Current Students

ISSS Summer Hours (5/12/25 – 8/1/25):

• Open: Mon, Tue, Thu: 8:30am–5:00pm | Fri: 8:30am–12:00pm (remote only)
• Closed: Wednesdays (for processing and team meetings)

Advising & Support:
Watch our short video tutorial to explore advising options. ISSS staff are available to answer any questions, and to connect students with appropriate campus and community resources. International student advisers advise international students on immigration, personal, social, and cultural matters during their time here at Rutgers.

Processing Time:
Due to high request volume, response times may be delayed. Requests will be processed within approximately 7 business days. Thank you for your patience.

Summer QQA Hours (ET)

• Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:30–11:30 AM & 1:30–3:30 PM
• Fri: 9:30–11:30 AM

Quick Question Advising (QQA):

• For brief questions (5–10 mins), like “How do I apply for a Social Security Number?” For longer questions, please schedule an appointment with an International Student Adviser.
• No appointment needed—join via Zoom during QQA hours. A staff member will assist you as soon as possible. If you can't join, the session may be full or near closing with a queue of students already waiting.
• Zoom password: ISSSQQA

Appointment Booking Tips:

• Choose from in-person or remote advising appointments.
• Rutgers operates in Eastern Time (ET)—please check your time zone when booking.
• Appointments are available 14 days in advance and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead.
• No slots showing? Check back the next day for new availability.

Rutgers—New Brunswick:

• Phone Number: 848-932-7015
• Email: isss-students@global.rutgers.edu
• Address: 180 College Ave. New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Rutgers Health: 

• Phone Number: 973-972-6138
• Email: isss-students@global.rutgers.edu
• Address: 65 Bergen St. Newark, NJ  07101

Rutgers Police non-emergency numbers if you are having issues at the border/airport: 

• Rutgers University—Camden: (856) 225-6111
• Biomedical and Health Sciences at Newark: (973) 972-4491
• Rutgers University—Newark: (973) 353-5111
• Rutgers University—New Brunswick: (732) 932-7211

Study for programs offering credit

• Undergraduate students at Rutgers- New Brunswick: 12 credits minimum, at least 9 of your credits must be for in-person or blended (hybrid) courses.
• Graduate students at Rutgers- New Brunswick: 9 credits minimum , At least 6 of your credits must be for in-person or blended (hybrid) courses.
• For Rutgers Health programs in Piscataway and Newark please see this chart for full course of study requirement.

This means that undergraduate students may count no more than 3 credits of online coursework toward the 12-credit full-time coursework requirement, and graduate students may count no more than 3 credits of online coursework toward the 9-credit full-time coursework requirement. Hybrid courses may count as in-person classes.

Study for NON-DEGREE that do not offer credit

• 18 clock hours per week if mostly classroom work
• 22 clock hours per week if mostly laboratory work

A full course of study for non-degree programs offering a combination of credit and non-credit study (such as a program with a combination of for-credit academic coursework and non-credit language education) is calculated as a percentage, adding up to 100 percent: 

-- For undergraduates, each credit is worth 8.333 percent; each hour of classroom instruction if 5.555 percent; and each hour of laboratory work is 4.545 percent. Using these figures, you will see that a combined program of nine clock hours of instruction and six credits of academic coursework will equal 100 percent.

-- For graduates, each credit is worth 11.1 percent of the 100 percent total; each hour of classroom instruction if 5.555 percent; and each hour of laboratory work is 4.545 percent. Using these figures, you will see that a combined program of six clock hours of instruction and six credits of academic coursework will equal 100 percent. 

There are certain circumstances when a student can maintain legal status even if you are not registered for a full course of study as defined above. To be approved for a reduced credit load, review and follow the reduced credit load procedure. 

Online course enrollment is restricted for F-1 and J-1 students. Note that F-1 and J-1 students can never enroll in all online courses during a required semester and still maintain their immigration status. 

