Welcome to Roberts! This page connects international students with the right resources, support services, and contacts to help you thrive on campus.
For official immigration guidance, always contact our office directly. Well-meaning news sources or friends may share outdated or inaccurate information. Because every situation is unique, please speak with us before taking action that could affect your F-1 status. We’re here to give you clear information and support.
Immigration Support
A passport is a travel document issued by your country showing your origin, identity, and nationality or citizenship. You need it to enter other countries.
Your passport should be valid 6 months into the future at all times.
Each country has its own process for renewing passports, so please check the requirements for your country.
Please email a color copy of your passport to the Office of Registration as soon as you renew it so we can update your student record.
A visa is a stamp or sticker in your passport that allows you to apply for entrance to another country. In the United States, the F-1 visa is considered an entry document that is separate from your immigration status once you arrive.
Currently, F-1 students may remain in the US past the expiration date on their visa stamp, as long as your I-20 remains valid. However, if the date on your visa stamp expires and you leave the US, you will need to renew your visa in order to return.
The I-20 is a document that certifies your eligibility to be an international student in the United States. It contains important information regarding your status as an F-1 student, such as your name, major, and program end date.
Never throw away an old I-20! These are an official record of your time in the US pursuing a degree.
A travel endorsement is a DSO or PDSO signature on Page 2 of the I-20 that certifies you are eligible to return to the US for study after exiting the US to travel or visit home.
Travel endorsements are valid for one year after the date it was signed. If this signature expires while you are outside of the US, you may be denied entry back into the United States. Only an active DSO or PDSO can update this Travel Endorsement.
If you are traveling within the United States, your passport and I-20 are not required. However, you should always have color copies of both documents and your emergency contact information with you in case any problems arise.
Canada requires some nationalities to obtain a transit visa if you pass through or have a layover at a Canadian airport. Be sure to check http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp before booking a flight through Toronto.
Designated School Official / Principal Designated School Official. These individuals are authorized to sign immigration documents and advise international students. Active DSOs and PDSOs have access to SEVIS to report and update records on international students attending their school.
To speak to a DSO, contact the Office of Registration.
The I-94 is a record of all your US arrivals and departures. It shows every date you entered and exited the United States. This document is often requested when applying for things like a Social Security number or a driver’s license.
Non-Canadians can print a copy of their I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Canadian citizens receive a paper I-94 card stapled to their passport.
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
This is the electronic system used by schools and the US government to maintain records of international students who are studying in the United States.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number used for identification and taxation purposes.
It is not required for you to have an SSN to live in the US. However, obtaining an SSN will allow you to access benefits such as employment, a driver’s license, health insurance, and more.
International Engagement offers one trip per semester to the Social Security Office to submit SSN applications. You can also arrange your own transportation if you need to apply at a different time.
On-Campus Employment: International students are allowed to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time between semesters as stipulated by F-1 immigration law.
Off-Campus employment is NOT allowed without prior authorization. Internships and cooperative experiences are the only exceptions and must be approved by a Designated School Official before engaging in such employment.
A Social Security Number is required for employment.
Bank Accounts and Transferring Money
Having a US bank account is an easy way to access cash and receive a paycheck if you work on campus.
Five Star Bank is one of the most commonly utilized banks by our international students.
International students also frequently use Flywire, an easy way to send funds from your home country to pay your tuition. You can also send additional money that can be issued to you as a refund instead of doing a wire transfer (which is often more expensive). For questions about Flywire, contact studentfinancial@roberts.edu.
When you open a bank account, you’ll often choose between a debit card and a credit card:
As an F-1 student, you can apply for a New York state driver’s license.
Having an American driver’s license gives you the greatest freedom and flexibility. It can also be essential for off-campus internships and future employment after graduation.
The application requires you to:
We strongly recommend taking professional driving lessons—especially if you’ve never driven before. A certified instructor can help you build the skills and confidence you’ll need not only to pass your test, but also to drive safely in the U.S. If you’re interested, our team can connect you with local driving schools.
Our office provides the service of a trip to the DMV for the permit test and hosts the pre-licensing course once per semester. You can also pursue the process on your own anytime, if you prefer.
For more details on the process, documents you will need, how to prepare, and approximate costs, click here for our guide on how to get a NY Driver's License. The Office of Student Life can assist you in receiving documentation.
If you have an on-campus job, you will receive a form called a W-2 in January via the university payroll system.
As an F-1 student, you are generally exempt from paying income tax in the US. However, you still need to report any wages you earn to the US government. You might even qualify for a tax refund if you had wages withheld.
All international students who lived in the US any part of the previous year will need to fill out Form 8843, even if you did not work. All students who worked in the previous year will ALSO need to fill out Form 1040-NR.
Our team can connect you with a tax professional or you can use Sprintax online to file your taxes. Both options involve a fee. We’ll send a reminder to everyone closer to the date.
The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is the closest airport to the Roberts campus. Uber and Lyft can provide convenient, affordable rides to and from the airport.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is another nearby airport. It is about a 1 hour drive from the Roberts campus.
Airports in New York City (JFK and LaGuardia) are about 6 hours from Roberts by car or a 1 hour flight from ROC.
Flying from Toronto International Airport (YYZ) may seem easier and cheaper at first, but you should consider several additional factors before you book a flight:
Contact the Office of Student Life to arrange a ride to and from the airport.
There is no public transportation in North Chili. As a small, semi-rural community, our campus does not have direct access to buses, subways, or trains.
These services are available closer to the city of Rochester including a Greyhound bus station and Amtrak station. If you’re traveling into Rochester from a more distant airport (such as New York City or Buffalo), the Office of Student Life can arrange to pick you up at the bus or train station.
We understand that not having a car can be a challenge for international students. Here are some options to help you get around:
International students are allowed to stay in the dorms over breaks. You must inform your RA/RD and International Engagement if you plan to stay.
Housing is not provided during the summer unless you enroll in summer courses or work on campus. If enrolled, you must pay additional tuition.
Garlock Dining Commons is closed during breaks and the summer, so you will need to plan for your own meals.
Because of this, we encourage you to consider spending your break with a friend or with a local host family. A homestay gives you the chance to enjoy home-cooked meals, experience everyday American life, and share your own culture in return. It can also make your break more restful and enjoyable than staying alone in a residence hall.
If you’re interested, we can help connect you with a family who would love to welcome you into their home.
Questions? Contact the Office of International Engagement
