Admitted International Students - What's Next?

Now that you have been accepted to Kutztown University, you can follow the next steps to become a Golden Bear.

• STEP 1: Pay the Deposit (Undergraduate) OR Confirm Your Enrollment (Graduate)

  Undergraduate Students:

  Pay your non-refundable $300 Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) as soon as possible to confirm your enrollment. This deposit is required to issue immigration documents, the I-20 form or DS-2019 form. You can pay the ARD online using the following options:

  1) Pay with the currency of your home country using Flywire.
  2) Pay with U.S. dollars using a credit card through your applicant portal. Refer to the instructions in your acceptance letter.

  Questions about paying the ARD should be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at +1 610-683-4133 or studentaccounts@kutztown.edu.

  Graduate Students:

  To accept your offer of admission, return to the applicant portal. You will see your offer listed in the upper-right corner. Use the pull-down option to submit your decision.

• STEP 2: Submit Information for I-20 or DS-2019

  Once international students submit their deposit (undergraduate) or confirm their enrollment (graduate) they can submit the documents needed to request an I-20 form or DS-2019 form. 

  Complete and email the following items to International@kutztown.edu. 

  1. Sources of Funds Form (Automatically sent to the office)
  2. Sponsor Verification Form
  3. A copy of your passport information page
  4. Financial supporting documents: See acceptable financial documents listed below. 

  Acceptable Financial Support Documents:

  Bank Statement(s) or Letter(s): Bank statements, investment account statements, balance certificates issued by a financial institution, and letters from financial institutions confirming the availability of funds.

  • All statements/letters must be in English and account holder name Romanized (English alphabet). Unofficial translations are acceptable.
  • All statements/letters must be dated within the past 12 months at the time of submission.
  • All bank statements or letters must include the following:
    • Bank letterhead or name of bank
    • Name of account holder
    • Date
    • Account balance
    • Type of currency
    • Type of account (Ex. Savings, checking, investment)
  • Bank accounts must be for liquid (cash) assets (Example: Cash, Savings, CD with maturity date on or before start of enrollment at Kutztown University).
  • If there are cash funds included in an investment account the statement must clearly indicate how much is in liquid (cash) assets and state that you can access them as needed. 

  Loan and Scholarship Certificate(s) or Letter(s):

  • Must be on student aid or bank letterhead. 
  • Must indicate student name and the amount of the approved loan or scholarship. 
  • Conditional loan approvals may be accepted if the condition is the receipt of the I-20/DS-2019.
  • Loans applications are NOT accepted as proof of funding.
  • Date of loan issuance should be included. 

  Financial Sponsorship Letter:

  • Must be on official letterhead.
  • Must include the name of applicant.
  • Must include the amount of money available for each year of study.
  • The duration of funding (start and end dates).
  • Any requirements or conditions of funding:
    • Example: Degree and major field of study for which the funds are available.
    • Example: Funds are permitted to cover tuition, fees, living expenses, books and supplies, etc. 

  Not Acceptable as Proof of Cash Availability:

  • Investment accounts (Example: Stocks, bonds, real estate) without proof of liquid (cash) assets. 
  • Statements about property, jewelry, cars, pr other forms of non-liquid (cash) assets.
  • Retirement accounts/Pension funds.
  • Documents older than 6 months.
  • Insurance policies. 
  • Tax return forms or documents. 
  • Payroll reports or expected income statements.
• STEP 3: Pay SEVIS Fee or Request SEVIS Record Transfer

  Some countries may or may not be required to pay the visa issuance fee. Please refer to the information on the U.S. Department of State website to determine whether you are required to pay the visa issuance fee.

  • Citizens of Canada: No visa or visa application is required of Canadian citizens. Pay the SEVIS fee and keep the receipt. Present the SEVIS I-901 Payment Confirmation at a U.S. Port of Entry.

  SEVIS I-901 Fee:

  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges a fee of $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 (Exchange students) to use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Before you apply for your student visa to gain entry into the United States, you must pay the SEVIS fee (Form I-901). This fee may be paid by the student or another person (friend or family). The SEVIS fee must be paid in U.S. dollars using one of the approved methods.
  
