Admitted & Incoming Students

International students should prepare for their arrival as early as possible. Rutgers OISS recommends completing your F1/J1 visa document requests at least four months before the start of the semester to allow time for visa appointments and travel arrangements.

STEP 1: Pay the tuition deposit if you’re an undergraduate or RBS master’s student 

STEP 2: Activate NetID at netid.rutgers.edu and understand DUO two-step login

STEP 3: Activate your Rutgers Scarletmail email account

STEP 4: Wait 24 to 48 hours for the NET ID to register in the system

STEP 5: Log in to the RGlobal portal to apply for your I-20/DS-2019

STEP 6: Upload Your Photo for a Rutgers Photo ID

STEP 7: Download your I-20/DS-2019, read the instructional email and book your visa appointment

STEP 8: Complete all Pre-Arrival Orientation Modules on Homebase (instructions provided with your I-20)

STEP 9: Sign Up for In-person Orientation

STEP 9: Upload your Immunization Records 

STEP 10: Complete all other needed enrollment steps on your myRutgers dashboard

View the full checklist and follow up here

The Office of International Students & Scholars maintains F-1 and J-1 student status compliance while also supporting students through orientation programming, advising, and cultural engagement opportunities. Students admitted to Rutgers University - Newark for full-time study may be eligible for F-1 or J-1 sponsorship. The Form I-20 or DS-2019 is required for:

• Visa appointments
• Entry into the United States
• Check-in upon arrival
• Maintaining legal F1 or J1 status

View the full checklist and follow up here.

Students planning to bring spouses or children to the United States in F-2 or J-2 status can review eligibility requirements and required documentation through Rutgers Global resources.

• Information for Dependents & Families

Students currently in another U.S. non-immigrant immigration category may need to apply for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 student status before beginning their studies. Students must are encouraged to consult with an international office adviser before beginning the process due to federal eligibility requirements and processing timelines.

• Change of Status Information
• Schedule an OISS Advising Appointment

International students transferring from another U.S. institution must coordinate the transfer of their SEVIS record to Rutgers University–Newark before beginning classes. Students should work closely with both institutions to ensure compliance and a smooth transition.

• SEVIS transfer timelines
• Required transfer documentation
• Transfer orientation guidance
• Non-Immigration immigrant Visa advising, and support

View Rutgers Guidelines here

Rutgers Global provides important updates related to:

• Travel advisories
• Visa processing changes
• Federal policy updates
• SEVIS guidance
• International travel recommendations

International Student Orientation is a mandatory program designed to help new international students transition successfully to Rutgers and life in the United States. Orientation introduces students to university resources, non-immigrant responsibilities, academic expectations, and opportunities to connect with the campus community.

The 2026 Rutgers - Newark OISS International Student Orientation will take place on the 27th and 28th of August. Attendance is mandatory for all new F-1 students. You must also confirm your attendance at the Rglobal Pre-Arrival Orientation Modules.

Orientation Registration

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students register for OISS orientation through Rglobal Homebase Pre-Arrival Modules. After completing your placement testing (if applicable), you can schedule a virtual appointment with your academic school to register for courses. Placement testing is available on your Admissions Portal.  Please email soar@newar.rutgers.edu your name, RUID, and major of study, and an academic advisor will email you with available meeting times or a booking meeting link. 

Graduate Students

Graduate students are required to attend two separate orientations: the Academic School or Program orientation and the OISS International Student Orientation. Your Academic School/Program will provide details about your academic orientation, and you will be prompted through our Pre-Arrival Orientation Modules to sign up for OISS orientation. Both orientations are mandatory for enrollment.

International Students are also required to complete online modules prior to arrival that cover:

• Visa Preparation Tips
• On and Off-Campus Housing details
• Rutgers technology systems
• Academic integrity
• Student expectations
• Campus safety
• Student support services

Completion of all Modules is required.

Students planning to live on campus should review housing application deadlines, move-in procedures, and residence life information before arriving in Newark.

• Residence hall options
• Apply for Housing
• Move-in dates
• Dining plans
• Early arrival guidance: Rutgers University - Newark International Student Early Move-In Request Form – Fill out form 

Students should plan to arrive before orientation and complete all required documents and check-in procedures after entering the United States. After arrival, students must complete the Post-Arrival Homebase module. Furthermore, after attending their international student orientation, students must complete the RGlobal check-in process by uploading copies of their passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 arrival record. This process is required to activate the F-1 or J-1 statuses of all incoming international students..

• Arrival & Transportation Resources
• RGlobal Check-In Information

International students are required to maintain health insurance coverage that meets university requirements while enrolled at Rutgers. Students can review insurance enrollment, waiver information, and coverage details through Rutgers Global resources.

• Health Insurance Information
• Insurance Waiver Information
• Immunizations

Students should review billing deadlines and payment instructions carefully before the semester begins.

• One Stop Student Services
• Payment Options
• International Payment Information
• Tuition & Fee Deadlines

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) supports international students through advising, orientation programming, and student support services throughout the academic year.

• Please book an advising appointment, using our Webex booking system: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/rutgers_newark_oiss@global.ru…

Email Inquiries:

• All student inquiries must be sent to oiss@newark.rutgers.edu. A member of the OISS staff will respond to your email within 5 business days. Please assist OISS staff by only sending inquiries to oiss@newark.rutgers.edu. Please do not send duplicate/follow-up emails to individual OISS staff members, as that will slow overall processing times and cause delays! Duplicate emails and follow-up emails will not receive a response.

Processing Times:

• Due to an increasingly large volume of applications, please be aware that the OISS average processing time for all successfully completed and accurate requests is currently a minimum of 5 business days, and we will process all requests in the order that they are received. Additional time will be added to applications that require updated/corrected documentation. Requests for expediting will be considered only when the OISS determines that a student is at risk of losing legal status. Plan the submission of your requests according to the minimum 5 business day timeline!

For information on who to contact for Academic Advising, class registration, and program requirements, please visit: https://myrun.newark.rutgers.edu/academic-advisement