All prospective International Students must complete the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility and Declaration and Certification of Finances" return it to the Office of International Students with the necessary supporting financial documentation. It is important to keep in mind that the estimate of expenses is a minimum figure, and that actual costs may vary. International Students should also bear in mind that university financial assistance for which they are eligible is limited and usually not adequate to fund the student’s total expenses. Eligibility for off-campus employment is also limited.
There are two steps to follow in order to obtain or maintain F-1 or J-1 Student Status.
1. The first step is admission into an academic program.
2. The second step is the documentation of the amount and source(s) of financial support.
- All questions regarding academic admission should be directed to the Admissions Office (Email: admissions@gc.cuny.edu).
- All questions regarding Immigration Status should be directed to the Office of International Students (Email: intstu@gc.cuny.edu).
- An applicant who would like to change Immigration status to F-1 Student Status should consult the Office of International Students for information on the correct procedure to follow.
Please note that Change of Status within the United States is not guaranteed. A student will not be eligible for employment authorization incident to F-1 or J-1 Status (including employment pursuant to a financial aid award) until the request for Change of Status has been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (These requests require a minimum of two to three months to adjudicate.)
If an applicant has an Immigration Status other than F-1 or J-1 and intends to keep that Status, appropriate documentation must be provided to the Office of International Students before registering for classes.
International Students who wish to obtain or maintain F-1 Student Status or J-1 Exchange-Visitor Status may be admitted only as matriculated students. Immigration regulations require full-time enrollment in a degree-granting program for students in F-1 or J-1 Status; therefore, students in F-1 or J-1 Status may not be admitted as part-time or nondegree students. If you have been accepted into an established CUNY Exchange Program, please contact the Office of International Students for procedures at intstu@gc.cuny.edu.