If your Visa is denied or pending please contact us at global@wou.edu. With the following information:

•  Your full name and WOU identification number (V00…..)
•  Status of your U.S. visa (denied, or pending)
•  Your plan on attending WOU (attending, deferring, or canceling admission)

If your Visa is approved, please follow these steps after obtaining your United States Visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Notify the Office of International Education & Development (OIED), and email us at global@wou.edu with the following information:

• Your full name and WOU identification number (V00…..)
• Your contact information upon arrival in the U.S. (phone and email) If you are a minor, please also provide the contact information of your parents or guardians.

Next Steps:

Housing Arrangements

• Information about housing arrangements.

Booking your flight

• Book your flight to (PDX) – Portland International Airport in Portland Oregon. Confirm and notify the OIED about your arrival by emailing global@wou.edu. (airline, flight number, date, and time of arrival)

Keep your passport, I-20, and Admission letter in your carry-on. Do not put it in your checked luggage.

Important Flight Booking Tips:

• Do not book your flight until your U.S. Visa is confirmed
• Check the flight calendar, admission packet materials, and program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019, and housing dates.
• Attendance at the New International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students.
• If you can’t find a flight before your I-20 or DS-2019 Program Start Date, contact the OIED for special permission to arrive late. Do not enter the U.S. late without permission, as it may jeopardize your immigration status.

Before traveling make sure to bring all these documents with you!

Print and carry the Emergency Contact information of the Office of International Education & Development. Keep your passport, I-20, and Admission letter in your carry-on; do not place them in checked luggage.

Review the Arrival page for airport details. Wait for your confirmed visa before finalizing travel plans.

Key Points to Note Upon Arrival:

• Expect thorough luggage searches due to security measures. Avoid locked bags and adhere to carry-on liquid limits.
• Secondary inspections may occur, allowing extra time for thorough checks, especially for connecting flights.
• Carry essential documents: 
• Passport.
• Visa.
• I-20/DS-2019.
• Admission letter from WOU.
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.
• Financial proof.
• Clearly state your purpose and final destination as “attending Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon.”
• For transfer students, explain that your transfer will finalize upon campus arrival and course registration.
• Respond politely and briefly to the immigration officer’s questions.
• Do not volunteer any information which has not been asked for specifically.
• Double-check and collect all your documents before leaving the immigration area.

Upon admission to Western Oregon University and demonstrating adequate funds to cover your first year of study in the U.S., you will receive an I-20 or DS-2019 immigration document.

• Double check your I-20 or DS-2019 for spelling errors or mistakes in your name, birth date, or course of study and make sure it matches your passport.
• To avoid potential delays due to lengthy visa processing times and limited appointment availability, it is advisable to apply for a U.S. Visa well in advance. Refrain from purchasing tickets before securing your visa.
• Arrival in the U.S. must align with program dates.

Contact us immediately at global@wou.edu for any necessary corrections or deferral requests.

• Immigration Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.
• Valid Passport.
• 2×2 Photograph.
• Receipts for application fees.
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

Visit the Immigration Documents and Sevis page for more information about immigration documents, comprehensive F-1 and J-1 regulatory information, and a description of the electronic student and exchange visitor information system, and SEVIS.

The Immigration and National Act stipulates strict requirements for student visa applicants. During the visa interview, the consular officer swiftly assesses your eligibility based on the following criteria:

• Possession of a residence abroad with no immediate plan to abandon it.
• Intent to leave the United States upon completing the course of study
• Sufficient funds to support the proposed study program

Anticipate the interview in English and respond concisely, as time is limited. Ensure a confident and polite demeanor as initial impressions significantly impact your outcome.

Note: If you are denied a student visa, get the reasons you were denied in writing and ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Contact the OIED office to see if we can help or if you will need to defer your I-20 or DS-2019 to a future term.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Admission letter from Western Oregon University.
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions
• Scores from standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) as required by the institution.
• Financial evidence demonstrating adequate funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the intended study period.
• Supporting documents reinforcing your intent to return to your home country after completing studies.
• Any other country-specific documents as needed.