Pre Arrival
Pre Arrival Information for New International Students
Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Delaware! Our office is here to serve as your "home away from home" and we look forward to meeting you!
To officially accept your offer of admission to the University of Delaware and to attend, there are some important tasks that must be completed. After you have read the helpful information below, choose the appropriate button for a list of required steps to complete depending on your academic level.
Immigration Documents and SEVIS
Your Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors) is issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a U.S. government database used to maintain the immigration records of international students and scholars. The University of Delaware is required to maintain your SEVIS record while you are studying in the United States.Link
Before applying for your visa, you must pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee and retain proof of payment for your records, visa appointment, and travel to the United States. For current fee information, payment instructions, and additional details, please visit http://www.fmjfee.com/.
Keep a copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt with your immigration documents, as you may be asked to present it during the visa application process or when entering the United States.
Connect with Your Academic Advisor or Department
Undergraduate students will work with their academic advisor to select and register for courses. Graduate students should communicate directly with their academic department regarding course registration and academic expectations.
Be sure to set up and regularly monitor your University of Delaware email account, as important information about academics, immigration requirements, orientation, and arrival planning will be sent there.
If you have questions about academic advising or registration, contact your academic advisor or department as soon as possible.
If Your Plans Change
If you decide not to attend the University of Delaware or wish to defer your admission to a future semester, please notify us as soon as possible.
Graduate students should also contact The Graduate College, and undergraduate students should contact Undergraduate Admissions regarding changes to their enrollment plans.
Prepare for Your Journey
We have developed the Prepare to Become a Blue Hen and Life in the U.S. & at UD webpages and this Getting Ready to Arrive in the U.S. handout to help you prepare for your upcoming journey.
Get Advice from Current Students
Experienced UD students are ready to help you become a Blue Hen! If you're joining in the fall, you can sign up to get an iBuddy Mentor so you can have someone to answer your questions and share their tips for successfully navigating life in the U.S. and at UD. If you're joining at another time during the year, mentors are still available to answer your questions! Email ibuddymentor@udel.edu to get practical advice from a current student.
ISSS Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is provided as a service to international students, faculty, staff, employees, and administrators at the University of Delaware, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax, or other matter. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of official counsel. For assistance on your immigration status, we encourage you to contact an ISS advisor for specific guidance at oiss@udel.edu.