International Students

Student Arrival Guide

  1. Preparing for Departure
    • Program Start date as a new international student, you are permitted to enter the US no earlier than 30 days before your academic program at SUNY Delhi. The program start date is listed on your I-20, and DS- 2019. Before you make arrangements for your trip, contact the DSO at SUNY Delhi. In general, we recommend that you arrive at least 5 days before the start date. We have orientation that occurs in the week leading to the beginning of the semester.
    • Arrive at the U. S. Port of Entry - At the U.S. port of entry, you will need to present the following documents to the inspection officer, so do not pack these items in your checked luggage:
      • Valid passport with a valid F-1 Visa stamp (does not apply for Canadian citizen)
      • I-20 FORM
      • SUNY Delhi Admission letter
      • Evidence of financial resources
      • Receipt of the SEVIS fee payment
    • I-94 Record and admissions stamp - Upon arrival in the U.S., A CBP officer will review the documents listed above. Once they have determined you are eligible for entry, they will enter your status into the I-94 system. Every time you enter the U.S, you should print and review your I-94 record so you have evidence of your immigration status, which includes the length of time you may remain inside the U.S. F-1 visa holders will see the notation “D/S” on their I-94 record and their admission stamp. D/S means “duration of status,” which refers to the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. When your status is marked D/S, you may remain in the U.S as long as your Form I- 20 or DS-2019 is accurate and unexpired.
    • Get to the Campus –We are happy to offer free transportation from Albany International Airport to SUNY Delhi’s campus for new international students. Please coordinate with us your travel plans in advance. Please note that transportation to campus during subsequent arrivals is the full responsibility of the student. Learn more about transportation options here. 
  2. International students on campus

    Check - in - The students are required by U.S. immigration law to enroll full-time and complete the SEVIS check-in within 15 days of your program start date.  Once they have completed these steps, your SEVIS record will change from Initial to Active. The SEVIS record must be in Active Status in order to begin any on-campus work and be eligible for any benefits including a social security card or driver’s license.
    • Arrive inside the U.S. by the start of classes for your admission term.
    • Enroll full-time in degree-required coursework. Remember, only 3 online credits can count towards the full course of study, regardless of term.
      • Fall/Spring Start:
        Undergraduate Students: 12 credit hours
      • Summer Start:
        Undergraduate Students: 12 total credits (12 total credits across the summer term)
    • Meets with the DSO / PDSO and provides a copy of your:
      • I-94 Record
      • I-94 Travel History (Only required if transferring your SEVIS record from another U.S. institution)
      • Copy of visa page within passport (please be sure the image includes your entry stamp)
      • Passport biographical page
      • The DSO / PDSO will complete the SEVIS check–in after they meet with the student.
    • Attend Orientation - International Orientation is designed to support all new and transfer international students as they transition to life at SUNY Delhi. Our Orientation will highlight information not covered by other orientation programs on campus. International Orientation focuses on topics unique to the international student experience, ranging from immigration regulations, maintaining your F- 1 visa status, cultural adjustment, campus resources, health insurance requirements, local transit options, and other logistical support items.

      International Orientation is also a unique opportunity to connect with fellow students from all over the world, as well as the International Services Team who are here to support you! Should you have questions prior to your arrival in the U.S., please contact us at nochevgn@delhi.edu 
  3. International Student Health Insurance - International Students are automatically enrolled in the SUNY approved Health Insurance Program each semester. The enrollment cost is added to your tuition bill. After enrollment, you will receive an email from United Healthcare that includes coverage details, instructions on setting up an online account, how to access your membership ID card, and how to find health care providers. If you do not receive an email from United Health Care by the first day of classes, contact Galya Nocheva at nochevgn@delhi.edu
Questions?
Office of Admissions

118 Bush Hall