  You will need the Kutztown University I-20 or DS-2019 to pay the SEVIS fee. Review your I-20 or DS-2019 for accuracy, including your name, program of study, and program begin and end dates. Notify us immediately if there are errors on your form.

  The school code for Kutztown University is PHI214F00311000 for F-1 students.
  The program code for Kutztown University is P-1-05456 for J-1 students.

  OPTION 1: Online (Digital Form)

  1. Complete and submit the Form I-901, which you will find online at www.fmjfee.com. 
  2. Pay the fee using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
  3. Print the payment confirmation and keep it with the documents that you will take to your visa interview.

  OPTION 2: By Mail (Paper Form)

  Citizens of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria must complete the paper I-901 Form and pay with a Western Union money transfer, cashier’s check, or money order.

  1. Print and complete the Form I-901, which you can get online. 
  2. Send the Form I-901 with your check or money order to the address listed in the instructions.
  3. Print confirmation of payment from www.fmjfee.com.

  Contact the I-901 Helpline for assistance: +1 703-603-3400.
  
  I-901 RECEIPT: Keep the printed I-901 Payment Confirmation of Payment. You will need it later for proof of payment of the SEVIS fee. All receipts must be confirmed AT LEAST three (3) U.S. government working days before your visa application interview.

  SEVIS Transfer Requests

  Students already in the U.S. on a student visa should speak with their current immigration officer for the steps required to transfer your SEVIS record to Kutztown University. You will have to provide a copy of your Kutztown University admissions letter, as well as our school or program code (listed above). 

  Your current DSO can reach out to International@kutztown.edu with any questions or requests. 

• STEP 4: Schedule Visa Appointment and Prepare for the Visa Interview (F & J Visa)

  Student Visa Application Procedures

  Step 1: Complete Form DS-160. You can apply for a visa 3 days after you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  Step 2: Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the F-1 or J-1 student visa. You can look up your local embassy or consulate online. Visit state.gov for more information on applying for a visa. It is important to apply for your student visa as far in advance as possible since there may be a waiting period for an interview appointment. You cannot apply for your visa more than 120 days before the program start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019 and you cannot travel to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date. Wait times for visa appointments can differ. The Travel.State.Gov website allows you to check wait times for your local embassy or consulate online. 
  Step 3: Notify international@kutztown.edu with your visa appointment date.

  What to Bring to the Visa Interview

  1. A passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. Be sure there are at least three empty pages in your passport. If needed, request additional pages prior to your visa interview.
  2. I-20 Form (sign the form under Item 11) or DS-2019 Form (sign the form at the bottom of page 1)
  3. KU acceptance letter. 
  4. DS-160 Form Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page.
  5. Receipt for the DS-160 Form Nonimmigrant Visa Application fee payment.
  6. Photo – you must bring one printed photo if your photo upload fails; photo requirements are listed online at travel.state.gov.
  7. I-901 Payment Confirmation of the SEVIS fee.
  8. Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study in the U.S. (Example: Bank statements)
  9. Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof of property, list of family members and photos, or other ties to your community.

  Other Helpful Resources

  • Travel.State.Gov: Student Visa Process
  • NAFSA: 10 Points to Remember When Applying for Your Student Visa
  • InternationalStudent.com: F-1 Student Visa

  Visa Interview Tips and Practice Questions:

  Remember to remain calm and answer all the Visa Officer’s questions openly and honestly. The visa officer is trying to determine 3 things: 

  1. What will you do in the U.S.? 
  2. Can you afford to live in the U.S.? 
  3. Will you return to your home country upon completion of your program(s)?

  BE COMFORTABLE - Get a good night of sleep.
  BE CONFIDENT - Smile and give eye-contact.
  DO NOT LIE - The officer is trying to determine if you are telling the truth in your answers.
  DO NOT MEMORIZE ANSWERS - The officer will see this as a sign that you are trying to lie.
  DO NOT ASSUME - If you can’t understand the visa officer it is better to ask them, “Can you repeat that?” or say, “Sorry, I don’t understand the question.”

  SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

  • What is your U.S. school?
  • Where is your U.S. school located?
  • Why did you choose to study at this university?
  • What is your major in your U.S. university?
  • How long are you studying in the U.S.?
  • Do you really need to study in the U.S.?
  • Who will pay for your studies?
  • What will you do to improve your English?
  • What grade are you in? (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
  • Why do you study " Name of Major"?
  • What are you going to do after your finish your study in the U.S.?
  • Do you work hard?
  • How many hours do you study in a day?
  • Can I see your transcripts?
  • Do you have any family in the U.S.? - What do they do?
  • Have you been to the US before? - What did you do? Where did you go?
  • Where do you want to visit in the U.S.?
  • What are your hobbies? What is your favorite movie? Music?
  • What is your mother’s / father's name?
  • How much is your parents’ salary?
  • What does your father / mother do?
  • Do your parents support your study in the U.S.? 
  • How many houses do your parents have? - Where are they located?
• STEP 5: Login to your Student Portal and Check your KU Email

  All admitted students are assigned a student portal. Instructions on how to log in are sent via email. Be sure to check this portal regularly for updates on your next steps!

  Your KU student email account will be created 24 hours after KU receives your Advanced Registration Deposit (undergraduate) or confirm your enrollment (graduate). It is the only email that the campus offices will use to communicate with you about housing, billing, and other important information. Access your student email account by clicking the gold/yellow K YOU button and then clicking the Email icon. Your login will be the user ID and password you received by email. 
  
  If you have any difficulty signing into your email account, contact Information Technology at +1 610-683-1511 or helpcenter@kutztown.edu.

• STEP 6: Complete Housing Process

  All first-time undergraduate students are required to live in the residence halls for the first two years of study or until they earn 60 credits. Incoming international students with fewer than 30 credits will live in a traditional residence hall. Students with more than 30 credits may live in the suites or apartments on campus.

  Newly admitted transfer undergraduate students can be released from the residency requirement if they have 48+ earned transfer credits, they have completed 4 full semesters at any other post-secondary institution, or if they have obtained an Associate Degree. On Campus Housing exceptions is available on the Housing website.

  Graduate students may choose to live on or off campus.

  Housing Application / Room Selection Process

  1. Complete Advanced Registration Deposit (undergraduate) or confirm your enrollment (graduate) to Kutztown University. 
  2. Completion of My College Roomie profile. (Opens April 1 for the following year).
  3. Complete Special Interest Housing application, if desired. 
  4. Roommate matching with roommate pair in My College Roomie software. 
  5. Room selection with matched roommate pair in your MyKUHousing account. 

  Important Information:

  On-campus housing contracts are for one academic year (Fall and Spring terms). Only Exchange students are permitted to have single semester housing contract. Students admitted for a Spring term will have a single semester housing contract.

  Check your KU email account for instructions about how to complete the My College Roomie Profile, which will be used to help match you with a roommate prior to your arrival to campus. Housing assignments will be made before the start of the semester.
  
  Questions about housing and residence life should be directed to the Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services Office: +1 610-683-4027, housing@kutztown.edu.

• STEP 7: Purchase and Submit Proof of Health Insurance

  All international students at Kutztown University are required to carry adequate health insurance during all periods of time the student is authorized to be in the U.S. by an immigration document issued by the University. Healthcare is expensive in the U.S., and international students are responsible for any costs associated with their physical or mental health. Note that most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical benefits like prescriptions, dental, and vision. 

  Health insurance policies must be purchased through a company that sells insurance in the U.S.. The minimum insurance requirements set forth by the Department of State are as follows:

  • 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
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

  Important Insurance Terms:

  • Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay.
  • Copay: A copayment or copay is a fixed amount for a covered service, paid by a patient to the provider of service before receiving the service.
  • In-Network vs Out-of-Network: A provider network is a list of the doctors, health care providers, and hospitals that an insurance plan contracts with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that isn't contracted with the plan is called an “out-of-network provider.”

