Congratulations on your acceptance to SUNY Oswego! The staff of the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful campus. Please take a moment to review the information below, as this will help you to prepare for your arrival to SUNY Oswego.
Next Steps
Complete the Required Steps
Information about next steps for all incoming students can be found on the Orientation web page. International students will also receive reminders from ISSS regarding the completion of pre-registration steps. Please note that new students can start registering for classes only when they complete the pre-registration steps. Therefore, new students are highly encouraged to start completing the pre-registration steps as early as possible.
Schedule and Prepare Your Visa Interview
In most cases, you will need to schedule an interview with the United States Embassy or Consulate in order to be granted your F-1 or J-1 student visa. Please review the list of documents that you need to bring for your F-1/ J-1 visa interview.
For a comprehensive list of tips and advice, please review this information sheet, 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa (PDF).
Register for Classes
All undergraduate students have to be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours (9 credit hours for graduate students) in order to maintain status as a full-time student. Once registering for classes, you are strongly advised NOT to drop below the minimum credit hours, EVEN if you drop one class because you plan on registering for another. General advice regarding course registration can be found at the Registrar's Office.
There are certain steps you will have to complete before being able to register for your classes. The course registration process is different for F-1 and J-1 students.
F-1 students
- As an F-1 student (to include first-year and transfer students), you will be pre-registered for all of your classes by a team of advisors. You cannot be pre-registered until you have completed all the steps on the application portal. If you are not satisfied with your course schedule after you have been pre-registered, don't panic! You can meet with your advisor after your arrival to campus and he or she will help you adjust your schedule, if necessary.
J-1 students
- J-1 students can register themselves for classes only after they have completed the steps in the application portal. As the last cohort of students to be able to register, it is especially important that J-1 students complete these steps as soon as possible so they are not locked out of any classes.
- If you were unable to register for classes, learn how to resolve registration errors.
- Visit Course Registration for J-1 Students for a list of tips and advice.
Prepare Your Arrival to the United States
The International Student and Scholar Services Office also holds live, virtual chats (called "webinars") on preparing for your arrival to the United States. These are held a few weeks prior to your arrival. So, be sure to check your email inbox for an invitation to an upcoming session!
Visit Residence Life and Housing for information on what items to bring with you. Personal items and room necessities can also be purchased at many nearby retail stores, such as Walmart. Clothing and other personal items that are recommended include:
- Winter jacket or parka
- Winter boots
- Rain coat or windbreaker
- Thick socks
- Thermal innerwear
- International or travel adaptor for electronics
- Cash (be sure to check what the maximum is to carry out of your country)
- Credit card
- Personal medications
- Personal hygiene products
Syracuse campus students, please refer to this guide to find off-campus housing.
Documents for Entry into United States
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future with an official F-1 visa stamp
- F-1 visa
- SUNY Oswego Acceptance Letter
- Scholarship Award Letters (if applicable)
- Your original Form I-20 (or DS-2019) issued by SUNY Oswego (with SEVIS fee paid prior to your travel date)
- SEVIS I-901 fee or proof that it has been paid. From the FMJFee website, you can make a payment, check the status, and print a copy of your receipt.
- Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States (Financial Statements)
Canadian students
According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada, Canadian citizens studying in the U.S. will need to provide the following documentation at the port of entry:
- A Canadian passport
- The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate
- Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid
- Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States
- Proof of ties to Canada
Arrive to Campus
The closest airport from the campus is Syracuse Hancock International Airport. When you purchase the flight ticket, be certain the airport code is "SYR". The Syracuse airport provides some recommendations for rideshare and taxi options to get to the Oswego campus.
We strongly suggest that you schedule your arrivals into Syracuse for no later than 8:00 PM on the arrival day. However, if you must arrive later than 8:00 PM, there are plenty of nearby hotel options.
Attend the International Student Orientation
All incoming international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation prior to the start of classes. Due to public safety issues, Online Orientation modules are provided to students which touch upon the following:
- Immigration Regulations: Rights & Responsibilities
- Residence Life and Housing Rules
- Academic Rules and Regulations
- Health Services
- Law and Order
Pay Your Student Bill
Please note that student bills should be paid by January 16 for Spring terms and August 16 for Fall terms. F-1 visa holders are permitted to enroll in a payment plan. J-1 visa holders must pay their bills in full and are not eligible to enroll in a payment plan. Visit the Office of Student Accounts for more information. Email [email protected] if you have any questions about your student bill.
