International students
Cornell welcomes international students at all times of the year. If you're interested in spending a summer studying here, please e-mail the International Students and Scholars Office at isso@cornell.edu for the most current information concerning eligibility for international study. If your native language is not English, you should have a TOEFL score of at least 550 (or 213 on the computer-based test), although we recommend a score of 600. If your score is less than 550, you may want to take the English for International Students and Scholars program before beginning your other studies.
Step 1: Put together the following items and attach them to the course-enrollment form before submitting it to us.
- the I-20 Request Form or a letter that states your date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, course of study (you must be enrolled for at least six credits or scheduled classes meeting at least twelve hours per week), and source of financial support;
- a copy of the biographical data page of your passport; and
- a copy of the letter of award if the source of funds is a scholarship or a grant, or
- a current statement from a bank guaranteeing sufficient funds to cover summer study if personal funds are being used. The amount must be shown in U.S. dollars and must equal tuition of $925 per credit, fees, plus $1,400 per month for living expenses. Note: Facsimile copies of documentation cannot be accepted.
Upon receipt of the letter or I-20 Request Form, the Summer Session 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 Summer Session 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, Cornell University, B50 Caldwell Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2602 (telephone: 607.255.5243; fax: 607.255.2778; e-mail: sw57@cornell.edu; Web site: www.isso.cornell.edu).
Step 2: Complete and submit the course-enrollment form with the above materials.
Step 3: Review Cornell's health requirements and complete the Summer Session Health History Form.
Step 4: Report to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
After you arrive in Ithaca, you must come to the ISSO—located at B50 Caldwell Hall—within 15 days of arriving at Cornell University.
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.