Information for International Students

Becoming a Student In The United States

University of the Sciences (USciences) is the perfect destination for international students who want to study, travel, and work in the United States. The International Student Services (ISS) office is here to help you every step of the way, from meeting your admissions requirements to securing and maintaining an F-1 Visa. The USciences community is diverse, open-minded, and eager to learn about new cultures and perspectives. And Philadelphia is one of America's greatest cities, full of history, art, culture, and rewarding career opportunities.

Obtaining an F-1 Visa

The ISS office is happy to help you with every step of the F-1 Visa application process.

• What is an F-1 Student?
• What is a Visa?
• Completing and Submitting Your Certification of Finances
• Creating and Mailing the Form I-20
• Processing Your SEVIS I-901 Fee
• Applying for Your F-1 Visa

Health Requirements

In order to become a USciences student, you must pass a basic health exam and provide proof of health insurance.

• Required Health Insurance
• Health and Immunization Requirements

Financial Requirements

All international students must demonstrate that they are financially prepared to study and live in the United States. The ISS office can help verify your financial institution and means of funding.

• Certification of Finances
• Banking

Living Requirements

It's important to plan ahead for traveling to the United States. The ISS office can help you choose a port of entry, arrange transportation to campus, and find the best place to live.

• Arriving at Your Port of Entry
• Directions to USciences
• Housing & Residential Life

USciences Admission Process

International First-Year Students

If you are a high school senior or have earned a high school degree but not taken any college-level courses, you are considered to be a first-year student. Please refer to the USciences Undergraduate Admission page for information regarding deadlines and application requirements for international students.

International Transfer Students

If you have completed any college-level coursework outside of the United States, you are considered to be a transfer student. Please refer to our Transfer Admission page for information regarding deadlines and transfer requirements for international students. Please note that any program-specific application deadlines supersede the June 1 international student application deadline .

International Graduate Students

If you are applying to a graduate program at USciences (MS, PhD, and MBA) please refer to our Graduate Admission page for information regarding deadlines and other requirements for international students.

Once You Become a USciences Student

Now that you're a USciences student, the ISS office is here to help you have a successful and fun college experience. We can help with academic support, maintaining your legal status, applying for a driver's license, obtaining working papers, and many other important services.

International Student Orientation

This orientation is for all new F-1 students at USciences, including first-year, transfer, and graduate students. Meet the staff of the International Student Services office and learn about the services and resources available to international students.

Maintenance of Your F-1 Visa

To avoid any problems with your immigration status, it's important to keep your F-1 Visa documentation up to date.

• Maintaining Legal F-1 Student Status
• Social Security Numbers for F-1 Students
• Replacing lost or stolen documents
• Traveling Information

Identity Management

The ISS can help you obtain a variety of legal documents beyond your F-1 Visa.

• Student Verification Letters
• Applying for a PA Driver's License
• Update Address, Legal Name or Major within 10 Days of a Change

Working in the United States

As an international student, there are a number of requirements to fulfill in order to work on or off campus. Please contact the International Student Services office for details.

• Employment
• Taxes

Academic Support & Career Services

We provide one-on-one academic advising to all USciences students and offer extra academic support services when needed. The Career Services office can help you plan the next exciting step after USciences, whether it's graduate school or a first job.

• Career Services
• Tutoring Center
• Writing Center

Student Health and Counseling

All USciences students can obtain free and confidential health care and mental health counseling services through Student Health and Counseling (SHAC), located on the first floor of Whitecar Hall.

Campus and Community Activities

Get the most out of your USciences student life experience by joining a student group, attending campus cultural and athletic events, participating in intramural sport or club, and exploring the amazing city of Philadelphia.

​On-Campus Resources

• International Student Services (ISS) offers a vast array of important services and resources for F-1 students.
• Residence Life can help you find on-campus housing or an off-campus apartment in Philadelphia.
• The Office of Alumni Affairs can connect you with our loyal network of international alumni.
• Discover Philadelphia features event calendars and neighborhood guides to let you know what's going on around the city.
• International House in Philadelphia is a multicultural residential center where you can connect with students and scholars from around the world.

Family Resources

Philadelphia is a terrific city to raise a family. Here are some links for international students and their families.

• If you have school-aged children, The School District of Philadelphia will provide you with a wealth of information about the elementary and secondary schools close to USciences.