Visa Requirements

Prospective students who require student visas to study at Columbia must check the admissions requirements for their program of interest to determine visa eligibility. Many programs offered by the School of Continuing Education are structured as part-time programs for professionals; international students in these programs are not eligible for visas. Prospective students may apply for the F-1 visa up to 90 days before the beginning of the summer term, but may not enter the United States more than 30 days in advance. Citizens of Canada do not need visas to enter the U.S., but they do need to request F-1 status at the border.

If you are admitted to study at Columbia University and you are not a United States citizen or permanent resident, then you must be a full-time student at Columbia--registered for at least 12 points of credit-bearing courses a term--in order to be eligible for a student (F-1) visa. For summer study, you must register for a minimum of 6 points for a 6-week session or 12 points for the entire 12-week session. Students taking courses on a noncredit basis (such as noncredit foreign language courses or courses in the Auditing Program) are not eligible for F-1 status.

Eligible international students who wish to apply for an F-1 visa should do so immediately after they have received their letter of admission to the School of Continuing Education. This should be done by contacting the International Students and Scholars Office at Columbia (212-854-3587 or isso@columbia.edu) three months before the first day of class. Students will then be sent information about obtaining an F-1 visa. Once in the United States in F-1 status, students must register for a minimum of 12 points of credit-bearing courses at the beginning of the semester. Students attending the Summer Sessions must register for 6 points of classes for the 6-week session or 12 points for the entire 12-week  summer period. If a student neglects to do this, the student will be reported in violation of F-1 regulations to the United States Department of Homeland Security.

International students who require a student (F-1) visa to study at Columbia are required to pay an International Services fee. See Tuition and Fees for more information.

For questions about individual cases please contact:
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
212-854-3587
isso@columbia.edu
www.columbia.edu/cu/isso