International Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Students

Current Students

I-20 Extensions:

How do I apply for an extension of my I-20?
When should I apply for an extension?

OPT/CPT:

How do I apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
When should I apply for OPT?
What should the letter from the academic adviser state?
How long does the OPT process take?
Can I travel out of the U.S. after applying for OPT?
What documents do I need to carry if I travel while on OPT?
For what course should I register for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) credit?
Will CPT affect my future OPT?

Travel Out of the U.S.:

How do I get a travel signature on my I-20 or DS-2019 if I am not at the University Park campus?
What documents are needed for an F-1 who travels out of the U.S. or a J-1 who travels out of the U.S.?
Do I need a new visa if I am traveling to another country (not the U.S. and not my home country)?

Leave of Absence:

How do I get a new I-20 to return to Penn State to complete my undergraduate degree after a leave of absence?
How do I get a new I-20 to return to Penn State to complete my graduate degree after a leave of absence?

Family and Friends:

How do I invite my family and friends to visit?

Prospective Students

Financial:

1. Do you have any scholarships for international undergraduate students?

Since Penn State is a public university funded primarily by government and taxpayer money, there is at this time essentially no financial aid available for international undergraduate students. U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency is a requirement for federal funds and Pennsylvania residency a further requirement for state funds. You may want to try to seek assistance through organizations that specialize in financially assisting international students who desire to study in the United States. Many organizations have listings in financial reference manuals that can be found in public and university libraries. Additional listings can also be found on the web. View sources of scholarships.

http://www.nafsa.org/students.sec

2. What is acceptable as a financial guarantee?

Financial guarantee materials must be:

Current (within 6 months)
In an amount sufficient to cover estimated annual expenses

Financial guarantee materials can be:

Bank statements or bank letters in your name or your sponsors name accompanied by a signed, dated letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment
Provide fund accounts in your name or your sponsors name accompanied by a signed, dated letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment
Certificates of Deposits in your name or your sponsors name accompanied by a signed dated letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment
Stocks, bonds, or other equities (with the provision that the statement of value must be no more than one week old and we accept only 70% of the total amount) accompanied by a signed letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment
Salary letter from the sponsor's employer indicating the annual income and length of employment

Note in the case of sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident financial guarantee materials above must be accompanied by a notarized form I-134 Affidavit of Support

In the case of sponsorship by a non-U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident we do encourage the sponsor to formalize the above letter if at all possible through the use of notary, stamped paper, or other appropriate means as it strengthens the application.

Terms of Offer of a graduate assistantship or fellowship accompanied by a copy of the letter which was provided with the terms of offer of the assistantship or fellowship
A sponsorship letter from a corporation or larger business accompanied by a letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment signed by an officer of the organization and accompanied by a copy of the organization's annual report or at the very least copies of appropriate support information from the organization's annual report
A bank statement for a family owned business accompanied by a signed, dated letter detailing the sponsor's relationship to the business and to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment
A sponsorship letter from a government entity, international organization, or other major sponsor detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the specific amounts of their sponsorship commitment

Note that the financial guarantee could be made up of documentation from various sources above but should be as concise as possible since they are being presented as active indications of commitment to provide for upcoming first year expenses for the student.

Financial guarantee materials cannot be:

Real property (land, buildings)
Personal property (jewelry, vehicles)
Chartered Accountant Statements or other third party evaluations of funds

Individuals currently in a non F-1 or J-1 status which allows study and who are planning on remaining in that status do not have to provide a financial guarantee.

The above information details financial guarantee materials which Directorate of International Student Advising (DISA) generally accepts from incoming international students however it is important to note that each application for an I-20 or DS-2019 is individually reviewed by a Designated Signing Officer of the University who may at the time of the review request additional or more specific information based upon their review of the materials.

3. When you ask for an "Affidavit of Support" what does this mean?

In the case of sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident financial guarantee materials should be accompanied by a notarized I-134 Affidavit of Support

In the case of sponsorship by a non-U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident we do encourage the sponsor to provide a signed, dated letter detailing the sponsors relationship to the student and detailing the sponsorship commitment and to formalize the letter if at all possible through the use of notary, stamped paper, or other appropriate means as it strengthens the application.

4. Do you have sample language for an "Affidavit of Support"?

DISA sponsors must clearly state in their own words the length and duration of the sponsorship.

In whatever form the affidavit is provided, it is important to note that the commitment should use specific rather than general language. For example, a support letter written by a parent which states "I will cover all of my son's expenses for five years" is too general, whereas one which says "I will provide my daughter $40,000 per year for each of four years to cover her school related expenses" is much more useful and clearly details the exact nature of the sponsorship.

In the case of graduate students, we cannot use the possibility of a future graduate assistantship as funding for the I-20 or DS-2019. Therefore, it's important to provide a financial guarantee for the first year as well as information on how future years will be funded.

