Pre-Arrival Information for Incoming Students
Congratulations on your admission to Stony Brook University. Before you travel to the United States, you must complete several important steps to prepare for your arrival and maintain your immigration status.
Review the information below to learn how to request your immigration document, apply for your visa, arrange housing, and complete required health and check-in procedures.
1. Request Your Form I-20 or DS-2019
Once you have been admitted, Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will email you instructions on how to request your immigration document.
You must submit a request through the VIS system, accessVIS, to receive one of the following:
- Form I-20 for F-1 students
- Form DS-2019 for J-1 students
Follow the instructions in the email carefully and upload all required documents.
2. Review Your I-20 or DS-2019 for Accuracy
When you receive your Form I-20 or DS-2019, review the document carefully.
Confirm that the following information exactly matches your passport:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Program information
U.S. immigration records must follow specific SEVIS name standards. If any information is incorrect, contact Visa and Immigration Services immediately at vis@stonybrook.edu.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
After receiving your Stony Brook issued I-20 or DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. This is a mandatory one-time fee required by the U.S. government.
After payment:
- Print your SEVIS I-901 payment receipt.
- Keep this receipt with your immigration documents.
You must show the receipt when:
- Applying for your F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Entering the United States at a U.S. port of entry
4. Apply for Your F-1 or J-1 Visa
If you are outside the United States and do not already have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, you must apply for one at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Prepare the required documents and schedule a visa interview as early as possible. Visa appointment availability can vary by location.
Follow the university’s visa application guidance to prepare for your interview and ensure you bring all required documents.
5. Secure Housing
You should arrange housing before arriving in the United States. Housing options vary depending on your student category.
If you are a newly admitted summer or fall undergraduate student, you can apply for housing through the Campus Residences Housing Portal beginning in early April.
Spring students are assigned housing administratively based on availability and preferences in late December or early January.
Most graduate students live in Chapin Apartments or Schomburg Apartments.
Spring housing assignments are made by Campus Residences.
Fall and summer graduate students select their housing space in June.
Your housing assignment will be:
- Posted in SOLAR
- Sent to you by email
For more information, visit:
- Campus Residences for on-campus housing
- Commuter Student Services & Off Campus Living for apartment listings and local housing resources
6. Submit Immunization Records and Understand Health Insurance Requirements
All international students must have health insurance coverage while studying at Stony Brook University.
You will automatically be enrolled in the International Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and the cost will appear on your student account after you register for classes.
You must also submit required immunization records through the Health Portal. These records demonstrate compliance with New York State health laws.
If you do not submit the required immunization documents:
- A registration hold will be placed on your SOLAR account
- You will not be able to register for classes until the hold is removed
Visit Student Health Services for detailed instructions and frequently asked questions.
7. Complete the International Student Check-In
All international students must complete the International Student Check-In process in accessVIS when beginning a program at Stony Brook.
You must complete check-in if you are:
- Starting a new program
- Transferring your SEVIS record from another U.S. school
- Entering the United States with an initial I-20 or DS-2019
- Returning from a leave of absence
The check-in process is required to activate your SEVIS record and confirm your arrival in the United States.
The instructions differ slightly for F-1 and J-1 students. Follow the correct instructions for your visa category:
Complete this process as soon as you arrive to ensure your immigration record is properly registered.