In some cases, it may be possible for a student to be enrolled while conducting fieldwork abroad, if they develop a plan with their academic unit to report in person. Visit our Doing Research or Studying Abroad content below for more information about these options.

Please read below for full details.

Fall and Spring Semester Enrollment

F-1 and J-1 students - Only one online (3-credit maximum) course will count toward your enrollment requirement during the fall and spring semesters.

• Undergraduate students: 12 credits are required; therefore 9 credits must be traditional, on-campus courses.
• Graduate Students: 9 credits are required; therefore 6 credits must be traditional, on-campus courses.
• Hybrid courses (with an in-person requirement, meeting face-to-face in a classroom) do not count as online courses since students are expected to actively participate in any in-person components.

Summer Enrollment

Continuing F-1 and J-1 students can enroll in online courses during summer IF:

• The student has been enrolled in at least the preceding spring semester full-time at Rutgers University AND
• The student will be enrolled in courses during the next fall semester full-time at Rutgers University

Summer term is a vacation period, and therefore it is optional for most continuing students. For new student limits, please see below.

Final term of Study (Fall, Spring, and Summer)

If an F-1 or J-1 student needs only one course to complete the program of study and the student intends to remain in the US, that course must be in a traditional on-campus format. This will allow the student to maintain their visa status and be eligible to apply for post-degree work opportunities if they choose to do so.

If an F-1 or J-1 student chooses to take online courses during their final semester, that student must contact Rutgers Global - ISSS, complete the leave of absence procedure specific to their school/department, and depart the US. In this case, a student will no longer be eligible for work authorizations such as Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1).

Impact on Post-degree Work Authorization (OPT and AT)

If an F-1 or J-1 student wants to be eligible to participate in post-degree completion work opportunities such as Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1), the student’s final degree requirements must be taken in a traditional on-campus course.

Continuing students are not required to enroll during summer, and there is no full course of study minimum for the summer session.

New initial and readmitted degree-seeking students starting their program during the summer MUST enroll full-time (as determined by their academic program/school) and based on their session(s) of enrollment in the summer, and must take the necessary amount of in-person courses. Visit Important Dates and Deadlines | NB Summer Winter Sessions for more information about these options.

Rutgers has two summer sessions, and the full course of study requirement is calculated based on the student's program start date. The final determination of how many credits meets the full time requirement based on the student's start date is made by the academic program/school in consultation with ISSS.

Example 1: Full-time enrollment for the full summer session is 6 credits for undergraduate students and 4.5 credits for graduate students, unless otherwise determined by their program/school.

Example 2: Full-time enrollment for undergraduate students starting in the second summer session may be 3 credits. This could also change based on specific program requirements. 

Example 3: Non-coursework degree requirements such as projects or research may also be considered in determining the full course of study requirement.

All non-degree summer students are required to pursue a full course of study. Students are required to register for a minimum of one credit per week or follow the full time requirements outlined above. 

Visiting summer students with a non-Rutgers I-20 or DS-2019 (excluding transfer students) may choose to enroll full-time or part-time during the summer semester, provided they gain permission from the school sponsoring their visa.

F-1 students are eligible for simultaneous (concurrent) enrollment with a combination of courses at Rutgers University (RU) and another college or university, only if approved by Rutgers Global - ISSS. Source: 8CFR:214.2[f][6][iv]

• Students must be registered for at least one credit at RU during all terms including the final term
• Students who wish to be admitted, enroll, and go to classes full time at an institution other than RU need to request a transfer to the new institution.

Eligibility Requirements
An F-1 student at RU may apply to enroll concurrently at RU and another SEVIS-approved school provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• The combined credits for which the student is enrolled are the equivalent of a full course of study (i.e., undergraduates = 12 credits, graduates = 9 credits).
• The student must be enrolled (i.e. taking classes) at RU. RU must issue and maintain the SEVIS I-20, handle all SEVIS reporting requirements, and ensure that the student is pursuing a full course of study.
• The student has permission from an international student advisor to concurrently enroll with RU and another institution.

