All F-1 and J-1 Applicants

The Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status," is issued by the Office of International Admission to international students who have been granted admission to Â鶹Íø's programs. This form is required to apply for and obtain an F-1 student visa, with which you may gain entry to the United States for study in an academic program. 

The Form DS-2019, "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is issued by the Office of International Admission to international students admitted to Â鶹Íø’s exchange programs. This form is required to apply for and obtain a J-1 exchange student visa, with which a student may gain entry to the United States for study in the exchange program. 

Only students who have paid the tuition deposit can receive a Form I-20. To obtain the form, you must submit the following materials in your . 

  • Documentation showing readily available funding for one academic year (savings/checking account statement, loan letter, etc.)
  • International Student Supplement form (available on application checklist)
  • Copy of your passport
  • Supply copies of your previous I-20 forms (if applicable)

If you submit the required documentation at the time of application, we will send the I-20 or DS-2019 form with your university acceptance. If you qualify academically, but have not submitted the required documentation, we will issue a Conditional Acceptance. Your acceptance will not become official, and you will not receive the I-20 or DS-2019 form until you have provided the required documentation.

You should use the Â鶹Íø I-20 or DS-2019 form to obtain your visa only if you plan to enroll at Â鶹Íø. If you decide not to attend Rider, you should discard the one, and use the form provided by the institution you plan to attend. SEVIS will automatically cancel all initial records 60 days after the record's Program Start Date. 

If you have questions about your I-20 or DS-2019, please contact the appropriate admission staff member.

Transfer from a U.S. Institution

If you currently attend another institution (high school, college, or language program) in the United States on an F-1 visa, your current institution will need to transfer your SEVIS record to Â鶹Íø in order for Rider to issue your new I-20. You and the international office at your previous institution will need to complete the International Transfer Release Form (PDF) and then send the form back to us.

After acceptance, if you have decided to attend Rider, you will need to present your admission letter to your current institution so it may transfer your SEVIS record. Once your institution has transferred your SEVIS record and you have confirmed your enrollment at Rider, the Office of International Admission will issue your new I-20 form. You should only request your SEVIS record to be transferred if you are definitely attending Â鶹Íø for the upcoming term.

Other Visa Types

If you are currently in the United States on a visa, it is important that you verify whether you are authorized to pursue undergraduate or graduate study on your current visa. We recommend that you visit the Department of State web site at for information specific to your visa type. If you have general questions, you can contact the Office of International Admission at global@rider.edu.

If you will be attending Â鶹Íø on a visa other than F-1 or J-1, including a dependent visa, you are not required to supply the University with financial documentation. You are eligible for merit scholarships, but generally, are not eligible for need-based financial assistance.

Visa Application Process

Applicants for a student visa should generally apply at the U.S. embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.  A personal interview with the consular official may be required.  For information on F-1 visa application requirements, visit the  and locate your consular office. Each applicant’s case is unique, and visa issuance may be delayed in the event special clearances are required. When the visa is issued, the consular office will return the Form I-20 to the applicant in a sealed envelope, to be opened only by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector at the U.S. port of entry.

When you appear for your Visa, you must supply the following:

  1. Physical copy of Form I-20, issued by the U.S. institution at which you plan to enroll (Â鶹Íø). 
  2. Completed application Form DS-160. The required forms can be obtained at 
  3. A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States. 
  4. One (1) 2x2 photograph.  
  5. The  receipt, showing payment of fee (more information below).
  6. If applicable, an MRV may be required for visa issuance after approval. Please refer to the .

You should also be prepared to supply:

  1. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
  2. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. 
  3. Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. 
  4. Copies of all documents submitted to Rider as part of your application.
  5. Any additional evidence that will demonstrate your intent to return to your country upon completion of your studies.

I-901 SEVIS Fee

Before making an appointment at the embassy or consulate you must first pay the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS I-901 Fee to cover the costs of the operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. 

This fee is generally required of most F-1 and J-1 visa applicants who will be studying in the U.S. for the first time, as well as those changing to F-1 status.  More specific information is available on the . Students must have a receipt from payment of this fee in order to apply for a Visa; Canadian students must have this receipt when they arrive at the U.S. border.

The required fee ranges from $220 (DS-2019 applicants) to $350 (I-20 applicants).

Tips for the Visa Application Process

  • Please be sure to plan as far in advance as possible, as visa wait times can be lengthy. 
  • Your visa can be issued no more than 120 days before the start date listed on your I-20. If you apply before this point, your application will be held, but any special clearances will be worked on. 
  • Be sure to pay your SEVIS fee and have the receipt with you when you appear for your Visa appointment. 
  • You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Consider this carefully when making your travel arrangements. 
  • Check your I-20 carefully when you first receive the form to be sure the information exactly matches that on your passport.
  • For the interview, it is helpful to explain your reason(s) for studying your degree program at Â鶹Íø and your plans upon your return to your country.
  • You will also need to demonstrate your plans for payment of your education and living expenses at Â鶹Íø. This information should be the same as what you supplied to Rider for the issuance of your I-20/DS-2019.