5. Do I really need to send my financial guarantee materials along with my original application for admission?

Recently, our processes have changed. You no longer need to submit any visa or immigration related materials (ex. financial guarantee requirements or bank statements) at the time of application.

After you have been offered admission and have notified your department or the Undergraduate Admissions Office that you have accepted your offer of admission or paid your acceptance fees, DISA will contact you with a set of instructions and a link so that you can enter your immigration information and/or upload your financial documentation directly into your electronic file. Please note that this electronic information/form cannot be created or pre-completed until you have accepted your offer of admission. Financial Guarantee Requirements.

DISA will contact you regarding shipping instructions on how to receive your visa eligibility documentation (I-20/DS-2019), once all documentation has been submitted, reviewed and approved.

6. Do you have a deadline by when financial guarantee materials should be submitted?

DISA does not have a “deadline” for submitting materials required for issuance of an I-20/DS-2019. Once DISA contacts you with a set of instructions and a link for you to enter your immigration information and/or upload your financial documentation into your electronic file, it is up to you as to how long it will take you to compete those steps. Since the I-20 is required for the visa application, the earlier you get the I-20/DS-2019, the earlier you will have the visa ensuring that you can arrive in time for the beginning of the semester to begin your studies.

7. Why are your annual estimates of expenses higher than those I found cited in other places on the Penn State Web site?

Most offices at Penn State build their estimates off of a single set of figures provided by the Office of Student Aid. The reason the estimates differ between offices often has to do with the type and purpose of the estimates. The DISA figures take into account that international students will pay out-of-state tuition and will be in the U.S. for 12 months. In addition, health insurance is mandatory for international students since most students who are U.S. citizens have other sources to cover health care costs. Estimates for international students can be found on-line.

8. How and when do I pay my tuition?

The Bursar's Office will email a semester bill to your Penn State Access Account detailing payment methods on or around the first week of classes. It is important to note that there will not be a paper bill. Tuition Bill Instructions

9. I was told that if I work hard I should be able to get a teaching or research assistantship next year. Is this acceptable as a plan for financing my future education?

DISA cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 with the possibility of funding. DISA must have assurances of funding.

10. I am a graduate student applying for an assistantship. Should I wait to complete/submit DISA required financial guarantee, visa or immigration related materials?

Recently, our processes have changed. You no longer need to submit any visa or immigration related materials (ex. financial guarantee requirements or bank statements) at the time of application.

After you have been offered admission and have notified your department that you have accepted your offer of admission, DISA will contact you with a set of instructions and a link so that you can enter your immigration information and/or upload your financial documentation directly into your electronic file. Please note that this electronic information/form cannot be created or pre-completed until you have accepted your offer of admission.

When it comes to your admission there are three possibilities.

You may be:

admitted without an assistantship.
admitted with an assistantship which covers your whole financial guarantee.
admitted with an assistantship which covers part of your financial guarantee.

You can wait to submit your financial guarantee in case you get an assistantship but you should know this may delay the issuance of the I-20 or DS-2019.

If you are unable to provide any form of financial guarantee and you have applied to your graduate program for an assistantship, you have 2 options to consider:

Use personal or family funds as your financial guarantee to complete/submit DISA required materials until you receive official notification from your department. Once you have been awarded financial support, we can amend your
I-20/DS-2019’s source of financial support accordingly.
Wait to complete/submit DISA required materials until after you have received official notification regarding financial support from your department.

Please note you should follow up with your graduate program office to make sure you complete all of their processes for applying for consideration for financial aid.

If you are admitted and the funding you have provided is insufficient, DISA will email you requesting additional funds. See the following regarding financial guarantee requirements.

Can I pay in-state Pennsylvania resident tuition if my family has been living or working in Pennsylvania for a while?

Penn State's residency policy is published on the Bursar's Web site. You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident immigrant with a green card or I-551 passport stamp to be considered for in-state residency for tuition purposes.

Getting a Student Visa:

12. Do I have to accept my offer of admission to get an I-20?

Yes.

13. How will my immigration document (I-20/DS-2019) or letter be sent to me?

Depending on your shipping address, your document could be mailed: Regular first-class mail (within the U.S.), air mail (outside the U.S. or Canada) or express mail (at your expense). Please see question #16 for additional information on how to request express mail shipping of your document.

14. How long will it take to receive my immigration document (I-20/DS-2019) or letter, if my mailing address is in the U.S. or Canada?

Documents with mailing addresses within the U.S. and Canada are mailed at no cost to the student and can take anywhere from 3-8 business days to deliver.

If your document is shipped first-class (within the U.S. and Canada) or first-class, air mail (outside the U.S. and Canada), unfortunately there is no method for tracking those deliveries.