  International Student Health Insurance Plans

  Compare the plans from the providers below, to select the best one that fits your needs:

  • ISO Insurance 
  • International Student Insurance
  • International Student Insurance for Athletes

  Athletic Coverage

  International student athletes and students participating in intramural, elite, or club sports must have an insurance policy that covers athletics. Athletic coverage is not included in all insurance plans and not all sports are covered under all plans, so be sure to choose a plan with the appropriate level of coverage for your particular sport.  NCAA athletes should check with the athletics department to be sure they have sufficient coverage.

• STEP 8: Submit Required Health Forms

  You will need to provide completed health forms and proof of certain immunizations and health tests prior to your arrival at KU. Watch for an email with information about completing the Health and Wellness Center's requirements. These requirements should be completed and submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to your arrival.

  To complete your forms:

  1. Visit MyHealth Link
  2. Log in using your KU user name, password, and date of birth (your user name is the first part of the KU email address. For example, for the email address TSmith123@live.kutztown.edu, the user name is (TSmith123)
  3. Click on FORMS on the left side of the page

   Forms to be completed include:

  1. Consent for Treatment
  2. Health History
  3. Immunizations
     • Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) taken within the last 10 years.
     • 2 x MMR vaccines (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Proof of immunity by blood test for MMR is acceptable.
     • Students who are missing any of the required vaccines will have to obtain them at their own expense through Clinical Services on campus. 
  4. Health Insurance
  5. Notice of Privacy Practices (FERPA)
  6. Options for Meningitis Compliance - (Click here to view the waiver form.)
  7. TB Screening Questionnaire (Your Health Care Provider should complete this form, if applicable.)

  Submit copies of the screensing questionnaire and immunization records to medicalrecords@kutztown.edu, while the rest of the forms must be completed online. 

  For questions about the health forms, please contact Health and Wellness Services at +1 610-683-4082, Option 2, or email health@kutztown.edu.

• STEP 9: Find Your Academic Advisor and Class Registration

  First Time Undergraduate Students

  An academic schedule will be created for you prior to the start of the semester.  An Academic Advisor will be assigned by the first week of classes. You will receive a copy of your schedule at Orientation and then it can be viewed through MyKU.

  Transfer Undergraduate Students

  An academic schedule will be created for you prior to the start of the semester based on the academic transcripts and the course-by-course evaluation you provided. It may take some time for all of your transfer credit to be processed. You will receive a copy of your schedule at Orientation and then it can be viewed through MyKU. If you think there is an error in your course schedule based on courses you have previously taken, you can reach out to The Center for Academic Success and Academic Excellence at success@kutztown.edu. An Academic Advisor will be assigned by the first week of classes. 

  Graduate Students

  Shortly after accepting your offer of admission, you will receive an email with your advisor’s name and contact information. This information can also be found on MyKU at the start of your first semester. Please contact your advisor to discuss your curriculum prior to registering for classes.

  Once you communicate with your advisor, registration for classes is completed through MyKU. Your network ID and password will allow you to enter the site. Please keep in mind that login information is case sensitive. Once in MyKU, make sure you are on the "KU Student Homepage" and select the enrollment tile.

• STEP 10: Take Placement Assessments or Submit Final Test Scores (Undergraduate Only)

  Taking the Aleks Math Placement Assessment is mandatory for all new students. This will
  guarantee proper placement in a math course if your major requires it. Visit Aleks Math Placement Assessment.

  Taking the CAPE Language Placement Assessment is optional. Before enrolling in a French, German or Spanish course, unless you have no prior experience in the language, you should complete this diagnostic tool to evaluate your language skill level. This assessment will indicate the recommended level of the language you choose to study. If you place into and take a course at a level beyond 101 and pass with a C or better, you will get free credits (up to 9) for the previous levels. The placement diagnostic typically takes less than 20 minutes depending on your level of fluency. Visit Language Placement Assessment. 

  Submit Advanced Placement, IB, CLEP, AS and A Level Scores to RegOffice@kutztown.edu. Timely submission will assure you are placed in the appropriate classes.

• STEP 11: Confirm Your Arrival Travel Plans

  As soon as you receive your visa and confirm your travel plans, complete the International Student Arrival Form. 

