need a full-time course load in order to graduate. 

2. Only Work with Authorization

Working without authorization is an immediate violation of your status. ISS is legally required to terminate your DS-2019 if we learn that you are working without authorization. For more information about J-1 student work authorization and accessing important forms, please visit the Study in the States website.

3. Report Any and All Changes to ISS within 10 Days

As a J-1 student, you are required to keep us up to date on any changes that occur during your J-1 program. If you move, change majors, change status, change your name, or change anything else about your identity, living situation, or educational program, you must notify ISS within 10 days of the change. Most of the time, you can notify us by submitting a request in Terra Dotta or by emailing us at iss@widener.edu. Always err on the side of caution—notify us of any and all changes so that we can help you stay in status. 

4. Keep Documents Current

You must keep all of your immigration documents current while you are in the U.S. This includes:

• Your DS-2019: You must ensure that your DS-2019 remains current while you are in the U.S. Once the end date on your DS-2019 passes, you must depart the U.S. within 30 days. If you need to extend your DS-2019 in order to finish your program, you must place a request to extend in Terra Dotta before the end date on your DS-2019. SEVIS does not allow extensions after the end date has passed. 

• Your passport: Your passport must remain valid the entire time you are present in the U.S. It is your responsibility to be aware of when your passport will expire and to apply for a renewal of your passport in a timely manner. 

• Your visa: Your visa is the one exception to this rule. You may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa so long as your DS-2019 and passport are still current. However, if you travel outside of the U.S. with an expired visa, you must plan to attend an interview appointment in your home country to renew your visa and wait the requisite 10-14 days to receive your visa in the mail before you will be able to re-enter the U.S. 

5. Request a Travel Signature Before Traveling Outside the U.S. 

You must request a travel signature in Terra Dotta at least 14 days before you plan to depart the U.S. Failure to receive a travel signature on your DS-2019 before departing the U.S. may result in denied entry. Additionally, you must have a valid passport and J-1 visa upon entry. 

6. Maintain J-1 Compliant Insurance

J-1 visa holders are federally required to maintain J-1 complaint health insurance on themselves and any J-2 dependents for the duration of their J-1 program. In order to be compliant, a J-1 student’s health plan must have the following benefits, at minimum:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Additionally, the policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with either:

• an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above;
• an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above;
• a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above;
• a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above; or
• the policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the J-1 student’s home country.

We are happy to have the opportunity to work with students who are sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission. SACM students are responsible first and foremost for maintaining their visa status. SACM students are also responsible for knowing, understanding, and following the requirements of their agreement with SACM to ensure continuous payment under their SACM sponsorship.

At least 14 days before you plan to depart the U.S., you must log into your Terra Dotta student portal and submit a request for a Travel Signature. You will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S., if you do not have a current travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.

To plan your trip home during academic breaks, review the academic calendar.

If you are interested in exploring other countries, email ISS and ask to set up some time to meet with us. We can help you explore study abroad options. If you're interested in traveling outside of a study abroad program, we can discuss the requirements and risks with you.

You are allowed and encouraged to explore the U.S. while on school breaks! Make sure to carry your passport and I-20 with you and follow all local, state, and federal laws during your travels.

To plan your travels during academic breaks, review the academic calendar.

Here are a few great resources for exploring must-sees and hidden gems across the United States:

• Visit the USA
• Trip Advisor
• Fodor's Travels
• Roadtrippers
• National Park Services

After you land at the Philadelphia airport, we will pick you up and transport you and your belongings to our campus. There, you’ll meet the ISS team, grab some food, and then get settled in your residence hall. WUISS will provide you with sheets, a blanket, a pillow, toiletries, a towel, and a SIM card for your phone so that you can spend your first night on campus comfortably resting. 

The next day, you will attend a short welcome session and enjoy a light breakfast with the WUISS team. Campus Safety will run shuttles throughout the morning to take you to a local grocery store and supermarket so that you can purchase supplies for your dorm room. That evening, your Pride Experience 2: Fall Orientation program with the rest of the first-year Widener students will officially begin! 

International Student Orientation is required for ALL new F-1 and J-1 international students at the Chester Campus and includes two parts. First, please attend the International Student Welcome Meeting on Tuesday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. in University Center, Room F. Second, all international students will participate in the Pride Experience 2: Fall Orientation program starting at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20. 

Yes. Orientation for students at the Delaware Law School will be provided by the law school, and information regarding orientation can be found in your admissions packet. Please contact the Delaware Law School for more information.  

Yes. Orientation is required for all students at Widener Law Commonwealth. Orientation materials will be provided by the law school, for more information, please contact the Admissions Office at admitcwlaw@widener.edu.