Course work at the other school may not be vocational and must be accepted as credits transferable to RU as degree credits. This must be confirmed via e-form from your academic official:

• Undergraduate students: Your academic official is your academic dean/advisor.
• Graduate students: Your academic official is your graduate program director.
• Rutgers Health students: Your academic official is your Registrar.

The Rutgers Global - ISSS will issue a new I-20 documenting the concurrent enrollment, based on evidence that the student's enrollment in both institutions is the equivalent of a full course of study (i.e., undergraduates = 12 credits, graduates = 9 credits).
The name of the other concurrent school where you are enrolled must be clearly recorded in the remarks section (page 1, item 9) of your I-20.

How to Apply for Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment is approved one term at a time. This procedure must be followed for each term of concurrent enrollment.

1. Submit the Concurrent Enrollment e-form on the RGlobal portal
2. E-form confirmation from your RU academic official, indicating that you have permission for this enrollment and that the credits earned at the other school will be counted toward your degree at RU. The confirmation must also indicate the number of credits to be taken at each school.
3. Proof of registration in classes from the concurrent school, indicating that you are enrolled.
4. Screenshot of your RU unofficial transcript. You may download your unofficial transcript on the myRutgers portal. 
5. Rutgers Global - ISSS  will review your documents and provide an email update regarding the decision. If approved, you will be issued a new I-20 with concurrent enrollment information included on page 1 in the remarks section.

GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Plan international travel with caution.

Changes in visa processing, entry requirements, and travel delays can affect your ability to return to the U.S. as planned. While no new travel restrictions are currently in place, we encourage you to stay informed and consult Rutgers Global–ISSS with any concerns. Before traveling, please review Rutgers Global Alerts.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A US PORT OF ENTRY

When planning to travel to the United States, it is important to be prepared and learn what to expect at a U.S. port of entry. Whether this will be your first time entering, or you are returning to continue your studies, review this information to get ready:

• Entry Timing for New or Returning Students with New SEVIS IDs
  U.S. regulations do not allow entry to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Arriving earlier may result in being denied entry.
• Match your SEVIS ID and visa.
  For a student’s initial entry to the US, the SEVIS ID and school name on your visa must match the information on your I-20. If there’s a mismatch, contact your U.S. Embassy before traveling.
• A travel signature is required for continuing students.
  Ensure your I-20 or DS-2019 is signed for travel. The signature must be valid on the day you return to the U.S., not when you depart.
• Pack your documents in your carry-on.
  You will not have access to checked luggage before immigration screening.
• Present your passport and valid, unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa and your I-20 or DS-2019 to an immigration officer.

Required Documents to Present:

• Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, unless your country is exempt)
• Valid, unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Students on OPT or STEM OPT: Valid EAD card and/or proof of pending application
• Students on Academic Training: Academic Training authorization letter to prove employment authorization

Recommended Additional Documents (carry in case requested):

• Admissions letter (for new students)
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Enrollment Verification or unofficial transcript (for continuing students) to prove good academic standing
• Proof of financial support
• All previously-issued I-20 or DS-2019 forms
• Proof of employment (e.g., offer letter, pay stubs) for OPT or Academic Training
• Recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 (within last 6 months) if applying for a new visa before re-entering
• For STEM/tech-related fields: A letter from your supervisor or department explaining your research in simple terms.

AFTER ARRIVAL:

• Check your I-94.
  Confirm that your I-94 and entry stamp say “F-1” or “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status). If not, contact CBP Deferred Inspection immediately to have the entry corrected. More information is available below under "I-94 and Correcting I-94 Errors."

