Late Arrival

• Overview

  As an international student seeking F-1 or J-1 student status, it is important to note that students are only permitted to request entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019.

  We strongly recommend arriving in the U.S. before the start of classes to ensure a smooth transition and enhance your chances of academic success. However, we recognize that unexpected situations, such as travel difficulties and visa delays, can occasionally disrupt your plans. If you anticipate arriving in the U.S. after the first day of classes, please review the process for requesting a late arrival support letter.

  Please note that the late arrival support letter is provided to facilitate your entry into the U.S. However, this letter does not guarantee entry, as all students are expected to arrive by the program start date specified on their I-20 or DS-2019.

  Late Arrival for Undergraduate Students

  Late Arrival for Graduate Students

• Undergraduate Students

  
  Late Arrival for Undergraduate Students

  While we strongly recommend arriving before the start of classes to set yourself up for academic success, we understand that unforeseen situations, such as travel issues and visa delays, may sometimes disrupt your plans. If you anticipate arriving in the U.S. after the first day of classes, please take note of the following steps.

  Students who attempt to enter the U.S. after the start of classes, without prior approval from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS), do so at their own risk.

  Students admitted for Fall may initiate the Late Arrival process starting on August 1. For those admitted for Spring, the request can be initiated beginning on January 1.

  Late Arrival Permission

  If you anticipate that you will be unable to arrive in the United States by the first day of classes, you must submit the "Late Arrival for Undergraduates" request in accessVIS. Upon submission an automated email will be sent to your general advising unit for review of your requested late arrival date. Only those who have completed all registration and advising checklist items within the StartSBU Portal will be considered for late arrival.

  If approved, a remark will be entered in SEVIS regarding your late arrival, and a support letter will be issued.

  It is important to note that while the late arrival support letter aims to facilitate your entry into the U.S., it does not guarantee entry, as all students are expected to arrive by the program start date specified on their I-20 or DS-2019.

  Requests to arrive after the first day of the second week of classes will not be approved.

  Students unable to arrive by the first day of classes and who are not eligible for late arrival will be advised to consider requesting an admission deferral to a future term.

  GUIDELINES FOR LATE ARRIVAL

  In the event that you need to arrive late, it is essential that you take the following actions:

  1. Complete Registration and Advising Checklist: Make sure to finish all checklist items in your StartSBU Portal to be considered for late arrival.
  2. Full-Time Enrollment: Verify you're enrolled in a full-time course load. For F-1 students pursuing a bachelor's degree, this means you will be required to enroll in and complete a minimum 12 credits, of which 9 credits must be in-person/hybrid. 
  3. New Student & Transition Programs: If you are a first-year or a transfer student, it is essential to contact the Office of New Student & Transition Programs at (631) 632-6710 or email them at orientationoffice@stonybrook.edu to inform them of your late arrival and request information on how to make up any missed orientation activities.
  4. Campus Residences: If you have secured on-campus housing but anticipate arriving after the start of classes, you must request a late check-in. For more details and to initiate this process, please visit the Campus Residences website by clicking here.
• Graduate/Professional Students

  
  Late Arrival for Graduate Students

  While we strongly recommend arriving before the start of classes to set yourself up for academic success, we understand that unforeseen situations, such as travel issues and visa delays, may sometimes disrupt your plans. If you anticipate arriving in the U.S. after the first day of classes, please take note of the following steps.

  Students who attempt to enter the U.S. after the start of classes without prior approval from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) do so at their own risk.

  Late Arrival Permission

  If you anticipate that you will be unable to arrive in the United States by the first day of classes, you must submit the "Late Arrival for Graduate Students" request in accessVIS. Upon submission of the request, an automated email will be sent to your GPC/GPD to request confirmation of your approved late arrival date.

  If approved, a remark will be entered in SEVIS regarding your late arrival, and a support letter will be issued.

  It is important to note that while the late arrival support letter aims to facilitate your entry into the U.S., it does not guarantee entry, as all students are expected to arrive by the program start date specified on their I-20 or DS-2019.

  Students unable to arrive by the first day of classes and who are not eligible for late arrival will be advised to consider requesting an admission deferral to a future term.

  GUIDELINES FOR LATE ARRIVAL

  
  

  In the event that you need to arrive late, it is essential that you take the following actions:

  1. Full-Time Enrollment: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are enrolled in a full-time course load. For F-1 students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, this means you will be required to enroll in and complete a minimum 9 credits, of which 6 credits must be in-person/hybrid.
  2. Campus Residences: If you have secured on-campus housing but anticipate arriving after the start of classes, you must request a late check-in. For more details and to initiate this process, please visit the Campus Residences website by clicking here.