Resources for International Students
Resources for International Students
International students need to complete the necessary application for student visas. For more information, please refer to International Students and Scholars website. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) website assists with online submission of your application for Certificate of Eligibility.
A Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the ISSO for an admitted student that is evidence of your eligibility for a non-immigrant student status in the United States. New students who will study in F-1 Student status receive an I-20 form. International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for an F-1 entry visa at a U.S. Consulate or a change of status if already in the U.S.
Visit the International Students and Scholars Office's website for details about eligibility, restrictions, and the online application.
For questions related to the visa application process or the status of your I-20, please email [email protected].
Immigration Essentials Webinar
- Please view the following video and refer any questions related to this video to [email protected].
- Information in this video will be shared in the ISSO presentations during Welcome Week.
Complete Online Check-In Form
- All new international students must submit this online check-in form within 7 days of arrival in the U.S. The data you submit will be added to your record at the ISSO and used to update your SEVIS record from Initial to Active status.
- If you have a spouse and/or children who are here in F-2 status, you DO NOT have to submit a separate form for them.
- You must have your I-20 form, your passport, and your I-94 arrival record (printed from the Customs and Border Protection [CBP] I-94 website) available to submit this form.
- If you are a J-1 Student, report your arrival using the New Exchange Visitor SEVIS Registration Form.
Additional Registration Requirements
- All registered full-time international students are enrolled in the Gold Level of the Columbia Health Insurance Plan offered by the University by default. Two charges for the selected Insurance Plan and the Columbia Health fee will appear on your first student bill. More information is available on the Columbia Health Website.
- International students on F-1 or J-1 visas must maintain full-time registration (12 credits) per semester. Full time registration does not include American Language Program credits.
- International students may only take less than 12 credits in their last semester of study.
- Please review the guidelines from the International Students and Scholars Office on maintaining your status.
ISSO Visa Information Survey
If you have not already done so, please complete the ISSO Visa Information Survey. Follow the instructions below to log into Compass.
- Log in with your UNI, or
- Log in with your PID and PIN (request your PIN here)
If you are a visa holder who needs to apply for a Social Security Number you should apply immediately when arriving in the United States. The department must have a scan of your physical social security card in order to pay you.
- Applying for a Social Security Number as an F1 Student
- You will need to complete the top part of the F-1 Student Form and email it to [email protected] prior to going to the social security office. A physical copy with ink signature will be needed for your visit.
- The best and quickest SSN Office to go to is located at: 123 William Street, New York, NY 10038