If You Are Pulled Aside for Additional Questioning

• Remain calm and respectful toward Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
• Do not sign any documents (other than routine forms like the customs declaration) without speaking to an attorney.
• Ask politely if you may make a phone call. You may not be allowed to, but it’s important to request it.
• If permitted, contact your U.S.-based attorney or Rutgers Global–ISSS.
• Be sure to treat the officer with respect.
• You can call or email the Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services during office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)  

Emergency & Contact Information

During business hours (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.):

• Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health (New Brunswick)
  848-932-7015
  ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu
• Rutgers Health (Newark)
  973-972-6138
  ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu

After hours:

• Rutgers Police – New Brunswick: 732-932-7211
• Rutgers Police – Rutgers Health (Newark): 973-972-4491

Tip: Keep these numbers printed with you in case your phone is inaccessible during secondary inspection.

TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE U.S:

If you already have a valid travel signature but have more future international travel planned, please submit the "International Travel Plans" e-form under the "Travel & Location Information" menu on RGlobal Portal to report it. This helps us keep in contact with you during your trip abroad. 

You do not need a travel signature to travel within the United States. Please note - if your travel involves any entry to a non-US territory (such as a tropical island when on a cruise), you will need a travel signature and valid F-1 visa to return. Be cautious! 

"5 Month Rule"

Remaining outside of the United States for more than 5 months at a time could be considered a "permanent" absence by the US government, possibly impacting your ability to re-enter the US in the future with your current I-20 and visa, and future immigration benefits. If this is your plan, please speak an Adviser before your travel/time abroad. Students that do not need to maintain an in-person presence at Rutgers may be advised to close their SEVIS records/end their F-1 status until their return.

Taking a Leave of Absence

We understand emergencies happen and situations may arise that require you to take an extended unplanned break from campus or from your academic work. If an emergency requires you to travel outside of the United States, contact an academic dean or your graduate program director and an international student adviser about the situation before leaving the United States. Visit our Leave of Absence or Withdrawal and Returning to Rutgers pages to find out how this may impact your legal status and how to prepare for your return.

Communication While Abroad

You MUST have a way to read/access your Rutgers emails when you are in your home country/while abroad. This is especially true for students that live in a country with a firewall. Not being able to access your Rutgers emails can have negative impacts on your immigration status, as important updates are sent to you with this method. Read how to update your contact information below.

More Information and Reminders

• Update your address, email, and phone number on the MyRutgers portal (in the local address section)
  • Important Note Regarding Address Changes: All nonimmigrant F-1 and J-1 students must update any address changes with USCIS. Instructions on how to change your address can be found on the USCIS address change website.
• Review visa application information if you need to apply for a new visa before returning
• If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for 30 days or less, you may be eligible for Automatic Revalidation
• Check visa requirements and entry procedures for the country you are traveling to, if you are not visiting your home country, and ensure you have required documentation before departing the United States.
• Review information about preparing to enter the United States and gather all recommended documents
• Review our Rutgers Global Alerts page for updated travel alerts, especially regarding presidential executive orders impacting travel
• If you will be conducting research outside of the United States or participating in a study abroad program, please visit our Doing Research or Study Abroad page for more information.

Useful Travel Resources for International Students

• Study in the States, What to Expect when Entering the United States
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Know Before You Visit
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Travel Guidance
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – For International Visitors
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - I-94 Related Information 

All students requesting travel signatures will be required to complete the Travel Signature Request e-form. Please note that we will not be providing travel signatures via walk-ins. Plan accordingly.

Getting a travel signature is easy. Follow these simple steps.

STEP 1 – Make sure you need a new travel signature

• International students in F-1 or J-1 status must get a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 if returning to complete their studies after a trip abroad.
• Each travel signature is valid for 12 months. For OPT students, it is valid for 6 months. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than a year old by the time you reenter the US, you need to get a new signature before you travel.
• Incoming students or students who have completed their studies and will not return to Rutgers do not need a travel signature. Students who have a terminated I-20/DS-2019/SEVIS record are not eligible for a travel signature. 

STEP 2 – Complete the Travel Signature Request Form on the RGlobal Portal
This is under the "Travel & Location Information" menu. 

STEP 3 – Follow email instructions for getting the travel signature. You will be issued a new I-20/DS-2019 with a travel signature via email.
Your document will be ready within 5-7 business days. Be sure to keep all your previous I-20s/DS-2019s safely.

