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Extramural Study > International Registrants

International Registrants

International students who wish to register for Extramural Study must:

  • request and receive permission from the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions to enroll, and
  • register for twelve or more credits (a "full course of study").

Although extramural students generally register for only up to eleven credits, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requires that international students register for twelve or more credits to qualify for the certificate of eligibility for the F-1 visa (form I-20). For the most up-to-date INS regulations, contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at B50 Caldwell Hall, phone 607.255.5243, e-mail isso@cornell.edu.

If you are interested in registering for extramural study, you must follow these steps:

  1. Request permission to register for twelve credits or more. You must submit your request in writing to the registrar of the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions. Your request must outline your reasons for wanting to study at Cornell University and your academic goals. A meeting with one of the deans of the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions may also be required.
  2. Complete and submit an extramural study form (pdf) along with the above request. You do not need to collect the requested instructor's and college registrar's signatures at this time.
  3. Be sure you meet the Immunization Requirement.
  4. If permission to register for twelve credits or more is granted, complete an I-20 Request Form.
  5. Apply for an F-1 visa. Upon receipt of your I-20 Request Form, the Extramural Study office will issue you an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Student Visa). You may then take the I-20 form to the U.S. Consulate in your home country and apply for the F-1 student visa. Note: To ensure receipt of an I-20 form before the start of your study, you should submit all required forms and documents at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the session for which you are enrolling. If you haven't received your I-20 form as expected, contact the Extramural Study office. If you have received your I-20 form and have questions regarding your F-1 student visa application or other immigration matters, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), Cornell University, B50 Caldwell Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2602 (telephone: 607.255.5243; fax: 607.255.2778; e-mail: sw57@cornell.edu).
  6. Obtain instructor/registrar signatures for extramural study form. Along with mailing you a I-20 form, the Extramural Study office will return your extramural study form. You must bring this form with you to Cornell and, when you arrive on campus, you must ask the course instructor(s) (or departments) to sign or stamp this form. The instructor determines if there is space in the class and if you have completed course prerequisites, if any. The instructor's signature indicates you have permission to enroll in the class. If the college registrar's approval is required for your course (see extramural study form), you should obtain it at this step.
  7. Bring the signed form to extramural study registration in B20 Day Hall. See the calendar for registration dates. Late registrations are subject to a late fee.
  8. At registration you must pay tuition of $1,010 per credit and all course fees. MasterCard and Visa are accepted for students not enrolled in a degree-granting program.
  9. Report to the International Students and Scholars Office. You must report to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) in B50 Caldwell Hall within 15 days of arriving at Cornell. You must bring your passport and the I-94 card issued at the U.S. port of entry. The ISSO is required to check these documents and confirm your status in the United States. The International Students and Scholars office will give you important information regarding your legal stay in the United States.