15. How long will it take to receive my immigration document (I-20/DS-2019) or letter, if they are sent by air mail?

Documents with international mailing addresses can be sent first class, air mail at no cost to the student and delivery is anywhere from 2-5 weeks.

If your document is shipped first-class (within the U.S. and Canada) or first-class, air mail (outside the U.S. and Canada), unfortunately there is no method for tracking those deliveries.

16. How can I have my immigration document (I-20/DS-2019) or letter shipped by express mail?

Students with an international mailing address can select express shipping. Once your document is ready for shipment, delivery is usually within 3-5 business days. To request express mail service you need to go to the secure Web Site. There are rates with FedEx and DHL available to you, however you must use the eShipGlobal service. Do not go through the DHL or FedEx Web sites directly. Our office will be notified once you have requested a shipment. Express Mail Instructions

17. How can I track the shipping of my document (I-20/DS-2019)?

If you have elected to have your document shipped through our on-line provider, University Express Mail Services/eShipGlobal, then you will automatically receive tracking information after you have requested a shipment and your document has shipped. Please see question #16 for additional information on how to request express mail shipping of your document.

If your document is shipped first-class (within the U.S. and Canada) or first-class, air mail (outside the U.S. and Canada), unfortunately there is no method for tracking those deliveries.

18. Can the end dates on my I-20 be adjusted to my particular situation?

DISA is required to use the standard estimated length of program by when most students complete the program of study. Unfortunately, we are not able to adjust end dates on I-20s to student intent or capability but rather must use generalized estimates which are provided by Undergraduate Admission or the various Graduate Programs. If you cannot complete your program in the time given on the I-20 or DS-2019, you can apply for an extension.

19. Why is the major that is on my I-20 different than the major I applied for?

SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Security database that issues I-20s and DS-2019s, uses a standard naming system for majors so that there is consistency across the United States.

20. Why is there no admission number on my I-20?

When you are on the airplane to the U.S., you'll be given an I-94 card to complete as well as a customs declaration card. The I-94 is pre-printed with a number, and this number is the admission number. Each time you enter the U.S. you'll be given a new I-94; therefore, you'll get a new admission number each time. In the past, the first admission number was important and continued to be your admission number because the port-of-entry officer crossed out pre-printed number and wrote the previous number but this no longer happens.

21. Why is the country of citizenship information on my dependents I-20 blank?

Country of citizenship is not a required field for dependents, so when an I-20 is issued through batch processing it does not print.

22. I am currently in or recently have been in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. When should I have my SEVIS record transferred?

As long as you intend to begin classes at Penn State within 5 months of your last enrollment at your current school, a "transfer" of SEVIS record can be processed. Inform your current school that you wish to be transferred to The Pennsylvania State University.

23. I do not have a family name or I do not have a given name. How should I complete the forms?

DISA will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 with the name that the admissions office has on file. It is important for lots of reasons that you are consistent in the name you use. This will affect your living in the U.S. such as driver's license applications, social security number applications, etc.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) requires we use the given name for the family name for those individuals who do not have a family name. Therefore, on the I-20 or DS-2019 we will use the given name in the place of family name if you don't have a family name. Other offices in the U.S. may use LNU (Last Name Unknown) or FNU (First Name Unknown), but these will be inconsistent with the I-20 or DS-2019 and not permitted by USDHS. It is not possible to live in the U.S. without a family name. [Even Madonna has a family name.] You should realize that FNU or LNU will become your name because most people do not understand these abbreviations.

In all instances family name (surname), given name (first name) and middle name should all match that which is cited on the passport. This includes the use of double surnames, double first names, spaces (" "), and/or hyphens ("-").

If you have incorrectly entered your name on your application materials and wish to have your name updated in the Penn State database then you will need to work with either Undergraduate Admission or Graduate Enrollment Services (gswww@psu.edu). Once your name is updated please let us know and we will then be able to move forward with further consideration of your file.

24. I am coming to Penn State for fall semester on an assistantship. Can I enter the U.S. in the summer and work before I begin my studies during the fall?

You may enter the U.S. only 30 days before the start date on the I-20. You may begin work 30 days before the first day of classes but must first apply for a social security number and then obtain an I-9 from DISA.

25. What is my residency country on the Application for SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 Document on-line?

Residency country for our purposes on this form means the country in which you are a legal permanent resident. Often this field will simply be the country of your citizenship.

Orientation

26. What is UOGP?

The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is the voice for all global activities at Penn State, with a focus on three key dimensions—internationals coming to Penn State; study abroad students going from Penn State; and the University interacting cross-culturally through strategic partnerships. During your time here at Penn State, UOGP will be an important resource for you. Please visit our office on the fourth floor of Boucke Building to speak to an international student adviser, participate in social and educational activities, take part in our weekly coffee hour, visit the Global Connections office, and much more! We welcome you to our university.

