The International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) Office is here to help prepare you for your travel to the United States and your transition to life in the U.S.
The dates and other details listed are based on information available as of March 2024 and may change. For updated information, please take time to visit the ISSS website, found here: https://info.rpi.edu/isss.
Remember, you are REQUIRED as an F-1 student to check in with our office after you arrive in the U.S. via our Electronic Check-In process. You are also REQUIRED to complete the International Student Foundations program.
We look forward to meeting you and wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Troy!
- The Staff of International Services for Students and Scholars
Pre-Arrival Checklist
You must complete each of the following steps prior to your arrival in the U.S. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete each item.
What is SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, is a database used by the United States government to collect and monitor information about all international students and scholars who enter the U.S. on the F visa.
Your I-20 was created in SEVIS, and ISSS maintains your SEVIS record during your time at Rensselaer. To maintain your legal immigration status, all the information in your SEVIS record must be accurate and up to date.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
Payment of the SEVIS I-901 Fee is required. You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee at least three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You must bring proof of payment of the SEVIS fee with you to your visa appointment.
The SEVIS I-901 Fee is $350 for F-1 students.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S. but must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and present proof of this payment to the immigration inspector upon entry into the U.S..
Visa Information
All international students must obtain a passport and visa* to enter the United States. It is advised to apply for your visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country. For more information, please visit the website of your nearest U.S. Consulate found at: http://usembassy.gov/.
* A F-1 visa is not required for Canadian citizens with a valid passport.
If you have been accepted by more than one school, do not apply for a visa until you have decided which school you will attend. You must attend the school which issued you the Form I-20 you use to enter the U.S.
Transfer Students: If you are currently in F-1 status and are accepted to RPI, you may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record. Consult your Designated School Official at your current school for their transfer process. After your SEVIS record is transferred to RPI, you will receive a new I-20. You may transfer your SEVIS record if you are maintaining your F-1 status and will be continuing your education at Rensselaer.
Was Your Visa Denied? You should request a written reason for the denial. You can re-apply if denied, but should have new or updated evidence to overcome the denial. For more information on why you might be denied, see the common reasons from the Department of State (DOS): http://bit.ly/DOS-visadenial. If your visa is denied, please contact ISSS immediately.
Visa Instructions
First, please review all of the information on your I-20 to ensure that it is correct. The name on your I-20 must match your name as it appears in your passport. If there is an error, please contact the ISSS Office via email immediately at ISSSOffice@rpi.edu.
For the visa interview, please bring the following documents with you, along with any other documents your consulate or embassy requests:
- Complete visa application: Form DS-160
- Printed Form I-20 with your signature made by ink pen
- Acceptance letter from Rensselaer
- Valid Passport
- Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 Fee (from FMJfee website)
- Proof of financial support
- For more information for F-1 visa: http://bit.ly/SITS-F1-visaguidance
IMPORTANT
- You MUST attend the school which issued you the Form I-20 you use to enter the U.S.
- F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to, but no more than, 30 days prior to the start date listed on your Form I-20.
- Applicants should be aware that certain disciplines are considered “sensitive” by the State Department. If your area of study or research is considered “sensitive,” you may be subject to additional procedures during the visa application process.
- For more information, please visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students
Image Credit: Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash
Arrival: Port of Entry
When you enter the U.S., you will go through primary inspection with an officer from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You need to provide them your documentation in order to enter the U.S. – your passport, visa, printed copy of I-20 with your signature in ink, proof of finances, and proof you paid the SEVIS I-901 Fee. DO NOT pack any of these items in your checked baggage.
After you provide your documents, the CBP Officer may stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Then they will return your documents to you. Review your documents carefully. If there are any errors ask them to be corrected there. This is your responsibility.
The CBP Officer may place a stamp in your passport [often located on the page across from the F-1 visa] and write in ‘F-1’ and ‘D/S’ [Duration of Status].
If you are stopped at the border or denied entry, please contact the ISSS Office for assistance.
- During normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM -5:00 PM), please contact ISSS by phone at +1-518-276-4966.
- During nights or weekends, please contact Rensselaer’s Public Safety Office by phone at +1-518-276-6656, and they will help connect you to a representative from our office.
Image Credit: Hanson Lu on Unsplash
Your I-94 Record
The I-94 Record is proof of legal entry to the U.S. The Most Recent I-94 Record is a record of your most recent entry. The I-94 is digital and can be accessed online at: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov. There is also an Event History that keeps track of your arrival and departure to the U.S.