Do you not have enough time to request a travel signature and receive your documents before your return to the US? 

If  the above situation applies to you, follow these steps. 

STEP 1 - Check your I-20/DS-2019 if you have it with you. You may still have a valid signature.
If you do not, continue to step 2.

STEP 2 - Request a Form I-515A at the US port of entry.

If you do not have enough time to receive a travel signature and a new I-20/DS-2019 before traveling back to the US, respectfully request that the immigration officer allow you to enter with Form I-515A. This gives you a thirty-day admission as an F-1 or J-1 student, and requires you to report to ISSS within that time frame to secure the required travel signature.

To qualify for the Form I-515A, you must have a valid passport, valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and your I-20 or DS-2019 (the officer may allow you to enter without your I-20 or DS-2019 at his/her discretion). You should not enter the US if you have a terminated SEVIS record.

Whether you are applying for your first student visa, or you are a continuing student who needs to apply for a new visa before returning to continue your studies, review this helpful information about the visa application process:

• You must have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.  New students will receive an I-20 or DS-2019 from the appropriate admissions office after being admitted to Rutgers and submitting required supplemental documentation.  For more information, review the Pre and Post-Arrival Steps for newly admitted students on our website.
   
• If you apply for a visa using another school's I-20, but then later decide to go to Rutgers prior to the first time using the visa, you may need to have it updated to say Rutgers prior to your arrival. The first time you use your visa, the name on it must match the name of the school on the I-20 you show at the airport and plan to enroll at. Continuing students that have already used their visa may not be subject to this rule.
   
• New students and returning students who received an I-20 or DS-2019  with a new SEVIS ID number must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa.  This fee is only required for the primary student. Dependents (with an F-2 I-20 or J-2 DS-2019) do not pay the I-901 fee. Continuing students do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again if they have an active I-20, when applying for a new visa, but you will need a receipt showing that you paid the fee when you first applied for a visa.
• Complete your online non-immigrant visa application, DS-160
• Follow the instructions about completing the visa application and interview process provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are applying.  Please note that there is a fee for applying for a U.S. visa.
• Students may try to directly request an expedited appointment if their start date is arriving and they have yet to secure an appointment. Please note that letters from the school are not required for this request - the start date on the I-20 is considered proof of urgency.
• Review information about preparing to enter the United States above.
• If you are on OPT, you should prepare to explain your OPT status and continued ties to your home country. You may need to prepare proof of these ties, such as lease or deed to a home abroad, plan for working outside the US, proof of non-US bank account. We recommend waiting until your OPT is approved to apply for the visa renewal.
• Some students may be eligible to apply for a visa interview waiver if they meet certain requirements. This is determined case-by-case, embassy by embassy. Please confirm your eligibility with the embassy you are applying for the visa at. Note that you physically must be located inside the country of application at the time of drop off and visa review - you cannot just mail your materials. 
• You are able to apply for an F-1 visa at a United States consulate/embassy in your country of citizenship or country of permanent residence.
• Some countries limit how early you can renew your visa. Check this with your local consulate. 
• Watch our video on applying for your visa on Youtube.

Some visa applications require additional administrative processing beyond the consular interview. This can delay your entry to the US. If your application is undergoing administrative processing, and you are unable to arrive at Rutgers in time for your program/session start date, please contact an international student adviser. 

Visa Denials are rare. If there is a denial, it often is based on the student's or scholar's presumed intent to immigrate to the United States, known as 214(b). It is often difficult to disprove this assumption as it is by nature very subjective. Please review the U.S. Department of State resource page to consider whether you can overcome the denial. If your visa is denied and/or you decide not to start/continue your studies at Rutgers, please contact an ISSS Adviser.

Please note that you cannot apply for a visa from within the United States. 