27. When is the New International Student Orientation Program for Spring Semester?

We ask all international students to arrive by January 3 and stay for the entire duration of the orientation activities.

All new international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation, scheduled from January 3 to January 8. The events, sessions, and activities planned for these two weeks are specifically designed to help international students adjust to life in the United States and within the Penn State community. You will go through a document check-in process with the University Office of Global Programs, where a variety of important paperwork must be filled out. You will also learn a great deal of valuable information at the various sessions. In addition, we have many fun social activities planned that will help you make friends and build relationships.

A full schedule of Orientation events will be made available on our website by December 15. Please check here on that date: http://www.global.psu.edu/international_students/orientation.cfm.

28. Is the New International Student Orientation mandatory?

All incoming international students are highly encouraged to attend the New International Student Orientation. If you arrive after orientation, UOGP staff may not be able to concentrate solely on your needs as all continuing students will have returned to campus.

This orientation offers important information on a wide range of topics that affect your life as a student at Penn State, from government regulations to academic and financial matters. Additionally, these orientations offer the opportunity to meet other new international students and to get acclimated to life at Penn State and in State College before a large number of students return to campus.

29. Do I need to register to attend the Orientation?

No, you do not have to register to attend the orientation.

30. Where should I stay during the New International Student Orientation at University Park?

Hotels
Unfortunately, on-campus housing is not available until Saturday, January 8. There are a number of hotels in the State College area where you can make reservations. Here is the link to some options: http://www.happyvalley.com/where-to-stay/hotels/.

Local Maps
Many of the sessions are scheduled in the center of campus—about a 15-20 minute walk from downtown. Below are some maps which may prove helpful when making hotel arrangements:
University Park Campus Map: http://www.campusmaps.psu.edu/print/pdf/extended_color.pdf
State College, PA Map: http://www.campusmaps.psu.edu/print/pdf/vicinity.pdf

Days Inn
However, Orientation Leaders will reside at the Days Inn Hotel in downtown State College where a discounted room rate of $53.17 per day is available for all new international students. This room rate will be in effect from January 3 through January 8. (If necessary, it is available before the Orientation as well (see What if I need to arrive before January 3)).

To make a reservation at the Days Inn, call 814-238-8454 or email the hotel directly at reservations@centrehotel.com. To receive the discounted room rate, you must identify yourself as a new international student attending the Penn State International Student Orientation program or provide the group code CGNEWS.

If you are coming alone and would like to share a room with another new international student, please inform the hotel when making your reservation.

If you already have off-campus housing, you do not have to stay in the hotels during the orientation.

Move-Out on January 8
Discounted room rate at Days Inn Hotel ends on January 8, and you may move in to the on-campus housing. Orientation Leaders will help you move in the morning. Please schedule your move-in time with Orientation Leaders during the orientation period.

If you do not have permanent housing at this time, see the section What if I don’t have permanent housing after January 8?.

31. How do I get from the airport/bus station to Orientation Headquarters at Days Inn Hotel?

Free Shuttle
A shuttle will be available to pick up students from the University Park Airport, MegaBus station, or the local Greyhound bus terminal to Days Inn State College between 10:00 am on January 3 and 8:00 am on January 8. When you arrive, you will see a “Welcome” banner with the phone number to call for this shuttle service (814-777-7597). Simply call the number and a shuttle will arrive within 15-20 minutes. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule pick-up times in advance (since flights are often delayed).

If you are staying at the Days Inn State College, the hotel also provides free shuttle services from the University Park Airport. Please call Days Inn (814-238-8454) upon your arrival to get the shuttle service.

Taxis
If you are arriving before or after the times when the shuttle is available, you will have to take a taxi from the airport/bus station. There are many taxi companies in State College, for example:If you are arriving before or after the times when the shuttle is available, you will have to take a taxi from the airport/bus station. There are many taxi companies in State College, for example:

Handy Delivery 814-353-6001
Taxi State College 814-933-7625
AA Taxi 814-231-8294
A complete list of taxi companies can be found at http://local.yahoo.com/PA/State+College/Travel+Lodging/Taxi+Services.

You can either call ahead to make a taxi reservation or call upon your arrival and they should be available to pick you up within 15 minutes. If you will be living in temporary orientation housing, tell the taxi driver to take you to Days Inn State College (240 South Pugh Street).

The taxi fare from the airport to downtown will be about $12 to $15, depending on the taxi company. In the U.S., it is customary to tip the taxi driver an extra 15% for their service.

32. Can my parents/siblings/children/family stay with me in orientation/temporary housing?

Yes, your family is welcome to attend the orientation with you and stay with you during the orientation period! To make a hotel reservation, please see Where should I stay during the New International Student Orientation at University Park??

If you are staying off-campus and have roommate(s), you may want to talk with them to see if they are comfortable with your family members staying with them.

33. What if I don’t have permanent housing after January 8?

You will have to continue living in a hotel. For more information on how to find permanent housing, please see How can I find off-campus housing?

