International Student Welcome (2024)

Welcome, 欢迎, वेलकम, 환영합니다, 歡迎, Selamat Datang, خوش آمدید , வரவேற்கிறேன், Bienvenidos, Bienvenue, خوش آمدید, Susvaagatham, ようこそ, Akwaaba, Willkommen, ברוכים הבאים, Benvenuto, Тавтай морилно уу, Nwao, добро пожаловать, Bienvenidos, ยินดีต้อนรับ, Hoşgeldiniz, Вітаємо, Chào mừng bạn, خوش آمديد, Karibu'

Step 1: International Student Welcome and Orientation

All new, new-to-campus, and transfer international undergraduate and graduate students should plan to attend the New International Student Welcome. In-person welcome sessions will include resources, important Harrisburg campus information, campus tours, and document check-in. Shopping trips and social programs will be available.

Step 2: Travel to the United States

Travel Plans

Schedule a visa application appointment from a consulate office in your country.
Follow the pre-arrivalvisa application stepsto get your visa.
For more information on F-1 Visas (student visa) see theU.S. Department of State Visa website.
Keep your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, money, and other valuables with you at all times. You must be able to access your documents at the port of entry.
Familiarize yourself with the US arrival process.

Step 3: Travel to Penn State Harrisburg campus

Have a local U.S. phone number with you for a friend, family member, or Penn State Harrisburg campus that you can call in case of emergency.If you are in a crisis/emergency immigration situation and trying to get into the US, you are in secondary inspection over an issue with your visa or I-20, ask the immigration/CBP official if you can call your Immigration Adviser at Penn State.Call 717-948-6232 (24/7) and they will have instructions on how to reach the right person.
You must have all your immigration documents (and Penn State information) with you to go through the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection at port of entry.
If your airline loses your luggage, complete a lost luggage report (see customer service from the airline you travelled) at your final destination. Provide your local apartment (U.S. address) or Penn State Harrisburg, Office of Student Engagement, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, SEC Building, Middletown, PA 17057 where your luggage will be delivered.
Settle into your housing, based on what you arranged. (See Step 5).
Make sure to purchase your tickets and arrange your travel so you will arrive in the area by the start of the orientation.
Check our page onhow to get to Penn State Harrisburg.

Step 4: Mandatory Immigration Document Check-In

The US Government requires that each student on an F1 or J1 visa complete this process. You can begin your online document check-in prior to traveling to the United States.
Log into iStart, to view Mandatory Document Check-In E-forms.
Complete the on-line requirements for "Mandatory Immigration Check-In."
- Training form
- Uploading your documents (Passport, visa, your I-20 issued by PSU with YOUR signature at the bottom of page 1)
- Update your permanent address (your home address is outside of the U.S.) and update your Local U.S. address (where you sleep while attending school) in the U.S.
After your arrival in the U.S., go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection siteto retrieve your most recent travel document (I-94 form). Save the form as a PDF document before uploading to iStart.
Email [emailprotected] if you have questions regarding Mandatory Document Check –In

Step 5: Arrange for housing

Look for permanenthousing optionsfor the school year and make arrangements early.
Do not sign multiple housing agreements! A housing agreement is a financially binding contract between your and the owner. Inform yourself aboutoff campus living options

Step 6: Fulfill mandatory health care requirements

Translate your medical records, immunization records, and prescription information into English and bring them with you.
Purchase the Penn State health insurance plan or complete a waiver by the established deadline. SeeRequirements for International Students.
Learn about theimmunizations(vaccination) you need and how to report them to Penn State.
Students will learn more about health insurance at International Student Welcome.

Step 7: Prepare for life at your new home

Find out more about the Middletown/Harrisburg PA area.
Check the Resources for Incoming Students page to find answers for adjusting to life at Penn State Harrisburg.
Check the Guide to American Culture and Etiquette page to find the insight and observation of Global Ambassadors of Penn State Harrisburg
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