All F-1 and J-1 students must complete the required status activation.

Yes! Ithaca students, please check Orientation Options for registration information. Orientation is a fun and fast way to learn how Cornell works and connect with fellow international students.

Orientation is not required, but past students say it got them off to a successful start. It's a fun and fast way to learn how Cornell works and connect with fellow international students. Find out more about your orientation options.

Review our Travel to Campus page for weekly updated transportation information.

Watch Cornell Housing's move-in page for arrival instructions.

Follow these links to find the course roster and information on enrollment.

Visit Cornell Health for answers to your questions about health services, student insurance, health leaves, and more.

Make an appointment at a U.S. consulate to obtain an entry visa stamp. The appointment cannot be more than 120 days ahead of your program end date shown on your I-20/DS-2019.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp. At the port of entry, show your Canadian passport and I-20/DS-2019 to request F-1/J-1 student immigration status to attend Cornell University. If you are a Canadian “landed immigrant,” please check with a U.S. consulate to find out if you need a visa stamp.

While we can't assist in scheduling a visa appointment, you can find the most up-to-date wait times on the U.S. Department of State website. The DS-160 is a personal application, so we cannot assist in filling out the form, but the website offers guidance on the DS-160 form.

The U.S. Department of State currently prioritizes F-1 and J-1 visa applications with I-20 or DS-2019 program start dates within the next 60 days. Please monitor the status of appointments in your home country.

Cornell will continue to monitor visa and travel issues that might affect returning international students and will make adjustments to address your needs as much as possible. While Cornell does not officially recommend this practice due to the risk of delays or denials, we understand that some students and scholars have been successful in applying for a visa in a third country. Learn more about visa delays.

It is best to take the earliest available appointment time—even if the appointment is after your program start date—so that you can apply for an expedited visa request. You need to have a scheduled appointment before you ask to have the appointment expedited!

Please check with your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy to find out how to request an expedited or emergency visa appointment. Consulates will only schedule an expedited visa appointment within 60 days of your program start date. See the listed program start date on your I-20 to find out if you're eligible.

You may also request a visa support letter from your admitting academic department. Be sure to keep your academic department updated on your expected arrival if you plan on arriving after the listed program date on your I-20.

Contact your academic department or college about your delayed arrival, and ask about your options. Be sure to email us if your arrival will be delayed or deferred. Never use a tourist or visitor visa to enter the U.S.!

No. F-1 students are permitted to take no more than 3 credit hours of online study per term.

No! Immigration regulations do not allow tourist visa holders to participate in degree programs. Students who are issued a Cornell I-20 for an F-1 visa or DS-2019 for a J-1 visa must apply for the appropriate visa to study in the United States. Email us if you have questions about your visa status.

If you are unable to obtain a visa or will arrive late, you should contact your department or the admissions office and request information about your options for attending in a later semester. Cornell Tech students, please email admissions@tech.cornell.edu.

Undergraduates: Learn about need-aware financial aid. Graduate students: Find out how to apply for grants and loans.

Check out Your First Week for pointers on local banks and other important things to know and do when you arrive on campus.

A Social Security number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes; if you're not employed, you're not eligible for an SSN. You don’t need an SSN to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or get a credit card. Find out how to Apply for an SSN.

The Office of Global Learning can often provide modest support to international students for eligible emergency expenses. Find out how to request support in the financial emergency section of Get Advice.

Most international visitors living in the United States are required to file annual income tax returns. U.S. tax law is very complex. Here is a brief summary of what you need to know.

We are not tax experts and cannot help you file your tax returns, but we provide access to a free tax software product and support services. Sprintax is available to all members of the Cornell international community.

F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. You can work at any type of job on campus. It does not have to be in your field of study.

J-1 students must obtain a J-1 student on-campus employment authorization letter from the Office of Global Learning before starting work. Authorization can only be given for 12 months at a time, so you will need to renew this authorization letter annually.

Find out more about on campus employment.

Check out our webpage about student jobs on the Ithaca campus before you begin your search. Then start on this page to search campus employment opportunities.

International students should approach passive income generation with caution. However, certain passive income-generating activities may be permissible as long as no employment is taking place. "Employment" is any work performed in exchange for compensation. Compensation can include money, room and board, or other significant benefits. Examples of passive income are income earned through investment in stocks or bonds, or through a business that you have invested in but do not work for. However, passive income can become active under certain conditions (time, effort, if treated like a business). It is recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you have additional questions about passively earning income.

If you're a new student employee, you need to complete an I-9! Find out how to get started.

If you have general career questions or career questions related to being international, contact Cornell Career Services. You can also use their online booking system to make an appointment. Also visit the Employment and Taxes part of our website.

Students participating in OPT and OPT STEM may work remotely if their employer has an office outside of the U.S. or the employer can assess student engagement using electronic means. Students participating in OPT do not need to update the SEVP portal, and STEM OPT recipients do not need to submit an updated Form I-983 to report remote work. However, requirements to submit an updated I-983 for other changes (pay, duties, supervisor, etc.) remain in effect.

When you travel as a student at Cornell, you’ll need to carry various documents to prove your immigration status and to allow reentry if you leave the United States. Learn about travel documents for students.

The Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will allow electronic issuing and signing of I-20 forms by designated school officials (DSOs), but please print and sign your I-20 prior to boarding your flight.

A valid visa stamp is only necessary for entry to the United States. Learn more About Your Visa. If you are inside the U.S. and your stamp expires, you can remain in the country as long as your I-20/DS-2019 hasn't expired and you are enrolled. A new visa stamp can only be obtained at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Please review our travel and reentry information to find out what documents are necessary for travel and determine if you need an updated travel signature.

Scammers frequently pose as government agents or other authority figures. They may threaten to arrest or deport you unless you transfer money to them right away. Learn more about avoiding scams.