International Students
The Office of Global Learning has created an FAQ to help address many questions that international students and scholars may have. Advising staff is also available remotely to support Cornell's international community and campus partners. Email international@cornell.edu for most questions and services, including CPT, OPT, tax questions and extensions, or call 607-255-5243 during regular business hours for urgent advising questions. Cornell Tech students should continue to work with Cornell Tech Student Services during office hours or by email at studentservices@tech.cornell.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I get my visa after the start of the semester, can I come to campus—as late as the middle of the semester?
New international students who plan to come to campus may not enroll in a 100% online course schedule. You will need to obtain an F-1 visa and arrive in Ithaca no later than Oct. 5 to begin a quarantine period and/or testing before joining classes. If you plan to arrive in the U.S. after the start of the fall semester (Sept. 2), please check with your academic department or college advising office to confirm that you can participate in at least one hybrid class with an in-person component before finalizing your travel arrangements.
Students who are unable to obtain an F-1 visa and arrive before Oct. 5 will typically need to complete the fall semester remotely. We will work with you to update the program start date on your I-20 form for a spring semester arrival in January. Graduate students, please contact your graduate field or program to confirm your fall enrollment plans. Undergraduate and professional students please contact International Services. For those hoping to arrive for the fall semester after Oct. 5, we have created a late arrival request form. You will have to have a confirmed visa appointment in order to complete the form.
Students who are unable to get to campus by Oct. 5 can contact abroad@cornell.edu about the possibility of late enrollment in a Study Away site (options are limited).
Note: Does not apply to Cornell Tech students; Cornell Law students must arrive by Oct. 2.
What if I start the fall 2020 semester under the hybrid model, but classes move online during the semester?
According to the July 24 ICE guidance, students pursuing studies in the fall 2020 school term will be able to continue study in the U.S. if their university shifts to online instruction due to the pandemic. If you choose to go home mid-semester, maintaining full enrollment in your online classes will maintain your SEVIS record.
If I transfer my SEVIS record to Cornell for fall 2020, will I be considered a continuing or new student?
If you're already in the U.S., or if you enter the U.S. and check in with International Services, you are considered a continuing student in SEVIS. If you're outside of the U.S. for the fall 2020 semester, your SEVIS record will remain in initial status, and you are considered a new student in SEVIS. There may be an impact to your SEVIS record if you are unable to check in. Contact us if you are transferring, and you are not in the U.S.