Admissions & Visa Guide

Admission requirements vary by institution, program level, and student type. Each university establishes its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Common application components include academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.

Students should consult individual university admissions offices for specific requirements, deadlines, and application procedures. Links to admissions offices are provided in the Universities Directory.

International students planning to study in the United States must obtain the appropriate visa authorization before entering the country.

The two primary visa categories for international students are:

Official Resource: U.S. Department of State — Student Visas

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a U.S. government database that tracks international students and exchange visitors.

I-20 Form

The Form I-20 is issued by the university after admission and serves as official documentation that you have been accepted for full-time study. This form is required to apply for an F-1 visa.

SEVIS Fee

International students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa. The current fee for F-1 students is $350.

Official Resource: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — SEVIS

International students must maintain their legal immigration status throughout their time in the United States. Failure to comply with visa regulations can result in loss of status and potential removal from the country.

Key Requirements

• Maintain full-time enrollment as defined by the institution
• Make satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion
• Report changes of address to the university within 10 days
• Obtain authorization before engaging in employment
• Maintain valid passport (at least 6 months validity recommended)
• Keep I-20 form current and updated by the university

Employment Restrictions

F-1 students are generally limited to on-campus employment during their first academic year. Off-campus employment requires specific authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs.

Official Resource: U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Study in the States

Each university in New Jersey maintains an international student office (often called International Student Services, Office of International Affairs, or similar) that provides support for visa processing, orientation, and compliance.

Services Typically Provided

• I-20 and visa document issuance
• Immigration advising and compliance support
• International student orientation programs
• Work authorization guidance (OPT, CPT)
• Travel signature endorsements
• Cultural adjustment support

Example International Offices

• Johns Hopkins University — International Services
• University of New Jersey — International Student & Scholar Services
• UMBC — International Education Services

Contact information for additional university international offices is available in the Universities Directory.

The following U.S. government agencies provide authoritative information on student visas and immigration procedures:

• U.S. Department of State — Student Visas

  Official information on visa types, application procedures, and interview processes

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — SEVIS

  SEVIS system information, I-901 fee payment, and compliance resources

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Study in the States

  Guidance for international students on maintaining status and understanding regulations

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Students and Exchange Visitors

  Information on work authorization, OPT, CPT, and extensions of stay

Use planning tools including an international student preparation checklist, deadline tracker, and cost estimator to help organize your application process.