Frequently Asked Questions for Newly Admitted Students
ISSO is here to support you. We have collected the frequently asked questions listed below for your reference. Additional information is available on this site, and ISSO advisers are always available to assist you with your questions.
Entering the U.S.
You can enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019. Refer to the Earliest Admission Date listed on your I-20 or item 3 on your DS-2019.
Please find details here: Entering the U.S. (Students)
You should have the following documents in your hand (and not packed in a suitcase) for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to review:
- Unexpired Passport
- Valid and Unexpired Visa
- Columbia I-20 or DS-2019
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Funding documents (used for your I-20/DS-2019 application, if requested)
Note: Citizens of Canada or Bermuda are not required to obtain an entry visa, but are still required to present the Columbia I-20 or DS-2019, and the other documents listed above.
Please find details here: Entering the U.S. (Students)
The CBP Officer will review your entry documents and ask you a few questions about your purpose for visiting the U.S. Review information on what to expect upon entering the U.S.
If the CBP officer needs more information to process your admission into the U.S., they may contact Columbia Public Safety, who will then reach out to ISSO for assistance.
For reference, Columbia University Public Safety contact information:
- Morningside Campus: (212) 854-5555
- CUIMC Campus: (212) 305-7979
You are required to report your arrival to ISSO by using Compass, within a week of your entry, so that we can activate your SEVIS record. You must report your arrival to the ISSO if you are:
- a new student with a Columbia I-20/DS-2019 who arrived in the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status.
- a new student with a Columbia I-20 who transferred your SEVIS record from another U.S. school.
- returning from a leave of absence with a new I-20/DS-2019.
- re-entering the U.S. with a new Columbia I-20/DS-2019, to regain student status.
Transfer Students
If you have been issued a Columbia Transfer I-20, you can return to the U.S. with your I-20 anytime before your program begins.
Please find details here: Visa and Travel Information for Transfer Students
If you have a valid and unexpired F-1 visa in your passport, you do not need to apply for a new visa. You can enter the U.S. with your Columbia Transfer I-20 and existing F-1 visa, even if it lists the name of another institution.
Please find details here: About Your Visa
Arrival Delays
If you expect to arrive after your program start date, please inform your academic department or admissions office and confirm the latest possible arrival date that would allow you to begin your program. Once confirmed, please notify ISSO. If you cannot arrive within 30 days after the semester begins, please contact both your academic department and ISSO to discuss your situation and find the best option for you.
If you are unable to obtain a visa or will arrive later than your program allows, you should contact your academic department or admissions office to request information on your options for attending at a later time.
If your academic department approves your request to start your program during a later term, ISSO must change the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please notify ISSO so that we can update your documents accordingly. You will not need to pay the Processing Fee again. If you do not yet have an I-20 or DS-2019 and you will be arriving at a later time, you should apply for your documents 3-4 months before you plan to arrive.
Yes, you may use your current I-20/DS-2019 to obtain your visa. Your visa will remain valid until its expiration date, even if your I-20/DS-2019 dates change. Report your change of arrival plans to ISSO to obtain an updated I-20/DS-2019.
CPT/OPT Eligibility
You must be enrolled in a full-time degree or qualifying certificate program, and in active F-1 status for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters).
You must arrive in the U.S. within 30 days from the start of classes during your first semester for that term to count toward practical training eligibility.
Contact Us
ISSO advisers are here to help. You can email us at the email addresses below:
- Morningside: [email protected]
- CUIMC: [email protected]
If you would like to speak to an ISSO adviser on the phone, call us during our office hours at 1-212-854-3587. Phones open seven days a week: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM ET; Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 4 PM ET.
You can also book an appointment to discuss a question with an adviser Monday to Friday. You may book an appointment for in-person or Zoom advising sessions. Our appointments are released 3 days in advance of appointment times.