The International Student & Scholar Services Office

Interior of Union, with flags from different countries.

Greetings from Geneseo, New York!  At SUNY Geneseo we have a dedicated International Student & Scholar Services staff focused on assisting students who are studying in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa. 

Our office services provide support to students through their entire SUNY Geneseo career and beyond. From the admission process to new student orientation, to advising through graduation, we are here for you! 

Admissions

The ISSS Office at SUNY Geneseo is integrated to include both Admissions and Student Services staff in one space. This means you only need to learn one set of staff members from the time you apply until the time you graduate! This also means that our staff gets to know our students very well over the course of their study.

Please visit our International Admissions page for detailed instructions on how to apply to SUNY Geneseo! 

Orientation

At the beginning of each fall and spring semester, the ISSS Office holds a special orientation for new incoming international students. International freshmen, transfers, and exchange students attend this orientation. 

Our staff provides airport pick-up service, assistance moving into the residence halls, and 2-3 days of programming. Orientation programming includes shopping for your room, assistance opening a bank account, tips for navigating the American education system, and information on the many academic resources and social opportunities on campus! Please visit our Orientation page for more details. 

Learn more about orientation here.

OrientationOrientation

On-Campus Employment

New F-1 and J-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment as soon as their program of study begins. The ISSS Office assists students with each step of the on-campus employment process, including sponsoring trips to the Social Security Administration each semester. 

Immigration & Advising

The ISSS Office is proud of the personalized attention we are able to provide to students in navigating the restrictions and benefits associated with their F-1 or J-1 visa. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring international students understand how to maintain their legal status during their studies. This includes assistance with: 

Form I-20 Issuance & Visa Assistance 
On-Campus Employment
Social Security
Filing U.S. Federal Income Tax
Off-Campus Employment Authorization 
Travel to Canada 

Please visit our Visa and Immigration page for more information on maintaining your F-1 legal status. 

Group picture of Orientation students

Internships & Post-Graduation Employment

The ISSS Office assists F-1 international students in receiving work authorization for off-campus internships or post-graduate work opportunities in their field of study. Our staff is well-versed in the necessary steps students must follow for work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).