34. What should I bring with me to Orientation?

For your document check-in appointment with UOGP, you must bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, I-94, a small photo, passports of accompanying dependents, and enough money to cover your initial expenses.

The average daily temperature in State College in January is 34° Fahrenheit (about 1° Celsius). Precipitation in the form of snow, ice, or rain is common. Students should plan on wearing layers and pack a winter coat and gloves.

35. What if I can’t find a flight to State College that arrives January 4 or earlier?

We very strongly encourage students to arrive no later than 2:00 pm on January 4 so that they can participate in our document check-in process. However, we understand that it has become increasingly difficult to find flights into State College.

One option is for students to fly to the closest large city and take another form of transportation into State College. The following cities are nearby:

Nearby Cities
City	Distance
Harrisburg, PA	About 1 hour and 45 minutes away by car only
Philadelphia, PA	About 3 hours away by car, bus available
Pittsburgh, PA	About 3 hours away by car, bus available
Baltimore, MD	About 3 hours away by car only
Washington D.C.	About 4 hours away by car, bus available
New York City, NY	About 4 hours and 15 minutes away by car, bus available

Bus:
Bus tickets from major cities can be purchased via bus companies:

Greyhound/Fullington Bus: www.greyhound.com.
MegaBus: http://us.megabus.com/.
China Town Bus: http://www.chinatown-bus.org/.
Go-To Bus: http://www.gotobus.com/.

Please note that (unless riding on an express bus) traveling by bus may take longer than traveling by car, due to the many stops along the way.

Train:
It is also possible to take an Amtrak train from the above locations. The website is www.amtrak.com

However, please note that the train does not stop in State College and a free shuttle will not be available to pick students up at the station. You will need to take a bus or have a ride arranged from one of the closest Amtrak stations:

Nearby Cities with Amtrak Stations
City	Distance
Altoona	About 45 minutes away by car
Lewistown	About 40 minutes away by car

36. How can I find off-campus housing?

There are many options for off-campus housing in the State College area. It should be noted that off-campus housing is in high demand and becomes harder to find as the school year approaches. If you do not plan on living on-campus or have been put on a wait list, it is highly recommended that you start looking for off-campus housing immediately.

We understand that it is difficult find a place to live from overseas. Some realtors require leases to be signed in person (as opposed to fax, mail, or e-mail), making it hard to conduct business from abroad. We also understand that signing a lease before visiting an apartment personally is not an ideal situation. However, to avoid spending a long time in a hotel, please begin your apartment hunt as soon as possible.

Here are some helpful Web sites for finding apartments in the State College area:

Penn State has a website for Off-Campus Living: http://www.sa.psu.edu/ocl/.

If you would like to post something, you will need Penn State access account, which is not assigned to students until they reach campus. You may obtain a temporary Friends of Penn State account to use these features.

Please contact orientation@ip.psu.edu for additional housing information at the University Park campus.

Other Websites

Facebook:

If you use Facebook, you may have some success with the “Marketplace” feature, which allows you to look for apartments for rent and to find other Penn State students looking for roommates. Make sure to join the Penn State network before using the Marketplace: http://apps.facebook.com/marketplace/.

Roommates:

Single bedroom apartments are particularly hard to find in State College and tend to be quite expensive. Therefore, living with a roommate can increase your chances of finding off-campus housing.

International/Multicultural Organizations:

You may wish to contact the international/multicultural organization associated with your nationality. This can be a good way to find potential roommates and learn about housing options. Go here to view a directory of international/mulitcultural organizations: http://www.sa.psu.edu/usa/studentactivities/searchresults.asp?orgcat=International/Multicultural

Graduate Students:

Graduate students may wish to get in touch with their adviser or a contact in their department. Sometimes the department can help arrange housing for incoming international students.

37. I was admitted to a Penn State campus other than University Park. How do I find out about the orientation program at my Penn State campus?

If you are admitting to a Penn State campus other than University Park, you do not need to attend the New International Student Orientation Program at University Park. Please see the resources below to find out information about orientation activities at your Penn State campus.

