Visas & Immigration

Your U.S. Education Begins Here

An international student is classified as an individual who does not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency and needs an F-1 student visa. Please note that Fairfield University cannot supply I-20 documentation needed for the F-1 Visa for international students enrolling in online or low-residency programs like the MFA in Creating Writing, MS in I/O Psychology, or Master's in Social Work (MSW).

The Office of Student Engagement (Graduate and International Student Life) and Global ��ϲʹ��are the main resources for international students at ��ϲʹ�� and both offices provide a wealth of services to this community.

The Office of Student Engagement (Graduate and International Student Life) assists all incoming international students with their orientation and transition to ��ϲʹ�� and provides support and programming during their program of study.

Global ��ϲʹ��provides advising related to the issuance of the Form I-20 that is needed as part of the U.S. visa process for F-1 students and provides immigration advising related to all aspects of maintaining F-1 status while studying in the United States.

Form I-20

The Form I-20 allows for the F-1 visa to be obtained and is required for international students planning to study full-time at ��ϲʹ��. The Form I-20 will be sent only after an international student has completed all necessary application procedures, has been admitted to the program of study, has accepted the offer of admission, and has paid the required confirmation deposit and fees.

Two students wearing business casual attire smiling and posing for a photo at an event.

F-1 Student Visa

Full-time international students are required to obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa allows an individual to enter the United States for full-time study at an authorized institution. To secure a student visa, students are required to submit financial documentation to prove that a student has the means necessary to cover the full cost of attendance at Fairfield.

Although not initially required as part of the application for admission to ��ϲʹ��, students will eventually be asked to submit official copies of either a bank statement or bank letter certifying available funds. Bank documentation must be submitted on official bank letterhead and must come directly from the originating bank. These documents can be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Bank documentation sent from students or parents cannot be accepted.

��ϲʹ�� is also registered with the service FundsV which allows for electronic verification of bank documents. If your bank is represented by FundsV, you may register with them to submit bank documentation electronically.

Work Authorization

Already a current undergraduate or graduate international student? Make sure you've obtained your Net ID and have set up a password to access the Work Authorization form.
OPT STEM Extension Program

See if your science, technology, engineering, or math degree qualifies you for extended time on the job in the U.S.

International Student Orientation

Information for incoming international students to make your transition to ��ϲʹ�� go smoothly!
All students regardless of citizenship are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. No separate application is required. International and international transfer students are encouraged to apply for financial aid using the College Board's CSS Profile.

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