Application Process

  1. Applications for academic admission must be made and completed on-line through the Graduate Center website at www.gc.cuny.edu
  2. Applications for immigration status – “Request for Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 or J-1 Student Status” must be mailed directly to the Office of International Students at the Graduate Center.
    1. Documentation Required for immigration status application
      1. Application for Immigration Status – “Request for Certificate of Eligibility” (pages 1-2)
      2. Copy of valid passport ID and expiration date page(s)
      3. Certification of Finances – “Request for Certificate of Eligibility” (page 3)
      4. Documentation of Financial Support
        1. Graduate Center Financial Aid Award Letter, or
        2. Program Support Award Letter, or
        3. CUNY College teaching award letter, or
        4. Support from a personal financial sponsor
          1. Affidavit of Support Form – “Request for Certificate of Eligibility” (page 4)
          2. Documentation of Sponsor’s annual income
        5. Support from a government or private scholarship organization
    2. Procedure for obtaining international student immigration status (F-1 or J-1)
      1. Complete the documentation listed above
      2. Receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” – Form I-20 for F-1 status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 status
      3. SEVIS Fee – New Students – 2010 if this is your first time in F-1 or J-1 status. If you are transferring in a continuing F-1 or J-1 status from another school, you will not pay the SEVIS Fee again. SEVIS Fee information and From I-901
      4. If you are overseas, and do not have a valid F-1 or J-1 entry visa to enter the United States, apply for the appropriate student entry visa and pay the required fee at a US Consular Visa Office overseas. US Department of State.