New International Student Onboarding

The Office for International Services (OIS) is thrilled to welcome you to the start of your journey at the William Paterson University of New Jersey! The OIS team strives to offer comprehensive immigration advising and cultural adjustment advising to international students and scholars in support of your academic pursuits. We promote cross-cultural understanding and respect by organizing events throughout each semester. We try to create an inviting and comfortable environment and hope you will find WP a home away from home. 

You will need to visit us as soon as you arrive in the U.S. It’s important to plan your initial trip to arrive in the U.S. no sooner than 30 days before your program start date as shown on your I-20. Please bring ALL of your documents with you (passport with U.S. visa, I-20, etc.). We are located on the Lower level of Morrison Hall, Rm G 03. Our building is number 11 on our campus map. 

WP is perfectly situated for easy access to local and NYC area CPT & OPT employment opportunities, hot spots, dining, and entertainment. For transportation, please click here. 

Steps to follow: 

Please note that you will need your WPUNJ Student ID number to use the online forms as your username - click here to look up your ID. Your PIN/Password is your date of birth in MMDDYY format (for example, March 17, 2010 would be 031710). 

  • 1. Pay your tuition deposit  (if you haven’t already)

  • To secure a seat for your classes, submit your $125 tuition deposit via our Deposit Portal.

  • 2. Submit your I-20 Application

  • Submit your I-20 documents via your Accepted Student Portal. (Do not email your documents as this will delay the processing time.)

    Use the same login and password you established when applying. If you forgot your username or password, please use the Forgot My Password link on your portal.

  • 3. Apply For University Housing

  • New for the Fall 2025 semester, international freshmen are required to live on campus, with limited exceptions. Please apply for housing, if applicable.

  • 4. Mandatory Health Report

  • Download a WPUNJ Health Form to get started.

    This form must be signed by your doctor and received by the Health and Wellness Center. Students can submit forms for the Fall semester after May 20th and for the Spring after January 2nd.

    Failure to submit the forms could result in a ‘hold’ on registration. Those students who plan to live in the residence halls are required by state law to have a meningitis vaccine before they are permitted to move into their assigned room. If you have any questions, please contact the Health and Wellness Center at 973.720.2360. 

  • 5. Schedule your Placement Tests

  • After you pay your $125 enrollment fee you will be contacted by the Office of Testing in regards to your placement exam. You may email them at TestCenter@wpunj.edu if you have any questions.

  • 6. Stay connected

  • If you have not already done so, start using your WP Connect portal to access your WP email account, student records, and other university resources. Login information can be found in your acceptance letter.

    Remember that WP will send all important emails to your WP student email address.

  • 7. Enroll in your classes

  • First-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in courses for the first semester.

    Transfer and Second-Degree students can find notes about academic advisement and the contact information in your Admissions Letter via your Accepted Student Portal.

  • 9. Immigration Check-in and Welcome Meeting

  • All international students are required to complete the check-in process including: 

    • Students who are entering the U.S. for the first time on a WP I-20
    • Students who have been in the U.S. on an I-20 from another school and are transferring to WP

    Step 1: Passport check-in 

    Passport check-in is a mandatory process.  As per U.S. Federal immigration law, WP has a deadline to report your physical presence and your enrollment to U.S. DHS authorities. Please complete your passport check-in as soon as you arrive in the U.S. 

    After you arrive in the U.S., submit the following documents here. 

    • Visa / Entry stamp (if available)
    • Local U.S. address and local phone number
    • I-94 (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home by clicking Get Most Recent I-94)
    • Transfer students: provide all previous I-20s, EAD, or change of status approval notice (if applicable)

    Please note: If your passport check-in is completed, you will receive an email through your WP email account.  If a revision is needed, instructions will be given through email. To ensure successful completion of your passport check-in, check your WP email after each submission.  

    Step 2: Attend in-person Orientation on January 15, 2025.

    You are expected to attend the mandatory International Orientation and Welcome Meeting on the same day at 2:00 p.m. This is extremely important in ensuring that you have a smooth start to your first semester at WP! 

    Please note: You must complete Step 1 before you report in person.

  • 10. Attend New Student Orientation

  • Save the date for International Student Orientation.  This event is mandatory.  Details will be forthcoming.

  • 11. Final Official Transcript

  • If requested by International Admissions, provide a Final Official Transcript. It must be an original transcript with the Registrar’s stamp or signature and submitted in a closed envelope that no one has opened unless sent through an official digital platform. Scanned, photocopied, or uploaded transcripts submitted as part of your application for admission do not fulfill this requirement.

    The Final Official Transcript can be provided to us upon your arrival on campus or can be sent to: 

    William Paterson University
    Admissions Office
    300 Pompton Road
    Wayne, New Jersey 07470 

  • 12. Prepare your finances

  • Please be aware of deadlines and University policies, such as payment due dates. 

    Access the Online Bill and Payment Center to pay full tuition and fees or enroll in a payment plan before the first week of classes.

    In addition, review medical insurance requirements. Students are required by state law to have appropriate medical insurance. As a full-time student, you are automatically enrolled in Aetna Student Health. The plan is billed annually (or pro-rated for spring admits) to your student account. Review plan information, cost, and waiver instructions.

  • 13. Submit your arrival form

  • Please check this page periodically for updates, as more information will be provided soon.

     

Congratulations and welcome once again to WP!