You have your admission letter in hand. Now is the time to get your visa and prepare for life in Buffalo. But you don't have to figure it out on your own.
International Student Services (ISS) can help address your immigration concerns, and support your life in Buffalo.
Topics covered on the ISS website include:
You can get started with your required online check-in once you have paid your tuition deposit.
This process helps you activate your student record, giving you access to course registration before you physically arrive on campus. It also helps us plan for your arrival!
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20/DS-2019. Customs and Border Protection officers expect F-1 and J-1 students to enter the U.S. no later than the program start date on their I-20/DS-2019.
We strongly recommend arriving at least one week early to help ensure a successful transition period.
If you have any concerns about your ability to arrive on time, please review the Late Arrival Policy and the process to request a late arrival support letter.
To come to the U.S. to study, you will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Most international students come to the U.S. on F-1 visas, while some come on J-1 visas. However, there are some other visa categories that permit studying (H-1B, H-4, L-2, E-2, etc.).
Rules for your studies, employment, vacation, and travel may change depending on your visa. While most students will have to follow F-1 immigration regulations, some will follow other regulations.
If you are already in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, it may be possible to transfer your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record from your current school to UB.
All first-year and transfer undergraduate F-1 students will participate in the New to UB orientation programs to help you get a successful start at UB.
In addition to any orientation program provided by your academic department, graduate international students will participate in International Student Welcome. Welcome activities help you get settled before the start of your first semester here.