Homebase Pre-arrival Courses

Starting your journey as an international student is an exciting milestone, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Our courses are designed to guide you from the moment you begin preparing to apply for your visa all the way through your academic journey at PSU. You'll learn how to complete important pre-arrival requirements, prepare for life in the "City of Roses", and discover the campus resources, support services, and academic tools available to help you thrive. By completing these courses, you'll arrive informed, confident, and ready to make the most out of your experience at Portland State University.

Getting Started: You'll need to create a Homebase account to access the courses below. Once you've created your account, you can access the courses at any time.

Obtaining your Visa

DS-160 Guide

Are you new to the U.S. visa process? The DS-160 guide walks you through completing the online nonimmigrant F-1 and J-1 visa applications, explains key sections, and shares helpful tips to prepare for your visa interview. Use this resource to feel more confident as you take the next steps toward studying at PSU.

F-1 Visa Guide

In this course, you'll learn helpful tips and best practices regarding the F-1 student visa process from start to finish. Topics include the requirements to qualify for an F-1 visa, an introduction to the DS-160 form, and how to prepare for the F-1 Visa interview.

Understanding Your Visa Requirements

Groups of students sitting outside having a conversations.

F-1 Visa Pre-Arrival Course

This F-1 visa focused course will help you complete important steps before starting at PSU. You'll learn about your visa, travel, orientation, course registration, health insurance, vaccine requirements, PSU systems, immigration check-in, and other essential tasks for a successful start.

A female and male student sit next to each other outside. The female student is looking at her laptop. The male student is holding a text book.

J-1 Visa Pre-Arrival Course

This J-1 visa focused course will help you complete important steps before starting at PSU. You'll learn about your visa, travel, orientation, course registration, health insurance, vaccine requirements, PSU systems, immigration check-in, and other essential tasks for a successful start.

Preparing for your Life in Portland

Four students cross the street in front of Powell's Book Store.

Living in the City of Roses

As you prepare to begin your journey in the "City of Roses", this course will help make your transition to Portland as smooth as possible. You'll learn what to pack, how to find housing, navigate health and safety, use public transportation, and prepare for orientation so you can arrive informed and ready to succeed.

Student stands in front of a city train.

International Student Post-Arrival

From academic support to advising, PSU is committed to helping you achieve your education goals. Now that you've arrived in Portland and are ready to begin your studies, it's time to explore university life in greater depth and learn about the many ways Portland State can support you throughout your academic journey.