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Currently Enrolled International Students

The information below guides you as to your rights and responsibilities as a non-immigrant visa holder. SUNY Oswego provides various services which benefit international students academically, professionally and medically. Select a section for more detailed information, or contact the ISSS office with questions.

Forms

Employment Verification Letter

To apply for a Social Security number, you must receive an Employment Verification Letter. Login to the Applicant Portal to find the Employment Letter Submission Form. 

Students can start working without a SSN, but won't be paid until they provide their SSN to their employer. 

Form I-20/DS-2019 Update Request

Form I-20/DS-2019 Update Request can be submitted for updates including:

  • Travel Endorsement (Travel endorsement is valid for one year for current F-1 and J-1 students and 6 months for OPT and STEM OPT students)
  • Major/Minor Change
  • Name Change
  • OPT/STEM OPT Employment Information Change
  • Email Address Change
  • Phone Number Change
  • Mailing Address Change

Travel-endorsed Form I-20 must be requested at least 3 business days prior to the U.S. departure date.

F-1 and J-1 visa holders can be issued updated Form I-20/Form DS-2019 for the following reasons:

  • Travel Endorsement (Travel endorsement is valid for one year for current F-1 and J-1 students and 6 months for OPT and STEM OPT students)
  • Major/Minor Change
  • Name Change
  • OPT/STEM OPT Employment Information Change

If you are providing information related to a change in email address, mailing address and phone number, your records will be updated accordingly and Form I-20/DS-2019 issuance is not necessary. Changes in your email address, phone number and/or mailing address must be reported within 10 days of the change.

Reduced Course Load Authorization Form

Immigration regulations require that F-1 students maintain a full course of study. If a student cannot enroll full-time, they must be approved by Visa and Immigration Services for a Reduced Course Load Authorization Form (RCL) before dropping below full-time.

 

OPT - Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical work experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study before (Pre-Completion) or after (Post-Completion) completion of their academic program.

Please reach out to your Academic Advisor to complete the Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form to start the OPT process with the ISSS office. 

 

STEM OPT Training Plan for STEM OPT Students

F-1 students with a bachelor's or master's degree in designated science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields and working under post-completion OPT may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if employed or offered employment by an E-Verified employer and meeting all criteria. Please complete this Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT students with your employer.

Working off-campus as an International Student

Curricular Practical Training

CPT is a work authorization that allows F-1 visa-holding students to engage in practical training related to their field of study. CPT is generally used for internship and co-op opportunities.

Optional Practical Training

OPT is a post-graduation work authorization that permits F-1 visa students to gain work experience in their field of study while in the United States.

STEM Optional Practical Training

STEM OPT is an authorization that allows current OPT students to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization.

Visa & Travel Information

My F-1 student visa is expiring, what should I do?

First of all, please keep in mind that you can remain in the United States with an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. See U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information. 

If you are returning to your home country or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid F-1 student visa to return to the United States. We strongly suggest applying for a new F-1 visa at the United States Embassy in your home country of residence.

Here are some of the documents that you should bring with you to your F-1 visa interview to obtain a new visa:

  • A valid Form I-20 from SUNY Oswego with a recent travel signature on page 2 (If the last signature under the Travel Endorsement was done less than a year ago, you should reach out to us at [email protected]).
  • Any previously-issued I-20s
  • An unexpired passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
  • Recent financial documents showing evidence of continued financial ability
  • Receipt of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment
  • Your student transcript (found in myOswego)
  • Your certificate of enrollment verification
  • Visa application form, fees, and photographs (consult the instructions under your home country at United States Embassy)
  • Copies of EAD card if you are participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT).

If you have any questions regarding the visa application process, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

I would like to visit Canada, what documents should I bring?

First, review the Canadian government's website to determine if you need a visa in order to enter Canada.

Then, review the information below, For students who are planning to travel internationally, for a list of documents you need to bring to re-enter the United States.

How to retrieve I-94 arrival/departure record or Traveler's history

Visit the official I-94 website.

