Changes to Your Arrival Plans

Graduate and Professional Students

If your arrival plans change, first consult your academic department to determine which options may be available.

You must also notify Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) so your immigration record can be updated.

I NEED TO ARRIVE AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

Late Arrival Permission

If you plan to arrive after the start of classes, you must submit the Late Arrival for Graduate Students request in accessVIS. Once submitted, an automated email will be sent to your GPC/GPD for approval.

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

Important:

• 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.
• You must still complete the International Student Check-In in accessVIS even if you arrive late.
• On Campus Housing: If you have on-campus housing and will arrive after your assigned check-in, you must complete the Late Arrival Request Form on the Housing Portal’s Assignment Confirmation page to keep your housing assignment.
  
  
  

I WANT TO DEFER MY ADMISSION

Admission Deferral

If you’re unable to begin your studies the semester in which you are admitted, you may request a deferral through your academic department.

Steps

1. Request a deferral through your academic department. 

2. Notify VIS by submitting the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so your SEVIS record and immigration documents can be updated, if necessary.

Key information:

• Deferrals may be granted for up to one year and are subject to departmental approval.

• If you have already used up your one year deferral, requests for a deferral extension may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If approved by the department and the Graduate School, additional information or forms may be required. 

If approved:

• The Graduate School will issue a new admission offer

• VIS must update your immigration record
  
  
  

I WANT TO START MY STUDIES ONLINE AND DELAY MY ARRIVAL UNTIL NEXT SEMESTER

F-1/J-1 Program & Arrival Deferral with Remote Start

Some master's students may be eligible to begin their program remotely from outside the U.S. while deferring their F-1 program start to a later semester. This option allows you to start your studies at Stony Brook University and gain additional time to secure your visa before entering the U.S. in F-1 status.

Please note: This option is not available to doctoral/Ph.D. students.

What to know:

• This option requires approval from your academic department and the Office of Research Security.
• Online course availability and U.S. export control regulations may impact eligibility.
• VIS cannot determine eligibility but must be informed of your plans.

Steps:

Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so your SEVIS record and Form I-20/DS-2019 can be updated.

I NO LONGER PLAN TO ATTEND SBU

Admission Withdrawal

If you decide not to attend Stony Brook University, please:

1. Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS.
2. Notify your academic department directly to complete the official withdrawal process.

Important: You must officially withdraw from courses. Not attending class does not cancel your enrollment or tuition charges.

• If withdrawing before the first day of classes, you will drop your classes in SOLAR.
• If withdrawing after the first day, a withdrawal form is required.

Intensive English Training (IEC / IEC-UP)

If your travel plans change, review the options below and notify both the Intensive English Center and Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

I NEED TO ARRIVE AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

Late Arrival Permission

If you plan to arrive after the start of classes, you must submit the Late Arrival for Undergraduates/IEC request in accessVIS. Once submitted, an automated email will be sent to the Intensive English Center (IEC) for approval. 

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

Important:

• 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.
• You must still complete the International Student Check-In in accessVIS even if you arrive late.
• On Campus Housing: If you have on-campus housing and will arrive after your assigned check-in, you must complete the Late Arrival Request Form on the Housing Portal’s Assignment Confirmation page to keep your housing assignment.
  
  
  

I WANT TO DEFER MY ADMISSION

Admission Deferral

If you’re unable to begin your studies in the semester for which you were admitted, you may request a deferral through the Intensive English Center by emailing iec@stonybrook.edu.

Key points: 

• Deferrals may be granted for up to one year and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require approval.
• If approved, the IEC will issue a new offer of admission for the updated semester.
  VIS does not approve deferrals but must be notified.
• To notify VIS, submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so we can update your SEVIS record and documents accordingly.
  
  
  

I WANT TO DEFER MY ADMISSION

Admission Withdrawal

If you no longer plan to attend the IEC at Stony Brook University, please:

1. Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS.
2. Notify the IEC by emailing iec@stonybrook.edu if withdrawing before the first day of classes.
3. If withdrawing after the first day of classes, and you are registered for classes, submit the Intensive English Non-Matriculated Program Withdrawal Form to the  Intensive English Center.

Important: You must officially withdraw from courses. Not attending class does not cancel your enrollment or tuition charges.