Next Steps for New International Students

To come to the U.S. as an F-1 visa holder, students need to request a visa eligibility document called an I-20. After you have paid your deposit to Arcadia, Global Engagement is notified by Enrollment Management and will reach out to you directly to begin this process.

If this is your first time applying for an I-20, students will need to submit the following by email to your DSO (Designated School Official):

• Your admissions letter to Arcadia University
• A copy of your financial aid letter from Arcadia University
• A copy of the passport's biographical page showing all details clearly
• Bank statements
• Affidavit of Support Form

If you are a student transferring from another institution in the U.S. and already have an I-20, you will submit the following:

• A copy of the passport's biographical page showing all details clearly
• Bank statements
• Affidavit of Support Form
• Transfer-In Form
• A copy of your most recent I-94
• A copy of your current F-1 visa
• A copy of your most recent I-20 

After your I-20 has been issued by your DSO, you will receive the I-20 along with other necessary documents in the postal mail*. After you receive your I-20 packet, you will use your I-20 to start your visa application DS-160 online and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. We will mail you the original document using FedEx or UPS. We recommend bringing proof of the I-901 fee payment to your interview appointment. 

* During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arcadia University is also authorized to send you your I-20 over email. Please coordinate your preferred I-20 receival process with your DSO.

Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from obtaining a physical F-1/J-1 visa stamp but they are still required to pay the I-901 fee and present the I-20/DS-2019 upon entry to the country. 

Once you have applied for the DS-160 and paid the I-901 fee, you can schedule your visa interview. We recommend bringing all items you used to apply for your I-20 to your visa interview. You can expect the interview to last around 5 minutes in which time you can expect some or all of the following questions:

• Why are you going to the U.S.?
• What will your major be?
• Why did you choose Arcadia University?
• Have you been to the U.S. before?
• How do you plan to fund your education?
• Do you have a career or job in mind after graduation?
• Do you plan on returning to your home country after graduation?
• What are your plans after graduation?

I received a scholarship from Arcadia, does this count as part of the finances I must show?
Yes! If you received any sort of scholarship, you can deduct this amount from the total amount you must show. This scholarship will be listed on your I-20

I have a dependent coming with me, how do I apply for their I-20?
There is additional documentation required, please reach out to the Global Engagement team to let us know if you plan to bring a spouse or child with you. 

Here you will find information on what to do before you arrive at Arcadia University and after you have secured your F-1/J-1 visa. 

If you haven't been admitted yet, please see our International Admissions page.
If you have been admitted but do not have an I-20, please see our I-20 and Student Visa Instructions below.

International Student & Scholar Pre-Orientation is required for all new international students. 

Your DSO will share your pre-orientation dates and times after you've received your visa.

Every new international student will participate in a pre-orientation prior to the general campus "New Student Venture Orientation" and the start of classes. This will provide useful information about the U.S. academic system, government regulations, peer mentors, cross-cultural adjustments, and student social activities. 

Bring these things with you to Pre-Orientation:

• Your passport
• Your visa
• Your I-20/DS-2019
• Proof of health insurance card

You will also be asked to report your U.S. address and telephone number as well as an emergency contact person.

It is absolutely mandatory that all students have completed health records in order to be registered for classes. You should complete this in your home country before you come to the U.S. It is very expensive to see a doctor in the U.S.!

There are two ways to submit your Health Records to Arcadia University.

Option 1

• Log into MyArcadia.
• On the home screen, click the button that says “Patient Portal”
• Upload Physical Exam and Immunization History documents in PDF or JPG. The Physical Exam page was included in your Acceptance Packet. If you would like a digital copy of the form, please email your DSO. Your immunization history is usually kept with your doctor.  Sometimes, students have small booklets containing this information. Please share with us whatever you have.
• Complete your online Immunization Record
• Submit

Option 2

• Have your doctor at home complete the Health Record Form completely
• Collect your immunization information or your health history booklet
• Bring these papers with you 
• Schedule an appointment via the My Arcadia Patient Portal to see a staff member at the Student Health Services Office during the first week of class
• Complete the process in person

All international students and scholars are required to have health insurance for the duration of your stay in the U.S. You must present proof of health insurance at orientation or we will enroll you in one of our plans and bill the cost to your Arcadia student account.

To be sure that your coverage meets the university’s requirements, we have partnered with GeoBlue and information about this coverage will be sent to you by your DSO. If you have any questions, please contact us.

This page should give you all the information you need and help you understand the process to become an international student at Arcadia.

If you want to study full-time, you must apply for a student visa in order to stay in the U.S. You can find information about the visa application at the nearest consulate or embassy in your country or visit www.travel.state.gov. If you need help from Arcadia University, contact Jessica Doyle, International Student Advisor, at doylej@arcadia.edu.. F-1 students must pay a fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. There are several ways to pay. In most cases, you can use a credit card online at www.fmjfee.com. Make sure you keep proof of your payment. You will need this at your interview.

Next, make an interview appointment at your nearest consulate or embassy. Plan ahead. June, July, and August are the busiest months in embassies. You may apply up to 120 days before the program start date on your I-20 and can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.

When you go for your interview, arrive early. Take your passport. It should be valid for at least six months past your program end date. Also, take passport photos, visa application fees, any documents asked for by the consular of the embassy, and the following important items:

A valid I-20. Make sure your name, date and place of birth, and country of citizenship are correct and the same as they appear on your passport. All spaces should be filled in. Make sure the Designated School Official has signed it. Finally, sign your name with the date at the bottom of the form.

Academic Documents. You must provide evidence that you are going to attend school. Take any and all of the following that you may have:

• academic records
• transcripts
• exam results
• certificates and/or diplomas
• test score reports
• letter of acceptance from Arcadia University
• any other important academic information

Financial Documents. You must prove that you have enough money to stay in school and that you will not take a job illegally in the US. You must bring a letter from your parents or sponsor which explains how they are going to pay for your tuition, fees, and living expenses for one academic year. You can show proof of this with bank statements, salary slips, or contracts which are not more than one month old. If you are married and/or not dependent on parents for money, you should present evidence of your current employment and financial status. If dependents will come with you, then your financial status is even more important.

After you have successfully obtained your student visa, you are ready to prepare for your arrival to Arcadia.