  • To retrieve the I-94 arrival/departure record, select Get Most Recent I-94.
  • To retrieve the Traveler's History, select View Travel History.
  • Once the option has been selected, read through the terms of service. It's important to understand and agree to these terms as they outline the legal aspects of using the I-94 online system. Select I Acknowledge and Agree.
  • You'll be prompted to enter your personal information. Be sure to enter the information exactly as it appears on your current passport.
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Birth Date
    • Document number: enter your passport number
    • Document Country of Issuance: select the country that issued your passport
    • Select Next to continue.
  • Once you've completed the form, you'll see a Results page. Select Print to save your record as a PDF file.
How do I renew or extend my visa?

F-1 and J-1 visa holder students can legally stay and study in the United States with an expired visa as long as Form I-20 is valid and Admit Until Date in I-94 says "D/S."

However, international students who leave the U.S. must present valid visas to enter the U.S. Therefore, if you are planning to re-enter the U.S. after the F-1 or J-1 visas have expired, you would need to apply for a new visa before seeking re-admission to the U.S. Visas cannot be renewed in the United States and students need to reach out to the U.S. embassy outside of the USA. Please note that students cannot apply for a visa or renew their visa in the United States.

Once you are issued a new visa, please take a photo and send it to [email protected] for record-keeping purposes.

Students traveling outside the US (International)

Here are the documents you need to bring to re-enter the United States:

  • A physical (printed) copy of your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Make sure you have a valid Travel Endorsement - this is a signature from the International Student and Scholar Services Office in the Travel Endorsement section of your document (located on page 2 of the I-20, or on the bottom half of the DS-2019). A Travel Endorsement signature is only valid for 365 days (or 6 months if a student is on OPT), so be sure to complete the Form I-20/DS-2019 Request at least 3 days before your trip if you need a recent signature.
  • Passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future
  • Valid student visa. If your student visa will expire by the time you intend to reenter the United States then you will need to obtain a new student visa at the United States Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S.
  • 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 financial support
  • Your most recent academic transcript and proof of enrollment at SUNY Oswego (strongly recommended)

Canadian students

According to the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada, a visa is not needed for Canadian citizens studying or participating in an exchange program in the United States. The following documentation is required:

  • A Canadian passport
  • The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate with a valid Travel Endorsement
  • 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

OPT students

Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) who plan to travel abroad will need to bring additional documentation with them when reentering the United States. Students on OPT should contact the ISSS Office well in advance when planning for international travel.

  • Unexpired passport valid until at least 6 months into the future
  • Unexpired I-20 with valid travel endorsement signature. The signature on page 2 must be less than 6 months old on the date you return. Be sure to complete the Form I-20 Request well in advance of your trip if you need a recent signature.
  • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
  • Form I-94
  • A letter from your employer confirming employment and mentioning that you will be returning to the United States to resume employment
  • A copy of a few most recent paystubs
  • SEVIS I-901 fee, if you have Valid student visa. If your student visa will expire by the time you intend to reenter the United States then you will need to obtain a new student visa at the United States Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S. 

Students are encouraged to review U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more details regarding international travel. Please notify us at [email protected] when you plan to travel internationally to make sure you are aware of any travel restrictions and to obtain a Travel Endorsement signature on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, if necessary.

Students traveling inside the US (Domestic)

We highly recommend you carry the following documents with you including your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, I-94 and EAD card if applicable. These documents should be current and unexpired. If your passport expires within 6 months, please start the process to renew it as the process can be lengthy. You are not required to have a valid travel signature when traveling within the United States, but we do recommend it. Travel endorsements for current students are valid for 12 months and OPT/STEM OPT endorsements are valid for 6 months Please also consider keeping a digital copy of all your immigration documents.

I am an F-1 student who is eligible to travel abroad, but my visa has expired. Do I need a new visa to reenter the United States?

Yes, unless you are a Canadian citizen, you will normally need to obtain a new visa stamp at a U.S. consulate. If, however, you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or certain islands adjacent to the United States (other than Cuba), and staying for 30 days or less, you may be able to reenter the United States with your expired F-1 visa stamp, a valid passport, your EAD card (if in OPT), and an I-20 that has been endorsed for travel by your DSO. Qualifying adjacent islands include the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Miquelon, Saint Pierre, Trinidad, and The Windward and Leeward Islands.

