International Accepted Students

Ready to join Widener? Don't delay.

There are several time sensitive steps to becoming an international student. It's important to start the process as early as you can. Visa wait times differ country-to-country and may impact the process of matriculating to Widener.

Complete Your New Student Checklist

1. Activate your Widener account.

Your Widener account is a gateway to communications with Widener. Your account will connect you with Widener happenings and grant you access to your course schedule, tuition bill, online housing application, and much more.

2. Submit your admissions deposit.

Secure your spot as a Delaware Law School student by submitting your non-refundable admissions deposit. Enrollment deposits can be submitted online, by phone (302-477-2207), or by mailing a check. Checks should be made payable to Widener University.

3. Submit your Bank Statement (or Financial Guarantee) and apply for your immigration documentation (I-20 or DS-2019).

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.

The International Student Services office uses Terra Dotta https://wu-isss.terradotta.com/ to issue I-20 and DS 2019 forms. New admitted students will receive an invitation from Terra Dotta to complete their profile and to request their I-20 for F-1 students or DS 2019 for J-1 students. Once you receive an email to your Widener email account from Terra Dotta, you will use your Widener ID to log in. NOTE: Please do not attempt to create your Terra Dotta profile from your cell phone because you will not be able to access all of the fields from the small screen; a computer must be used.

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
  • eShip Global - express mail service information
• 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.

4. Pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a visa.

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.

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.

5. Apply for housing and prepare for your new residence.

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.

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 Delaware Law School and will be waiting for you when you arrive on 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 31^st for fall enrollment and December 1^st for spring enrollment.

Use the address below as the ship to address:
Campus Housing
Widener University Delaware Law School
4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19083

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.

6. Submit required health forms, review Widener’s health insurance policy, campus resources, and the U.S. healthcare system.

As a Widener University Delaware Law School student, you are required to purchase the university health insurance policy. Your university account will be invoiced for the insurance fee schedule. Because you will be automatically enrolled in the university plan, it is not necessary to purchase health insurance prior to arriving in the United States.

Required Health Forms

You must complete the Health History Form and the Pre-Matriculation Certification of Immunizations Form before you begin your studies at Widener University. Please complete the forms thoroughly, including the tuberculosis (PPD) test administration and reading and all dates of immunizations. If you choose blood tests (titers) to document your immunization status, include a copy of each of the laboratory results.

The university prefers that immunizations be administered prior to your arrival in the United States. However, if you are unable to do that, Widener University requires immunizations be administered at the Student Health Services office within the first month of school. Note that Health Services charges a flat fee for any immunization.

Access required health forms

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.

7. Send official transcripts and standardized test scores.

Send official transcripts

• Send via email
  Please email your official transcript to the Graduate, International, Compliance and Legal Studies admissions office at delawarelawgicls@widener.edu
• Send via mail
  Printed copies of your official transcript can be mailed to:
  Widener University Delaware Law School
  GICLS Office
  Polishook Hall
  4601 Concord Pike
  Wilmington, DE 19803

Learn more about sending English proficiency scores

8. Make travel plans and review pre-arrival information.

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.

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.

9. Register for Classes

Students will be contacted by their advisors for registration.  Course schedules and textbook information can be found here.

10. Let us know when you are arriving on campus.

After receiving your Visa and making your travel arrangements, please let us know when you will be arriving on campus.  Complete this quick form to keep us updated.

11. Attend International Student Orientation

All new international students are required to attend our comprehensive orientation program to explore Delaware Law School, learn about academic and immigration policies, and make new friends!

Information regarding orientation can be found in your admissions packet. Please contact the GICLS office at DelawareLawGICLS@widener.edu for more information.