List of campus Web sites
Contacts at other campuses

38. How can I get in touch with people of my nationality?

There are many international/multicultural groups on campus. Here is a full list: http://www.sa.psu.edu/usa/studentactivities/searchresults.asp?orgcat=International/Multicultural

39. Where can I find more information?

University Office of Global Programs (UOGP)
International Student Orientation Web site
International Student Orientation Blog: The blog is updated regularly by volunteers and staff who share useful tips for life at Penn State.
University Park Orientation Web site: This Web site shows you the university-wide orientation program and Welcome Week activities.
University Park Housing Web site: Information for on-campus housing at University Park. Make sure to check eliving if you have an on-campus housing contract.
White Course Apartments: graduate on-campus housing.
University Health Services Web site: Information about the immunization requirement can be found here.
Penn State Penn State Student Health Insurance Web site: for questions about the insurance requirement, check this Web site.
Office of the Office of the University Registrar is the official source of grades, transcripts, and schedules while you are a PSU student.
Office of the Bursar Web site: tuition is paid to the Bursar.
First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program (FTCAP) Web site
Global Connections is a community non-profit organization, affiliated with the Pennsylvania State University and the Centre County United Way, with a long-standing tradition of promoting international cultural exchange in Centre County. Global Connections works with:
- International students and scholars, and their families at Penn State University
- The employees of international companies in Centre County, and
- Recent immigrants
Local Bus Schedule:
Centre Area Transit Authority (CATA): Find out information about Loop & Link routes (on-campus) and Centre Line routes (off-campus). Also, watch informational videos about riding the bus.

Arrival Dates:

40. When should I arrive for Spring semester?

All international students should arrive by January 3 and stay for the entire duration of the orientation activities.

A full schedule of Orientation events will be made available on our website by December 15. Please check here on that date: http://www.global.psu.edu/international_students/orientation.cfm.

41. What if I need to arrive before January 3?

If you are traveling with a visa eligibility document from Penn State, please note that you may enter the U.S. a maximum of 30 days before the start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019.

Students who plan to arrive before January 3, and plan to stay at Days Inn should contact Days Inn directly to make an arrangement.

Please note that UOGP pick-up service from the airport or bus station is not available until January 3, so you will have to arrange for your own transportation. See the section "How do I get from the airport/bus station to Orientation Headquarters at Days Inn Hotel?" for more information.

REMEMBER to go to Orientation Headquarters at Days Inn on January 3 to receive your Orientation materials (the schedule of events, etc.). At this time, you will also have to make an appointment for document check-in with the University Office of Global Programs. Orientation Leaders and other volunteers will be at Days Inn from January 3 to January 8, and they are a good source of information for you during the entire International Student Orientation.

42. What if I need to arrive after January 3 but before January 8?

Students who arrive between January 4 to January 8 should report to the Orientation Headquarters in Days Inn State College to pick up an orientation schedule and schedule make-up document check-in. Please note, students who arrive to Orientation late will miss valuable information sessions, so it is strongly encouraged to arrive on time.

43. What if I need to arrive after January 8?

Students who arrive after January 8 must report to UOGP in 410 Boucke as soon as possible. You will have to schedule your make-up orientation. Graduate students should also contact their departments to inform them as well. Please note that UOGP office is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

No student should arrive after January 10 without conferring with International Student Advising at international@ip.psu.edu.

Medical/Immunizations:

44. How can I take care of my immunization requirements?

University Health Services (UHS) realizes international students who are currently registered at Penn State University Park or who are planning to attend Penn State have unique health care needs. They provide the following information to help make your adjustment to Penn State easier. For more information, please visit the University Health Services Web site.

Immunization Requirements

Students with questions regarding the immunization requirement (except for Housing's meningococcal requirement) should send an e-mail to: uhsimmcomp@sa.psu.edu.

Students with questions regarding the meningococcal requirement should send an e-mail to: assignmentoffice@psu.edu.

45. Can I use my own health insurance from my home country?

Penn State's Student Health Insurance office is responsible for administering the health insurance plans for Penn State students. Please see the following Web sites below for specific information on all insurance plans, including eligibility, enrollment dates and commonly asked questions. Or for an overview, you may also view our Student Health Insurance Brochure online.

The Graduate Assistant & Graduate Fellow Health Insurance, which is available as a benefit to Graduate Assistants and Graduate Fellow.
The Penn State Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, which is available to undergraduate and graduate students:
- who have no health insurance coverage;
- who need supplemental insurance because their current plan does not provide; adequate coverage while they are at Penn State.
- who are international students and must comply with Penn State's Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement
The Hershey Medical Students Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, which is available to medical students at the Penn State College of Medicine
The Penn State Education Abroad Insurance Plan, which is designed especially for the participants in the Penn State University approved Education Abroad Programs.

Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement for International Students
Student Health Insurance
Area Health Resources for International Students and Their Families
Cross Cultural Health Program
Translated Health Information
Complete List of Services/How to Access Them
Health Problems/Issues

To talk with someone at the Student Health Insurance office at: studentinsurance@sa.psu.edu or call (814) 865-7467.

Miscellaneous:

46. What is FTCAP?

FTCAP is the First-Year Testing, Consulting, and Advising Program. All first-year undergraduate students are required to take part in FTCAP.

The following activities must be completed before you arrive for your first semester at Penn State:

Educational Planning Survey (30-45 minutes, online testing)
Placement tests in English, mathematics, and chemistry (three hour online testing to be completed in one sitting)
Academic advising and course registration for international students will take place August 16

The Online Educational Planning Survey and Placement Tests must be completed no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10.