General Questions

Medical insurance is mandatory for International students

The State University of New York Medical Insurance Plan is mandatory for all F & J visa students attending SUNY Oswego and their dependents. Exceptions apply only to GA or OPT students who have medical insurance through their employer. Please see below for a breakdown on the Medical and Dental insurance. Please note, eye coverage is not included in the policy unless due to a medical condition or accident/injury benefit. 

If you are covered by employer-provided insurance, you must submit a letter from your employer on official letterhead. This letter must include the effective date of your medical coverage.

Medical Insurance Key Points

  • The cost for a semester's coverage of medical insurance is currently US $1,050.00 per Fall or Spring semester, and may be subject to change.
  • Please note that there will be extra charges for dependents.
  • The State University of New York Medical Insurance Plan is comprehensive, and it provides unlimited coverage. This includes:
    • ambulance services
    • vaccines
    • emergency visits
    • GYN visits
    • preventive care
  • The Summer coverage cost of medical insurance will be US $460.00, and may be subject to change. Please note that coverage is mandatory while in the United States at any point of Summer.
  • A summarized health insurance plan is available here.
  • Please note that vision will be covered only through the month of the enrollee's 19th birthday and accidental.
  • You can get Telehealth services through United Healthcare which means you can speak to the representative in your own native language about your mental health.
  • As long as the dates are within coverage dates, you will be covered anywhere globally except within 50 miles of your home country residence.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance is available through First Reliance Standard for international scholars and their dependents at SUNY Oswego.

  • The monthly cost is included in your health insurance premium.
  • Dental insurance coverage is mandatory for International Students and their dependents under 19, and cannot be removed. Dependents of Scholars or OPT participants over age 19 are optional and costs are associated.
  • A summarized dental insurance plan is available here.
  • A Member account Registration Guide for Dental Online Access is available here. 
Health Insurance - What if I am sick or have medical emergency?

The State University of New York Medical Insurance Plan is mandatory for all F and J visa students and scholars attending SUNY Oswego. Exceptions are granted only to those officially sponsored and covered by an approved national government program, such as Fulbright, with insurance provided through the United States, or to students who hold Teaching Assistant or Graduate Assistant positions on campus. 

Please review this medical emergency document that will guide you on the following topics:

  • How to log into UHCSR
  • How to search for a doctor/medical services in-network
  • What information you should provide the provider
  • What to do if I receive bills

A summarized health insurance plan is available for inbound students.

Exchange students who need to submit the Confirmation of Coverage to their home universities can follow the instructions below:

  • Login to UHCSR using your login credentials. *Please note that the username is not your LakerNet ID, it is the one that you created.
  • Go to the "My Coverage" tab
  • Click "Confirmation of Coverage" on the mid-right side of the page
I am graduating and I would like to invite my parents

Generally, parents who need visas to enter the United States can apply for a traveler's visa. Depending on the country, they would not need to provide any supporting letter as they are coming as travelers. 

Students can provide a letter by customizing this template. Please note that SUNY Oswego does not provide any letter or any visa advising for parents as the university is not sponsoring their visit.

Students who would like to receive a diploma in their home countries can create a FedEx shipping label. Once the student pays for the FedEx shipping label, ISSS can share that with Registrar for international shipping.

What's the ISSS office hours policy?

International students who need to pick up mail/documents or get assistance in person from the ISSS office without any appointment must walk in between 2:30 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on holidays, breaks, and when classes go remote due to weather or other extenuating circumstances. Students can reach the office via email at [email protected].

International students can also set up meetings via email. Please allow 2-4 business days for a response due to the high volume of emails we receive daily.

Holidays when the physical office is closed:

  • New Year's Day
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Lincoln's Birthday
  • Washington's Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day (Usually, the office is closed Thanksgiving week, emails will be sent out with details in advance)
  • Christmas Day (Usually, the office is closed Christmas week, emails will be sent out with details in advance)
How do I retrieve my enrollment verification document?

Please review the Registrar's Office resource for retrieving enrollment verification documents.