It is important to make sure that the information of your arrival is correct. This includes your “Class of Admission” (F-1), your “Admit Until Date” (D/S, or Duration of Status), and other identifying information (Name, Passport Number, Country of Issuance, Date of Entry).
If you are incorrectly admitted into the U.S., this could cause you serious problems and result in a loss of your status. Check your Most Recent I-94 Record after you enter the U.S. and inform ISSS immediately if anything is incorrect.
Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for making all of your travel arrangements. Please make these arrangements in advance to find the most affordable prices.
The nearest airport to RPI is the Albany International Airport (ALB), which is approximately 15 minutes from campus: http://www.albanyairport.com/.
Other major airports in New York State are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - www.jfkairport.com - and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - www.laguardiaairport.com. If arriving at either of these airports, there is a company which provides shuttle service between either JFK/LGA and Albany called Premiere Transportation. You can find more information here: https://ridepremiere.com/airport-shuttle.
Other majors airports within 1-2 states of New York include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey - www.newarkairport.com, Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut - www.bradleyairport.com, and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Massachusetts - www.massport.com/logan-airport/.
There are a number of coach bus services from New York City and Boston to Albany, including:
- Greyhound - greyhound.com/north
- Megabus - us.megabus.com
- OurBus - https://www.ourbus.com/
- Peter Pan bus lines - peterpanbus.com/
- Trailways - trailwaysny.com/
Amtrak is a national train service. The nearest station is the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, which is approximately 15 minutes by car from campus. Please be sure to review baggage regulations before travelling: www.amtrak.com.
Car Service: Taxi - A taxi from the Albany International Airport or the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station to Rensselaer costs approximately $45. Carry a few extra dollars to tip the driver for your baggage. Always verify the total cost of your taxi before you go anywhere. If traveling in a group, make sure that you are not being overcharged for each additional person.
Car Service: Ride Share Apps - There are two major services in upstate NY where you can use an app to hail a driver: Lyft or Uber. Both services require you to use your cell phone to request a driver and permit you to enter your final destination. There also may be surcharges if you are picked up at the airport or the train station.
Where to go on campus - The main address for the campus is 110 8th Street, Troy, NY -- but this might not be the best place to get dropped off with your luggage, as it is at the bottom of the hill.
Find out where you need to go in advance - to pick up a room key at Student Living and Learning or to go directly to a building for orientation - so that you don't have to walk uphill and carry your luggage.
If you are living on campus, please pay attention to emails from the First Year Experience Office and Student Living and Learning, as these will provide information about how and when to pick up your keys to your living space.
Use the Rensselaer Campus Map to find a building on campus: bit.ly/RPI-campusmap
Image Credit: Eric Nopanen on Unsplash
International Student Foundations
You are required to complete an online International Student Foundations program for all new international students.
The mandatory program will be available in a link sent to your RPI email account in early August 2024, and must be completed by August 28, 2024.
For updates, see https://info.rpi.edu/isss/new-f1-students.
This program will feature important information about your time at RPI, especially your immigration status and obligations as an international student in the United States.
All new undergraduate students must also participate in the First Year Experience (FYE) Orientation. Find more details here: https://success.studentlife.rpi.edu/welcome-rensselaer
Check-In with ISSS
Immigration regulations require you to check-in with your Designated School Official (DSO) to maintain your immigration status. All new international students and scholars are required to complete an Electronic Check-In with ISSS after arrival to the U.S..
This will require you to provide your U.S. address, upload copies of your immigration documents, emergency contact information, and more.
The mandatory Electronic Check-In will be available in a link sent to your RPI email account in mid August 2024, and must be completed by August 28, 2024.
Electronic Check-In is through a system called Terra Dotta. ISSS will send you an email link to your RPI email account to log in and provide you with access to the Electronic Check-In site.
International Student Welcome
ISSS holds our International Student Welcome program as an opportunity for new international students to get to know each other and make new connections, as well as meet the ISSS staff. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date! Monday, August 26th in the morning
More information will be available here: https://info.rpi.edu/isss/new-f1-students/#AfterYouArrive
Health Services Requirements
You must submit your medical forms to the Student Health Center by registering for the Student Health Center Portal. Please follow these steps:
- Go to: studenthealth.rpi.edu/student-health-services/new-student-health-requirements
- Complete all required items listed here.
F-1 Insurance Requirements: All F-1 international students must purchase Rensselaer’s health insurance unless you can prove that comparable health insurance coverage from your home country matches Rensselaer’s insurance and is accepted in New York state. If you have equivalent coverage, Rensselaer’s insurance fee may be waived, but you will be required to pay the health service fee.