An on-campus FTCAP advising session for first-year international students is scheduled for Monday, August 16 in 101 Thomas Building. Students should obtain a Penn State id+ Card and computer access account prior to attending the FTCAP session (this will be done after you arrive on campus).

This session will help you identify what you want to gain from your Penn State experience, especially from your studies. It provides an overview of academics at Penn State—majors and academic colleges, academic advising, and tools to help you choose courses and register. You will receive a copy of the Summary of Academic Performance, which includes your results on the English, mathematics, and chemistry placement tests. FTCAP placement test results are necessary for course scheduling and academic advising.

FTCAP Advising Homework should be completed prior to this meeting, as they will be used during this session.

Please note: The FTCAP session takes precedence over all other scheduled events.

For additional information, contact the FTCAP office at (814)865-2578 or ftcap@psu.edu.

47. What is AEOCPT?

AEOCPT stands for American English Oral Communicative Proficiency Testing and is required for prospective international teaching assistants.

Specific information can be found by visiting the AEOCPT Web site.

48. Can I ship personal belongings to your office before or after I arrive?

Unfortunately, our office does not have the space or the security to provide this service and we cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items, so please do not send any materials to our office for storage either before or after you arrive.

If you will be living in on-campus housing and need to store your belongings prior to moving into your residence hall, please call your area Housing Office (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) where you will be living to make an appointment. Limited storage is available. Storage space with them is secure but is offered at your own risk. Electronic equipment such as computers, stereos, and televisions cannot be held in general storage areas or in your room prior to arrival.

Some additional storage options, which would all be off-campus and require a vehicle to transport, can be found here: Self Storage Units in State College.

49. When can I get my Penn State Access and Email Accounts?

A Penn State Access Account is a user ID and password that enables Penn State students, faculty, and staff to use the full range of Internet services on or off campus, at computer labs or on personal computers.

You will be able to set up your access account after you have arrived on campus and obtained a Penn State Photo ID Card. More instructions will be given to you in your Orientation booklet upon arrival.

Until then, you may obtain a temporary Friends of Penn State account to access some of the features on the Penn State Web site. FPS instructions.

Current Students

I-20 Extensions:

50. How do I apply for an extension of my I-20?

Because of the required paperwork, students who need to apply for extension of stay should begin the application process no later than 30 days before the completion date on the I-20. Students should request a program extension by following these steps:

Go to the Request for Program Extension form.
You will be required to upload a new financial guarantee.
After your request is submitted, it will be sent to your academic adviser for approval. If your adcademic adviser approves your request, an international student adviser will review the request and extend your I-20.
*Program Extensions not done in a timely manner, like before the expiration date, will require a reinstatement.

51. When should I apply for an extension?

You should apply one to four months in advance. In general, the earliest DISA will process an extension is in the semester the I-20 will expire. For example, if your I-20 expires in May, DISA will begin to process extensions in January of that semester. Most importantly, the extension must be processed before the I-20 expires.

OPT/CPT:

52. How do I apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

The OPT application is essentially a two-step process.

Step 1: The Application for Recommendation from International Student Adviser

Once the application is made, it is impossible to cancel the application for practical training, so the student should be sure of the decision to apply. The student should apply to the International Student Adviser (ISA) with

Request for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
This request must be approved by your academic adviser before being considered by DISA.
If you have a secondary major, you must also obtain a letter from the academic adviser for your secondary major that confirms the semester and year you will complete that program.

DISA generally requires one week for processing optional practical training applications. Your OPT recommendation will be on a new SEVIS I-20, which you can collect at the receptionist at DISA.

Step 2: Application for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Based on Optional Practical Training

You cannot begin work until you have the EAD card. You must apply for the EAD at the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction over your place of residence. DISA cannot speed the process or intervene on your behalf, so please make your application in a timely manner.

Required Documentation for EAD for Optional Practical Training

Check or money order for $380 made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Completed I-765 (original) or from DISA
Completed G-1145
ER-750 -- Statement stating that all copies are true copies of the original documents with your signature and date. Obtain from DISA in person or on-line.
A photocopy of Form I-94 Departure Record (front and back of the white card usually stapled in the passport).
Two passport photos taken within the past 30 days put into an envelope (do not staple photos). See U.S. Department of State photograph requirements. You should have the photos taken by a professional photographer.
Photocopy of SEVIS I-20 (all pages) with the International Student Adviser's recommendation on the back. It is wise to include copies of all I-20s (all pages) since entering the U.S. because sometimes USCIS will request copies and delay issuing the EAD.
Photocopy of any previously-issued EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
Photocopy of biographical page(s) of passport
Photocopy of most recent visa

53. When should I apply for OPT?

The earliest you can file for post-completion Optional Practical Training is 90 days before your completion date while the latest the application can be applied for and received by USCIS is 60 days after your completion date. Applying for OPT is complicated and students should attend one of the OPT workshops and then consult with an international student adviser.

