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Getting Started

Prospective Students

Whether you're planning to apply as a first-time freshman, transfer student, or graduate student, this page will help you understand the steps to begin your journey at Hunter College. In order for you to be admitted to the United States as a student, you first need to receive official admission to a program of study, such as your letter of acceptance to Hunter College. Please review eligibility criteria and take a look at the International Admissions page to learn how to apply.

International Admissions
students with hunter hawk mascot
International Undergraduate Admission

For students who intend to apply for an F-1 student visa to pursue their bachelor's degree at Hunter College.

International Graduate Admission

For students who intend to apply for an F-1 student visa to pursue their Master's/Graduate degree at Hunter College.

Non-Degree/Visiting/Exchange Admission

Students on J-1/Visiting student visa looking to take a few courses, partake in ESL program, or participate in an exchange.

Newly Admitted Students

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

International students who have been admitted to Hunter College must request the Certificate of Eligibility (SEVIS Form I-20) before applying for the F-1 (Student Visa). Please follow the steps below:

  1. Apply for a passport from the appropriate office or government agency in your country.
    In some countries students may be required to show proof of acceptance in a U.S. college or university and an original SEVIS Form I-20 before a passport can be issued.
  2. Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn about the visa issuance process in your country and how to schedule an appointment for a visa interview.
  3. Undergraduate students must complete the application for the Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). Graduate students must complete a different Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) and return it with all the necessary financial documents to the International Students Office after you have received written confirmation of your acceptance to Hunter College.
  4. Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee before going to your F-1 visa application interview. You can pay the fee on the internet at www.FMJfee.com, by Western Union Quick Collect or by U.S. mail.
  5. Report to the International Student Office within 2 weeks of your arrival in the United States by filling in this check-in form (F-1 and J-1) Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor

Current Students

The International Students Office (ISO) offers guidance and support to all currently enrolled international students on matters related to immigration regulations. Students are encouraged to contact our office for information and assistance in the following areas:

  • Visa requirements and extensions (F1 & J1)
  • Employment options and authorization (CPT, OPT and on-campus employment)
  • Program Extension
  • Maintaining legal visa status
  • Change of Status
  • Inbound and outbound travel procedures
  • School transfers and SEVIS record updates
Our goal is to support international students in successfully navigating their academic and immigration responsibilities throughout their time at the institution.

current hunter student on skybridge

How to Maintain Your Student Status

Currently enrolled F-1 and J-1 students must become familiar with U.S. Immigration regulations on maintaining their legal status in the U.S. As a general rule, F-1 and J-1 students must observe the following U.S. Immigration regulations in order to maintain their legal status:

F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students must register for a minimum of 12 credits during the fall and spring semesters 9 enrollment in the winter and summer sessions are optional, not required) in order to remain in legal status in the U.S. Graduate students are permitted to enroll for a total 9 credits per semester.

U.S. Immigration regulations will allow F-1/J-1 students to register for less than a full course load under special circumstances. However, they must request permission through the Hunter College ISO and receive a Full-Time Certification Form signed by the International Student Advisor.

All F-1 and J-1 students must keep their SEVIS I-20 or form DS 2019 current at all times. Look at the program end date of your form to learn when it expires. You must request an extension before the expiration date in order to remain in legal F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S. F-1 and J-1 students must keep their passport expiration date valid at least 6 months into the future. Contact the ISO if you need information about extending your passport.

F-1 and J-1 students must receive permission from the Hunter College ISO or Immigration Services before they can engage in any type of employment in the U.S. Visit Employment Information to learn more about the working options available to F-1 and J-1 students in the U.S.

Current F-1 and J-1 students who wish to travel while in the U.S. must first request a signature on their SEVIS form I-20 or DS2019 from the International Student Adviser. To request a signature, students must bring their original SEVIS I-20 or DS2019 and complete a Travel Request Form.

Any time you move to a new address, you must report the change within 10 business days.

To update your U.S. address:

  • Log in to CUNYfirst and update your address
  • Complete the U.S. Change of Address Form

The International Students Office will then update your SEVIS record accordingly.

HUNTER

Hunter College
695 Park Ave NY, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

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