Immigration FAQs
Prospective & New Students
Q: How can I get my student visa?
A: Please click here for a detailed summary of the student visa application process.
Q: Where is the Office of International Programs?
A: Our office is located at the corner of University Ave. & Main St. in Forest Grove.
Q: I am a Canadian student. Do I need a student visa?
A: In terms of immigration regulations, the only difference between Canadians and other international students coming to the United States is that Canadian citizens can enter with just their passport and I-20 certificate of eligibility. Please click here for more information.
Q: Can members of my family work in the U.S.?
A: It depends on their immigration status. F-2 dependents are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment in the United States. J-2 dependents can apply for employment authorization to the USCIS for a period of one year (renewable for one year periods).
Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: If you are a prospective or newly-admitted student, please contact John Harn at: intladmissions@pacificu.edu
Current & Returning Students
If you are a current student, contact International Student Advisor Megan Serenco at intlprograms@pacificu.edu for assistance with questions about:
- Employment
- Social Security Eligibility
- B-1 Family Invitation Letters
- Immigration Status Changes
- Program Extensions
- I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Updates
Q: I have heard about a "green card lottery." Can you tell me more about that?
A: The U.S. government holds an annual lottery where it distributes 50,000 visas to applicants around the world in order to encourage diversity. Applicants are selected randomly, and there is never a fee to participate in the lottery.
Recently, Pacific students have been charged applicant fees to participate in this lottery process by dishonest businesses. Please keep the following points in mind:
- There's no charge to enter the green card lottery.
- Your chance of being chosen is the same if you apply by yourself or if you pay someone to apply for you.
- Submit only one entry; if you submit more than one, you will be disqualified.
- Selection of entries is random.
- Be careful about giving other people your personal information
- Be skeptical of websites posing as U.S. government sites.