New Students

If you have been admitted to Suffolk University, please check your emails regularly for information on international student orientation and welcome week. Keep in mind that whether you are transferring from another institution in the U.S. or coming here to study for the first time, it is your responsibility to have made all preparations necessary to arrive at Suffolk in time to attend International Student Orientation.

Most students are required to obtain a visa prior to entry in F-1 or J-1 status. To apply for a visa, please visit the U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest you.

In addition to obtaining a visa, all students must pay the SEVIS fee prior to their visa appointment and/or entry to the United States. To pay the SEVIS fee, be sure to have your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with you in addition to a valid form of payment.

• Admitted Students in the U.S. Needing a Change of Status

  If you are in the U.S. on an F-2, H-4, H1-B or other visa type, have been admitted to Suffolk and have questions about whether or not you should change your status, please make an appointment to speak with an ISS dvisor.
  
  Change of Status in the United States

  • Complete Form I-539
  • Write check payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” in the amount of $290
  • Obtain Form I-20 for “initial attendance”
  • Pay the SEVIS fee and print confirmation of payment

  Send

  • Completed Form I-539 and fee (check)
  • Original Form I-20 for initial attendance
  • Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee
  • Photocopies of your passport information page, visa and I-94
  • Financial documents (showing that you have the funds as listed on your Form I-20)
  • Letter from the student explaining why you want to change status
  • Any dependent information if applicable

  Mail via trackable carrier (such as Express Mail or Federal Express) to:

  USCIS
  ATTN: I-539
  2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
  Suite 400
  Lewisville, TX 75067

   

• Pre-Arrival and Visa matters

  You must confirm that you plan to enroll at Suffolk by submitting your tuition deposit prior to the enrollment deadline listed in your acceptance letter. You may pay your deposit by check, by wire transfer (contact Susanna Lynch, Director of International Student Outreach, at slynch@suffolk.edu), or by calling the appropriate admissions office.
  

  If you have not done so already, send in your Confidential Declaration of Finances in order to receive your I-20. Also, upon completion of your current coursework, send in your final transcripts.

   

• Transfer Students

  In most cases, international students who transfer to Suffolk from other academic institutions in the U.S. receive their initial Suffolk I-20 from one of our admissions offices. Please keep in touch with them in order to make whatever arrangements will be necessary in order for you to receive your I-20 in a timely manner.

  Remember to check your email frequently so that you receive the most up-to-date information.
  
  Transfer-in Form [PDF]

   

Current Students

Immigration regulations change frequently. Please be sure to stay in touch with the ISS and update us with any changes to your academic status (change of major, graduation date, etc) in addition to your current address and anything else you are doing. It is important that you maintain your status [PDF].

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can meet with you either one-on-one or advise you of upcoming information sessions.

Please continue to check your Suffolk email account for updates and important immigration information.

• Transfer out

  If you are a current Suffolk student who is transferring to another institution within the United States, you will need to complete our transfer out form [PDF] and return it to the ISS.

Information and Forms

Banking information for international students [PDF]

How to obtain a Massachusetts ID

How to obtain a Social Security number

How to obtain an apostille [PDF]

Transfer out request form [PDF]