  For those traveling to Kutztown University on their own, you can follow these directions and travel tips. 

• STEP 12: Pay Your Kutztown University Bill

  Questions about paying your bill should be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at +1 610-683-4133 or studentaccounts@kutztown.edu.

  Fall Term	Spring Term
  Invoices typically sent via email in mid-July.  Payments are due around August 1 (unless you sign up for a payment plan)	Invoices typically sent via email in mid-December Payments are due around January 1 (unless you sign up for a payment plan)

  Notes:
  

  • You will receive an invoice after you receive a course schedule.
  • You can pay your KU bill using the currency of your home country through Flywire. 
  • You can view your invoice and pay by credit card or an electronic check from a U.S. bank in your MyKU student portal. 
  • You can pay by cash or U.S. bank check in person at the Office of Student Accounts. 
  • Late payments incur fines, students may be dropped from their classes, and/or holds will be placed on their accounts. 
• STEP 13: Submit Final High School or University Transcripts

  Students who were still enrolled when they applied to Kutztown University need to work with their school to provide their final secondary school or university transcripts to KU.  Final secondary school transcripts must include the date of completion/graduation.  Final university transcripts must include grades from the last term you took classes at the institution. Transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed.  

  Digital Copy:

  • Transcripts from international institutions can be provided to Kutztown University directly to international@kutztown.edu by officials associated with the institution originating the transcripts.  
  • Transcripts from domestic U.S. institutions can be sent to Kutztown via Parchment – regardless of degree.
  • Transcripts provided directly to Kutztown from a NACES or AICE evaluation company are considered official. 

  Physical Copy

  • Only physical copies that are in a sealed envelope provided by the institution, with the seal unbroken, are considered official. 

  Note: All materials in your native language must be accompanied by an English translation. Translations can be obtained from a NACES or AICE evaluation company or an ATA Certified Translator.  

• TIP: What to Bring to Campus

  Review items you should bring to campus, plan to purchase when you arrive, and things you should leave at home.

  You may travel a great distance to get to KU and the U.S. and you might not want to travel with everything. KU residence halls have a bed, desk, chair, and closet for every student. You must bring or purchase school supplies and any other items you want for your residence hall room.

  Items to bring from home

  Travel Documents: Passport, Visa, I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS I-901 Fee Confirmation of Payment, Financial Documents, KU Acceptance Letter

  Official Health Records: Official documentation of vaccines with a physician’s signature, proof of health insurance

  Laptop: If you have your own laptop, you can bring it and use it on campus. There is wired internet access in the residence hall rooms and wireless access in the lounges and campus buildings. You are not required to bring your own computer; there are many computer labs with printers on campus for you to use and some are available 24 hours a day. Students can also tmporarily check out laptops from the campus Library. 

  Outlet and Plug Converter: Purchase an electrical outlet and plug converter for the U.S. from your home country to use with any electric device you bring. The U.S. operates on 120 V and has type A and type B electrical plugs.

  Credit Card and U.S. Currency: Plan to have multiple ways to access your money. Bring a credit card in case you have to quickly pay any fees at the Port of Entry or encounter other unexpected expenses. We also recommend that you travel with at least $100 of U.S. currency to use in places where credit cards are not accepted. Upon arrival, you can open a U.S. bank account to make local banking more easy and save money on credit card transaction fees. 

  Medical and Personal Items: Review these medication tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Read more here about medication allowances) Bring your glasses, and/or contact lenses. Medication you would take to relieve pain or a minor cold or illness is over-the-counter in the U.S., meaning you do not need a prescription. You can find these common medications in Pharmacies and some grocery stores.

  International Driver’s License: If you plan to drive a car while in the U.S., you could get an international driver’s license in your home country prior to travelling to KU. International driver’s licenses are valid for one year. You may apply for a Pennsylvania State Driver’s License after you arrive if you will study at KU for at least one year.

  You will be responsible for traveling with the proper documents and should consider bringing a few other items from home. Visit the Housing & Residence Life Office website to find additional information on what to bring to campus, as well as a list of prohibited items.