54. What should the letter from the academic adviser state?

The letter must be on University letterhead and must have your name, degree, major, date you are completing your program of study, and date of your comprehensive exam if you are a Ph.D. student. The letter should be signed by your academic adviser.

55. How long does the OPT process take?

Step 1 in DISA can take one week. Step 2 with USCIS can take 90 days.

56. Can I travel out of the U.S. after applying for OPT?

Travel on OPT

While you remain a student and before the expiration date on page 1 of the I-20, you may travel and return before the expiration date with a current re-entry signature by someone in DISA.
If your return to the U.S. is after the expiration date on the front of the I-20 and while the OPT is pending, you may return to the U.S. as long as the OPT is still pending and you have a current re-entry signature. It is OK to return to look for a job.
If your return to the U.S. is after the expiration date on the front of the I-20 and the OPT has been adjudicated (processed) by USCIS, you may return to the U.S. as long as you have a current re-entry signature, valid EAD, and a job offer letter.

57. What documents do I need to carry if I travel while on OPT?

You need to carry your original I-20 with the DISA OPT recommendation, the EAD card, and letter of employment. It would be helpful to also have all of your previous I-20s with you as well as a transcript showing your coursework and graduation.

58. For what course should I register for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) credit?

The F regulations require that you register for a course that involves the internship, so just any random credit will not meet the requirements.

59. Will CPT affect my future OPT?

As long as you use less than one year of full-time CPT, there is no effect on OPT. However, if you use 12 months of full-time CPT, you will lose all OPT for that degree level.

Travel Out of the U.S.:

60. How do I get a travel signature on my I-20 or DS-2019 if I am not at the University Park campus?

Mail your I-20 to:
International Student Adviser
Directorate of International Student Advising
410 Boucke Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802

Your I-20 will be returned to you or to the DISA contact at your campus location via express mail.

61. What documents are needed for an F-1 who travels out of the U.S. or a J-1 who travels out of the U.S.?

Before leaving the United States, you should make sure you have the following documents to re-enter the United States to continue your studies:

valid passport
valid U.S. visa
valid form I-20 with signature for re-entry (signature should be within 6 months of re-entry date)
all previous I-20s
current proof of financial support
transcript (not required but recommended)
proof of current enrollment, or if travel is between semesters, proof of registration for the next semester (not required but recommended)

62. Do I need a new visa if I am traveling to another country (not the U.S. and not my home country)?

Maybe. DISA does not have information on who needs visas or not in other countries. We have links to the Canadian and Mexican consular sites since there is a lot of travel to those countries. These change too frequently for us to keep up to date. You should look at that country's embassy Web site in Washington, DC and look under visas or consulate information. If you have trouble, see an international student adviser.

Leave of Absence:

63. How do I get a new I-20 to return to Penn State to complete my undergraduate degree after a leave of absence?

If you had applied for an official leave of absence to return in a future semester, email DISA-Adviser@ip.psu.edu about 4 to 5 months in advance to inform the adviser that you are on a leave of absence and wish to return. You must return on the date for the approved leave of absence; otherwise, you need to apply for re-enrollment (see below). You will need to provide a new financial guarantee and provide an address where the new I-20 should be mailed. If the adviser determines you are on an official leave of absence, the new I-20 will be issued assuming the financial guarantee meets the requirements. Fill out a Request for I-20 or DS-2019 (Returning Students):

If you did not apply for an official leave of absence before leaving, you must apply for "re-enrollment" through the Registrar's office using the Re-Enrollment Form (note that there is a $20 fee). Once approved, you need to email DISA-Adviser@ip.psu.edu to inform the advisers that you have been approved for re-enrollment and need a new I-20. You will need to send a new financial guarantee and provide an address where the new I-20 should be mailed.

If you are not approved for re-enrollment, DISA cannot issue you an I-20 to enter the U.S.

64. How do I get a new I-20 to return to Penn State to complete my graduate degree after a leave of absence?

There is no official leave of absence at the graduate level. If you have not enrolled for one semester or more, you must apply for resume study through Graduate Enrollment Services.

Family and Friends:

65. How do I invite my family and friends to visit?

If you want to invite your parents, siblings or other friends and relatives (not your spouse or children), you need to provide them with the following so they can apply for a visitor visa:

Letter of invitation (in your language and in English). The letter should include the relationship to you, the purpose of the visit, the time period of the visit, where they will stay and eat, and any other pertinent information;
Evidence that you can support them during the visit if you are providing for the room and board (i.e., bank statement or assistantship information);
Evidence that you are a full-time student by requesting enrollment verification from the Registrar’s Office;
Copy of your I-20 and DS-2019.

They will need to provide evidence that they intend to return to their home country.