Pre-Arrival and Arrival

We realize that it can be overwhelming to plan for an extended trip overseas to study. We encourage you to read the information provided on our website and to contact our office if you need guidance or assistance.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a I-901 SEVIS fee in addition to the visa application fee that is charged by the US Embassy/Consulate. The DHS requires this fee to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. This is not an RIT fee; the US government requires it.

All F-1 and J-1 applicants must pay the SEVIS fee once per SEVIS ID number. Please keep a copy of your payment confirmation for your records.

Please, F-2 and J-2 dependents do not have to pay the fee.

Please review the current rate and instructions on how to pay your SEVIS fee.

• You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before you visit the US Embassy/Consulate for your F-1 or J-1 visa appointment.
• If you are Canadian, you must pay the SEVIS fee before you reach the US port of entry/border by one of the methods described on the above website.
• RIT recommends that you use the electronic option to pay your fee to ensure timely processing

Although RIT is a cashless campus, it is still a good idea to bring a small amount of US currency for incidental expenses such as transportation or tips. Approximately $100 USD in smaller bills ($1–$20 denominations) should be sufficient for most people upon arrival.

Credit cards are widely used in the US and you will be able to use them for most charges, on- and off-campus.

For security reasons, we do not recommend carrying large quantities of cash. Travelers must declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash into the US.

Immunizations

For the most current information on required immunizations and documentation, visit the Student Health Center website. 

Health Insurance

All international students registered are automatically enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Plan, unless they qualify for an exemption, have an approved waiver, or are covered under an H-1B visa health insurance plan. Learn more about insurance requirements and options

Please visit our Living in Rochester page for more information on housing options, and follow all guidance from RIT Housing about move-in dates.

If you arrive before you are able to move into on-campus or off-campus housing, please plan to stay at an area hotel.

Be prepared to present the following documents at the Port of Entry:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond date of entry)
• US visa (Canadians exempt)
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt

It is very important that you keep these documents in a secure location while traveling. Do not place any personal documents in your luggage, as they may be lost during travel.

Be sure you have your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and make sure you receive all of your immigration documents prior to departing the inspection area. Answer any questions that the immigration official asks you and be sure to answer them honestly. Border officials are ensuring

When to Arrive

You must arrive in the United States no later than the official program start date indicated on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. You may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to your official report date. If you will be arriving later than the start of classes, please contact our office, your academic advisor and your admissions counselor to let us know.

RIT’s campus sits outside the city of Rochester. It’s located in the western part of New York State, about 585 km from New York City and 300 km from Toronto, Canada. For maps and directions, go to RIT’s campus maps. As part of preparing for your arrival, you’ll arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation and to campus. Taking a few minutes to explore your options ahead of time can help make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

If you are flying into Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), transportation options may include:

• Taxi 
• Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft
• Pre-arranged transportation. 

Be sure to consider arrival time, luggage, and payment methods when making your plans. Typical fares to the RIT/Henrietta area are approximately $20–$40 USD, but may vary depending on time of day, demand, and other factors. 

Please plan to budget for how to get from the airport to RIT’s campus or your accommodations while here in Rochester. Please remember that it is your responsibility to plan accordingly to ensure you have a seamless transition from arrival to where you are staying in Rochester.

Many of your questions about transitioning to RIT and life in the United States will be answered during International New Student Orientation (INSO). Attending orientation is an important part of a successful transition to RIT. 

Orientation topics include:

• Immigration requirements and how to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status
• Registration and academic expectations
• Campus resources and student support
• Life in Rochester and the surrounding community
• Connecting with other new students and your PAL

Learn more about International New Student Orientation

Your Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) will share INSO schedules and information with you as orientation approaches.