A Social Security number is needed to verify students. Visit the Registrar's Office if you need to update your SSN information in order to obtain an enrollment verification. A valid mailing address is also needed to obtain an online enrollment verification. Before the start of the term, be sure your address information is correct.

For any additional questions related to retrieving your enrollment verification, please reach out to the Registrar's Office via email at [email protected].

Important: Exchange students are also advised to reach out to Registrar's Office to retrieve an enrollment verification letter.

How can I get a Driver's License in the United States?

Review the information How to Apply for Driver's License and the driver's license application process and documentation needed, as outlined on the Study in the States website. 

International students attending SUNY Oswego can apply at the Oswego County DMV. Bring original copies of the following documents:

Additionally, provide documentation listed below. All acceptable forms of proof can be found on ID-44, which is an application for Driver License in New York. 

  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof of lawful status
  • Proof of date of birth

If you are a new student, please allow two weeks from the semester start date before you visit the local DMV to ensure that your SEVIS record is in Active Status.

How can I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?

See how to request a Social Security number for the first time. 

Employers should provide the employment verification letter that includes the following information:

  • Employer name
  • Employer EIN
  • Position title
  • Rate of pay
  • Working hours
  • Employment start date
  • Employment end date

Students who obtained the employment verification letter can submit it to the Employment Letter Submission Form for SSN Application (New). 

Once the student submits the Employment Letter Submission Form for SSN Application (New) form, the student will receive an email from us within 1-3 business days with the information on what to do next. 

International Student Liaisons

The Division of Student Affairs International Student Liaisons focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally affirming environment for students from around the world. Liaisons, representing each major functional area within the Division, partner with International Student and Scholar Services to ensure that relevant support and services are being provided to international students at SUNY Oswego supporting their success and improving their experience as students.

Program Extension & Shorten End date for F-1

Program Extension

F-1 students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the Program End Date on their I-20. If you will not complete your academic program by the Program End Date on your current I-20 due to compelling academic or medical reasons, you must request a Program Extension and receive a new I-20 with a new Program End Date.

** If you have completed all degree requirements, you are not eligible for an I-20 Program Extension. **

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an extension of stay, you must show that:

  • You have maintained F-1 status and have continually been a full-time student.
  • You must have full-time enrollment for the current semester and your next semester. If less than a full-time course load is required to complete your degree program, you must be approved for a Final Semester Reduced Course Load. 
  • You are making normal progress towards completing your course of study.
  • You have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the additional semester(s) (tuition, fees and living expenses).
  • The delay in completion was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons. (i.e. change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, documented illness (medical documentation required), adding a major)
The following are not valid reasons for an I-20 Program Extension:
  • To enroll in extra courses; to repeat the same course for personal interest; and/or to improve one’s GPA.
  • To engage in non-required Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  • To enroll in course work delayed by participation in non-required CPT.
  • To complete degree requirements that do not require enrollment. (i.e. comprehensive exam, finish pending coursework for an incomplete grade)

Shorten Program End date

The ISSS office must shorten the Program end date for an F-1 student if they complete their academic program before the end date listed on their Form I-20. This process is essential to ensure that the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) accurately reflects the student's status, which directly affects their grace period and legal stay in the United States.  Please note, the earliest you can request to shorten your program is the semester your Degreeworks requirements will be completed.

Timeline

We recommend that you submit your Extend/Shorten Program Completion Date for I-20 Request form to the ISSS office at least 30 days before the Program End Date on your I-20. This Request form requires your Academic Advisor's signature. Your extension request must be submitted and approved by the ISSS office before the Program End Date on your current I-20 can be updated.  If you submit a request for a Program Extension after the Program End Date on your current I-20, your application may be denied.  Failure to submit a timely request for an extension may result in a loss of status. 

 

 


 

Program Extension for J-1

J-1 students can request to extend their program at SUNY Oswego.  Please submit the DS-2019 Extension of Stay Request form to the ISSS office at least 30 days before the Program end date on your DS-2019.  The Request form requires your Home Campus Outgoing Coordinators approval and new bank statements to show financial support. 

Events

Contact ISSS

116 Sheldon Hall
315.312.5775
[email protected]