• If you are currently in the United States and would like to apply for a Change of Status to F-1 or J-1, please review our Change of Status content on this page. 
• If you are a continuing student, it is okay if your F-1 or J-1 visa expires while you are in the United States.  You do not need to plan travel only to renew your visa, but next time you do plan to travel internationally, be prepared to apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa before returning.

Additional Information and Resources

• U.S. Visas, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Study and Exchange
• www.ustraveldocs.com
• Study in the States, Paying your I-901 SEVIS Fee
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Travel Re-entry: F Visa
• USEmbassy.gov, Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
• Visa Appointment Wait Times by city

Watch this video to help you prepare for your F-1 VISA Interview

I-94 is the Arrival and Departure Record issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer to foreign visitor entering the U.S. It is in either paper for electronic format. If you entered the United States via air or sea after April 2013, you would be able to access your electronic I-94 record on the I-94 website.

After you arrive to the U.S. and show the necessary eligibility documents to a CBP officer, your passport will be stamped with the date, visa category, and expiration date of the nonimmigrant status you have been granted for entry. Be sure that your stamp is marked for F-1/J-1, and D/S (Duration of Status) upon every entry.

The electronic I-94 is made available online after your entry: I-94 website. You can access your entry record by clicking "Get Most Recent I-94" providing your personal details. Please note that you will receive a new I-94 every time you enter the U.S, so be sure to print out the new I-94 after every entry to the U.S. You should keep the I-94 record paper copy with your other immigration documents.

If you are experiencing any difficulties locating your I-94 online, or you were admitted incorrectly to the United States, (e.g. your I-94 shows that the category you are admitted is anything other than F-1/J-1), you may contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site to resolve the issue. Below are the two closest Deferred Inspection Site. Please first call the Deferred Inspection Office to confirm if they can assist you over the phone. If necessary, you can make an appointment with the Newark office for a physical visit to resolve the issue.

You can also contact the CBP Information Center for help. 

If you wish to invite a member of your family to come to the United States on a B-2 visitor visa, you may wish to follow the steps below.  Please keep in mind the suggested procedure is for visitor applications only. It should not be used for a spouse or dependent child. Spouse and dependent children should come to the United States in a derivative status such as F-2, J-2, or H-4.

Please note that Rutgers Global does not routinely create invitation letters for those seeking B visa status. Visa wait times may be lengthy; please plan in advance. 

1. Write a letter (see template below) to the nonimmigrant visa officer in which you:

• Indicate the expected length of the visit and a preferred arrival date
• Indicate pertinent biographical information of the visitors [e.g., name, relationship to you, place (city and country) and date of birth]
• If you wish to add information regarding your income as evidence of your ability to support your visitor during his or her stay in the U.S., give all appropriate information in the "Additional information/comments" section. It is a good idea to provide supporting documentation for anything you say (letter from your department indicating that you have an assistantship, bank statement, etc.)
• Date and sign the letter

2. Request a Certification of Enrollment or obtain other certification of full-time enrollment at Rutgers from the Registrar’s Office: https://transcripts.rutgers.edu/transcripts/getVerificationForm.tcr

Rutgers Health students please contact the Registrar's office at your school of enrollment. 

3. New Brunswick Graduating Students Only: If your family is visiting to attend your graduation, you can request a graduation invitation letter from the Rutgers registrar:

• Go to the University Registrar website and complete the Commencement Invite Request Form

Rutgers Health students please contact the Registrar's office at your school of enrollment. 

The template below in combination with proof of your enrollment at Rutgers serves the same purpose as an individually typed letter. Your family should include all relevant documents in their visa application, and/or take the documents with them for the visa interview.  

Sample Letter
Students should type this letter separately and send to their family member(s)
 

Date:

Dear Sir/Madam:

I wish to invite the following family member(s) to visit me in the United States for a period of ___ months beginning ______________.

Name                      

Date of Birth                           

City & Country of Birth                       

Relationship

Additional information/comments…

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Signature of Rutgers student or scholar

Printed name of Rutgers student or scholar