AccessISSS Instructions

Using AccessISSS

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) uses a portal called AccessISSS to receive and reply to requests or reports from international students, scholars and academic departments.

New international students and visiting scholars gain access after they activate their UAlbany accounts, while academic departments gain access upon request.

Log into AccessISSS in one of two ways:

Web: Log into the AccessISSS portal using your UAlbany NetID and password.
App: Download the Sunapsis app from the App Store and Google Play. Select “Albany, University of” from the main menu. Log in with your UAlbany NetID and password.

ISSS will send updates on request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.

Find the Right Form

Review Upload Instructions

Request Express Mail

How to Submit an EForm

AccessISSS Forms

The links below will bring you to the webpage where detailed instructions are posted.

forms

Forms for International Students

Forms for Visiting Scholars

Request I-20s or DS-2019s for your dependents

Complete the Scholar Arrival Form

Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)

Complete the Scholar Update form

Notify ISSS when information changes

Request a travel signature

Request an updated I-20 or DS-2019

Report your departure, end of program and/or approved transfer to another institution

Forms for Academic Departments

Request an AccessISSS account

Request a DS-2019 for a new visiting scholar

Request to extend a current visiting scholar’s program

Other AccessISSS Requests

General status letters

Any current student who needs to provide proof of full-time enrollment can request an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar’s Office. Students routinely request these letters, including students applying for a tourist visa to another country.

If you need a general status letter and are on an authorized reduced course load, or you need a specific type of letter and a standard enrollment verification letter won’t suffice, you may request a general status letter from ISSS using these instructions:

Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play)
Select “General Status Letter” from the EForm menu.
Complete the form. Please be detailed about the type of letter you are requesting.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.

Invitation letters for family & friends

ISSS does not write invitation letters for students’ or scholars’ family and friends seeking to visit the U.S.

However, we have compiled instructions and a sample letter that students and scholars may use to help friends and family apply for a tourist visa (B visa): Inviting your relatives to the U.S. for a visit.

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visitor Visa webpage.

Uploading Files

You may be required to upload documentation when you’re completing AccessISSS forms, which are also called “EForms.”

Please refer to the guidance below before uploading documentation:

Before attaching a file, please ensure the file is not blurry, that all text can be clearly read and that the entire document can be seen. If an uploaded file cannot be read in full, your request will not be considered complete and will not be processed.
You may only upload PDF files or image files (JPG, JPEG, GIFF or PNG).
- PDF files are preferred and should be used whenever possible.
- Please do not upload bitmap (BMP) files or zipped (ZIP) files.
Scanners are available in the University Libraries, and many smartphones now have scanning capabilities.
Once you have uploaded and submitted a file, it cannot be undone, so please be certain that you are selecting the correct document before uploading it.
If a “Bad Request” error message appears, the file size is likely too large. Try reducing the file size before resubmitting it.

upload

Requesting Documents be Express Mailed

Upon request, ISSS will send documents via an express mail service, such as DHL or FedEx, through eShipGlobal’s University Express Mail Services at the student’s expense.

Note: This service is intended for current students and students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) only. Newly admitted students should contact UAlbany Admissions with any questions regarding their initial I-20.

To request express mailing:

Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
Select the "Shipping Order Form" from the EForm menu.

This will allow you to request express mailing directly from eShipGlobal’s University Express Mail Services, which will communicate your selection(s) to ISSS. Please do not go through the DHL or FedEx website directly.

You must pay for express mailing using a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card.

Note: P.O. Boxes are generally not preferred by express carriers. If entering a P.O. Box, please be sure to provide the complete physical address where the P.O. Box is located to avoid delays.

express-mail

AccessISSS Instructions

Using AccessISSS

AccessISSS Forms

I-20s or DS-2019s

Reporting Requirements

Employment

Other AccessISSS Requests

Uploading Files

Requesting Documents be Express Mailed