Image Credit: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash
Housing Accommodations
On Campus Housing: Rensselaer encourages international students to reside on campus for your first year to help you become accustomed to American culture and learn about the services that are available to you both on and off campus.
Benefits of on-campus housing include:
- Convenient access to academic facilities
- Furnished rooms
- Utilities are included (heat, electricity, water, internet service, television and phone)
- Close proximity to athletic and recreational facilities
- No deposit required; room charges will be included in your Rensselaer student bill
For more information regarding on-campus housing, see: sll.rpi.edu/
On-campus housing is coordinated through Student Living and Learning Office at Rensselaer. It is assigned on a space-available basis and is only guaranteed for freshmen students.
The date when you can move in on campus will be provided to you either by the Office of First Year Experience (FYE) or Student Living and Learning (SLL).
Off Campus Housing: You should be prepared to pay a deposit and perhaps buy or rent furniture and household items. Do not sign any lease or contract for off-campus housing unless you fully understand the terms of the lease. Leases or contracts cannot be broken without financial loss to you.
This website contains listings of current off-campus accommodations: https://www.places4students.com/Places/School?SchoolID=bIVyT7VBBdc%3D
Image Credit: Brandon Griggs on Unsplash
Financial Arrangements
Upon arrival, you will need to use cash for a variety of important things, such as taxi transportation. It is important that you have U.S. currency available for these transactions. Money is often given in large units, such as $20 bills. When exchanging money, be sure to ask for some smaller bills, such as $5 and $10 bills.
As a precaution, we recommend you have easy access to enough money to last a month upon arrival. If you are being financed by your home country, or another source that is not personal funds, the deposit time can be lengthy.
Make sure to inform banks and credit card companies that you are planning to study outside of the country. They may deactivate your cards when they see suspicious charges.
If you do not have a bank account with a bank that is international it is important to inquire about fees for withdrawing money in the U.S.. Be sure to find out what conversion fees, if any, are involved. Many credit card companies often charge “Foreign Transaction Fees” or “International Transaction Fees”. It is important to inquire about these fees prior to leaving to avoid charges for using a credit card.
Paying your Rensselaer Bill
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has partnered with Flywire to make international student payment simple and easy. You can find more information on their website: https://flywire.com/school/rpi
Please do not forward as payment more than one semester’s cost of attendance each semester. For information about the Bursar’s Office, see their website: http://bursar.rpi.edu
Banks
For a list of banks and credit unions that are near to campus, see this listing from Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Banks+%26+Credit+Unions&find_loc=Troy%2C+NY&ns=1
You may be asked to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) when trying to open a bank account. If you are a new student and do not have an on-campus job, you are not eligible to apply for a SSN. In that case, ask the bank what other documentation they need from you in order to open an account.
Cell Phones
ISSS partners with a cell phone provider called StudentSIMS to offer you a free SIM card and plans with low rates. You can find out more about this company and the plans they offer here: https://studentsims.com/rpi/
A great benefit to this is that you can order the free SIM card and have it shipped to you directly -- wherever you are, free of charge -- so that when you land and step off the plane, you can already have the SIM card ready and activated.
Image Credit: Jason Leung on Unsplash
Helpful Tips
Things To Do
- Make sure you have access to at least one month’s worth of money for initial expenses. You should also bring some smaller U.S. currency for food and taxi services upon arrival.
- Complete International Student Foundations program by the August 28th deadline.
- Mark all of your bags with your name and Rensselaer’s address.
- Know the address of your final destination after you get to the Troy area.
- Plan to complete Electronic Check-In by the August 28th deadline.
- Get excited to join the Rensselaer community!
- Set up your RCS account to access your RPI email and access the WiFi on campus.
- Check your RPI email account regularly.
Things to Avoid
- Bring electrical appliances. U.S. domestic voltage levels and outlets may not be compatible with those at home.
- Bring food. Most foreign foods are available in specialty stores in this area or in New York City. Some foods cannot be brought into the U.S. legally.
- Bring household items or bed linens, which are easily and inexpensively available in the U.S.
- Sending/shipping additional baggage to Rensselaer. The campus cannot accommodate luggage.
Important Phone Numbers
- International Services for Students and Scholars: +1 (518) 276-4966
- Undergraduate Admissions: +1 (518) 276-6216
- First Year Experience: +1 (518) 276-6864
- Student Living & Learning: +1 (518) 276-6284
- Bursar’s Office: +1 (518) 276-6610
- Student Health Services: +1 (518) 276-6287
- Rensselaer Public Safety (non-emergency): +1 (518) 276-6656
Rensselaer Public Safety (emergency): +1 (518) 276-6611
Image Credit: Jason Leung on Unsplash