Welcome to the University at Albany!
Congratulations on your admission to UAlbany! You will be joining more than 1,700 other international students from over 100 different countries.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to help you adjust to your new educational and cultural environment. We look forward to meeting you!
To get started, please review this webpage and complete the tasks it outlines.
Click a link below to skip to that section of the page:
Please also review these related webpages:
Questions? Contact ISSS at [email protected].
Pre-arrival Tasks
Please complete the following tasks before you arrive at UAlbany.
- Pay your enrollment deposit. Access instructions for new undergraduate students or instructions for new graduate students. New exchange and study abroad students should contact Jacqueline Ledermann at [email protected] for instructions.
- Activate your UAlbany accounts. Activate and/or reactivate your MyUAlbany account using these instructions for new undergraduate students or instructions for new graduate students. Visit the Manage Your Account and Student Guide to Technology at UAlbany pages for additional resources.
- Apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa. This process can take time, so please complete other tasks while you’re waiting to receive your visa.
- Meet all health and immunization requirements. If possible, please obtain required immunizations and/or testing in your home country before arriving in the U.S. to help you save on costs. If the required health services are not available in your home country, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for help.
- Arrange for housing. You have the option to live on campus, off campus or in a homestay. (Note: You must be a junior, senior or graduate student to live off campus.) Whatever you choose, you are responsible for applying for and securing your own housing. You may also wish to sign up for a meal plan.
- Participate in International Student Orientation. You must complete the online portion and register for in-person components before arriving in Albany.
- Request a UAlbany ID card. Submit your photo online at least two weeks before you arrive so your ID card is ready for you. You may also wish to download and use mobile ID.
- Check your UAlbany email inbox regularly. All official University communications will be sent to your UAlbany email address, so we recommend checking it at least twice a week before you arrive and then daily once classes start.
- Start packing. Review a recommended list of what to pack. Be sure to bring written prescriptions from your doctor for any prescription medications you’re bringing into the U.S.
- Plan your travel to the UAlbany. Review travel tips and resources, including information about airports and ground transportation.
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Post-arrival Reporting
All new international students, including transfer students, must submit the New Student Arrival Reporting Form when they arrive in Albany, New York, to fulfill the check-in reporting requirements associated with student visas.
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How and when to report your arrival
How and when to report your arrival
You must complete the New Student Arrival Reporting Form by the end of the first week of classes during your first semester at UAlbany. Visit the Academic Calendar for exact dates.
You must also update your SEVIS USA address and contact information at this time.
Required documentation
The form will request copies of your immigration documents (including your I-20 or DS-2019 signed in ink, passport, visa and I-94) so ISSS can register and activate your SEVIS record. Have digital copies of these documents ready to upload.
To retrieve your I-94, visit the official I-94 website, click “Get most recent I-94/I-95,” enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport and click “Continue.” The website will generate your most recent I-94. Be sure to take a screenshot of the I-94, not the travel history. If you encounter difficulties, please contact ISSS at [email protected].
Form Instructions
To submit the form, please follow these instructions:
- Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
- Select “New Student Arrival Reporting EForm” from the EForm menu.
- Complete the form and upload supporting documents.
Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.
Additional considerations for graduate students with on-campus employment (assistantships, etc.)
Additional considerations for graduate students with on-campus employment (assistantships, etc.)
- All international students are automatically enrolled in international insurance. However, certain eligible Graduate Assistant (GA) and Teaching Assistant (TA) employees can choose to opt into employment-based insurance instead. Please visit the International Insurance webpage for detailed information.
- To speed up the employment on-boarding process, complete these steps as soon as you arrive:
- Complete the New Student Arrival Reporting Form
- Update your SEVIS USA address and contact information
- Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)
International Student Orientation
All new F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend International Student Orientation, which includes both online and in-person portions.
Fall 2026 International Student Orientation Dates: International Student Orientation for students starting in Fall 2026 will be held online from June to mid-August 2026 and continue in person from August 18 to 21, 2026.
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Participate in the online portion of International Student Orientation
Participate in the online portion of International Student Orientation
The online portion of International Student Orientation covers a different topic every week and is self-paced (asynchronous).
You will use the University's online learning platform, Brightspace, to participate. Login to your UAlbany Brightspace account using your University NetID and password.
Topics will include visas and arrival, housing, immigration matters, academic success, code of conduct, cultural adjustments, finances and billing, safety, campus engagement and activities, and career and professional development.
You must complete all components before you arrive for the in-person portion of International Student Orientation.
ISSS will also offer four live drop-in sessions on Zoom so you can ask our advisors questions. You’ll receive the dates, times and Zoom links via email. Login to your UAlbany Zoom account using your University NetID and password.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Participate in the in-person portion of International Student Orientation
Participate in the in-person portion of International Student Orientation
New Undergraduate Students
You must register for and attend the appropriate UAlbany Orientation:
- First-Year Student Orientation for incoming first-year students (freshmen)
- Transfer Student Orientation for incoming transfer students
Both versions of UAlbany Orientation include a Connection Day and Welcome Week. International students will arrive early for Welcome Week, so they can participate in the in-person portions of International Student Orientation.
Only students who have paid an enrollment deposit and completed all immunization and health requirements may register for UAlbany Orientation. Visit Undergraduate Admissions’ Admitted Students page for instructions.
If you plan to live in on-campus housing, you’ll receive instructions about how and when to move in from Residential Life. New international students move in early so they can attend Orientation.
Registering for UAlbany Orientation is also the first step to being assigned an academic advisor and registering for classes. You must meet course registration requirements to maintain your student visa.
New Graduate Students
You must attend in-person orientation sessions with ISSS, as well as any sessions organized by your academic department.
You will receive information about ISSS orientation sessions via email. Please contact your academic department to learn if/when they will offer any orientation sessions.
Please contact the academic advisor listed on your acceptance letter to register for classes. You must meet course registration requirements to maintain your student visa.
New Exchange & Study Abroad Students
You must attend in-person orientation sessions with ISSS. You also have the option to register for and attend Transfer Student Orientation.
Use the same email address and password you created to apply to UAlbany to register for Orientation. If you encounter issues, please contact [email protected].
Please work with your advisor, Jacqueline Ledermann, to register for classes.