International Accepted Students

Your Widener account is a gateway to communications with Widener. Your account will connect you with Widener happenings and grant you access to view your financial aid and complete the online housing application. You'll receive an email as soon as your financial package is ready to be viewed.

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Enrollment deposits can be submitted online, by phone (610-499-4161), or by mailing a check. Checks should be made payable to Widener University.

Please note that deposits are not required for exchange students.

Pay your deposit online

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 get started, please complete Widener University's Request an Immigration Document electronic form.

To complete the form, please have the following materials available:

• 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.

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.

On your appointment date, be sure to bring:

• DS-160 receipt
• Visa application fee receipt
• SEVIS (I-901) fee receipt
• Widener I-20 or DS-2019
• Passport
• Financial documentation/proof of finances
• Photos
• Widener Letter of Admission
• Academic records such as transcripts, TOEFL scores or other documents
• Any other document required by the embassy

During your appointment, the 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.

Want help preparing for your Visa interview?

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

View Visa Interview Tips

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.

Requirements

Widener University’s Health History and Pre-Matriculation Immunization/Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Policy requires all new incoming International students to provide Student Health Services with the following health and immunization/TB testing information:

1. Complete the Health History form found in required forms section on the Student Health Services Portal.
2. If under the age of 18 when starting Widener University, you must print the Minor Consent Form, found in required forms section on the Student Health Services Portal. Parent or legal guardian must sign form and upload the completed document in the Upload section on the Student Health Services Portal.
3. Upload your Tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements (IGRA blood work- Quantiferon Gold or T-spot) to the Upload section on the Student Health Services Portal.
4. Upload your complete Immunization Record and/or Titer results to Upload section on the Student Health Services Portal.

Access required health forms

These services can be provided at Student Health Services. To make an appointment and obtain pricing, please call Student Health Services at 610-499-1183.

In order to remain in good standing with the university, please comply with this process.

Prepare for all COVID-19 Campus Protocols

All students who will be living on campus or will be on campus during the fall semester will be required to have the COVID-19 vaccination. For more information about the vaccination requirement and other protocols, please check the Coronavirus Information page. 

Campus Health, Wellness, & Safety Resources

Moving to a new country and starting school in a foreign language can be stressful. In addition to your physical health, it is very important to take care of your mental health. Widener has a number of resources to help you, including a Counseling & Psychological Center on campus. For more information on taking care of your mental health, watch this video on Mental Health Awareness.

In addition to your physical and mental health, it is important to consider your safety. Widener University is a very safe campus and provides many services including Campus Safety Officers, safe rides, and a well-lit campus. For more information on safety, visit the Campus Safety website and watch this video on understanding and preventing Sexual Assault.

Learn more about Health & Wellness at Widener
View all Student Success & Support resources

Understanding the U.S. Healthcare System

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

ALL first-year undergraduate students except engineering* students must complete a mathematics assessment to receive their schedules for the semester. If you do not take the assessment, you will be placed in the lowest level math class, and your schedule will be built around this course. The math assessment must be completed approximately 1 to 2 months before you arrive on campus. You will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the test.

*Engineering students provided math test scores to obtain admission to Widener and will be placed based on those scores.

Learn more about the math assessment 

Undergraduate (Exchange Students)

Please send your transcripts and current semester course schedule to iss@widener.edu

Undergraduate (Full-Time Students)

• Send official transcripts
  • Send via email
    Please email your official transcript to the undergraduate admissions office at admissionsintl@widener.edu
  • Send via mail
    Printed copies of your official transcript can be mailed to:
    Widener University
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    One University Place
    Chester, PA 19013
• Forward college credit scores
  Did you complete AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes? Make sure you get credit by sending us your scores by August 1.
  Learn more about college credit scores

Graduate Students

• Send official transcripts
  • Send via email
    Please email your official transcript to the graduate admissions office at gel@widener.edu.
  • Send via mail
    Printed copies of your official transcript can be mailed to:
    Widener University
    Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning
    Kapelski, Suite 120
    One University Place
    Chester, PA 19013

Learn more about sending English proficiency scores

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.

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.

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.

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.

New students entering Widener University in the fall semester are required to attend the Pride Experience 1: Summer Registration program. To register for one of six available dates, please visit your Admissions Portal. 

Access Your Guide to Summer Registration

All new international students are required to attend our comprehensive orientation program to explore Widener University and the local community, learn about academic and immigration policies, and make new friends!

Chester, Main Campus Graduate & Undergraduate Orientation

International orientation is required for all new international students at the Chester, Main Campus. In addition, students are also expected to attend the undergraduate or graduate orientation, as relevant, with domestic students.

Early Arrivals/Move-In: For students living on the Chester Campus in on-campus housing, the residence halls will be available starting on Monday, August 21st from 9am-5pm OR 8-10pm. Please note that residence halls will not be open prior to August 21st. Students arriving before August 21st should make arrangements for hotel or other accommodations until the on-campus housing is available.

International Student Orientation: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Room F of the University Center. International Student Orientation is required for ALL new F-1 and J-1 international students at the Chester Campus, and includes attending the Pride Experience 2: August Orientation program. There are 2 optional orientation dates, August 26 & 27th. Please see the full schedule for more details.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING ORIENTATION

During International Student Orientation you will:

• Get your Campus1Card, which is your student ID
• Learn about resources for students and create your student email account, if you have not done so already
• Check in to your residence hall (on-campus students only)
• Meet your academic adviser, learn about academic policies, and receive your class schedule
• Learn about immigration regulations, the required health insurance, life at Widener, and life in the U.S.
• Have the opportunity to go shopping and open a bank account
• Meet new friends!
• And much, much more!

Delaware Law School

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.

Widener Law Commonwealth

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.