International Student and Scholar Services

Accepted International Students:

I’m admitted, what are my next steps?

1. Complete your pre-registration steps!
   • Your pre-registration steps are outlined in your Welcome Packet Buffalo State University email. You must follow these steps to gain access to your Buffalo State email account, class registration, housing & meal options, and more.
2.  Schedule and prepare for your visa interview!
   • Students must schedule an interview with their respective United States Embassy or Consulate to be granted a F-1 or J-1 student visa. When attending the interview, please ensure you bring all required documentation. Checklist for F-1 visa and J-1 visa students.

   • Scheduling the visa interview can be intimidating! To make this process easier, please review our 10 Points To Remember When Applying For A Non-Immigrant Visa guide, in collaboration with the National Association for Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA), for helpful tips and tricks.

3. Course Registration!
   • Once you have submitted all appropriate health forms to the Weigel Health Center, you will be able to register for classes. If your academic advisor has not already reached out to you, please contact them and setup a meeting time to review class options for your first semester. Remember, international students are required to study full time (minimum of 12 credit hours).
4. Prepare for Move-In!
   • Residence Life has created a “What to Bring to Buffalo State” new student list. Please review the list for helpful recommendations and prohibited items for our Residence Halls.
     • To help keep track of your items, utilize our International Student Packing List.
     • Buffalo State understands that traveling with all your living supplies can be difficult; there will be numerous opportunities to shop while in the United States for any items unable to fly over with you.  
5. Make sure your documents are in order!
   • International Students will need to bring physical evidence for all documentation required at their port of entry. Please ensure all documentation is easily accessible for your border crossing.
     • International Students (Excluding Canada):
       • A signed copy of your I-20 or DS-2019.
       • A copy of your SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt. If you do not have a receipt, then you can print one here.
       • A copy of financial support proof to study abroad. This is what you provided during the international admission process to receive your I-20 or DS-2019.
       • A copy of your Buffalo State University acceptance letter.
       • Valid student visa.
       • Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future).
     • Canadian International Students:
       • A signed copy of your I-20 or DS-2019.
       • A copy of your SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt. If you do not have a receipt, then you can print one here.
       • A copy of financial support proof to study abroad. This is what you provided during the international admission process to receive your I-20 or DS-2019.
       • A copy of your Buffalo State University acceptance letter.
       • Valid Canadian passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future).
       • Proof of ties to Canada. This can be done through the copy of financial support proof and/or Canadian passport.
6. Arrive to campus!
   • Buffalo Niagara International Airport is just under 10 miles away from campus. Make sure when booking your flight, the airport code is BUF.
     • Please communicate your flight arrival time with our office so we are aware of when you enter the United States.
   • Buffalo State University offers one complimentary shuttle pickup at a designated time each semester. Please review Pre-Arrival & Orientation Information to be aware of the most up-to-date scheduled pickup window for international students.
     • Any student not arriving in the complimentary pickup window will need to make their own personal accommodations for transport.
     • Be aware that any student arriving earlier than the complimentary pickup window may not have access to their Residence Hall dorm room.
7. Attend the International Student Orientation!
   • We purposefully bring our international students to campus a few days early to allow you to settle in before the semester starts! We will be holding our international student orientation to help you get acquainted with campus, rules and regulations, and everything else you will need to have a great first semester! Please visit Pre-Arrival & Orientation Information for all orientation content.