WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
Welcome to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute!
The International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) Office is here to help prepare you for
your travel to the United States and your transition to life in the U.S.. This brochure provides
important information regarding travel arrangements, immigration requirements and other helpful
tips to help you be prepared for your stay at Rensselaer.
The dates and costs listed in this brochure are based on the best information available as of
October 2020 and may change. For updated information, please take time to visit the ISSS
website, found here: info.rpi.edu/isss
Remember, you are REQUIRED as an F-1 or J-1 student to check in with our office after you arrive
in the U.S. via our Electronic Check-In process. You are also REQUIRED to attend the International
Student Orientation.
We look forward to meeting you and wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Troy!
- The Staff of International Services for Students and Scholars
International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pre-Arrival Checklist ......................................... 3
SEVIS & SEVIS I-901 Fee ................................. 4
Visa Information & Instructions .........…......... 5-6
Arrival: Port of Entry (POE) ............................... 7
Your I-94 Record ............................................. 8
Travel Arrangements ...........................…… 9-10
Orientation & Check In ................................... 11
Health Services Requirements ........................ 12
Housing Accommodations .............................. 13
Financial Arrangements ..........................….... 14
Banks & Cell Phones ..............................…… 15
Helpful Tips .............................…................... 16
Important Phone Numbers ............................. 17
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
You must complete each of the following steps prior to your arrival in the
U.S. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete each item:
Pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee (see page 4).
Apply for your F-1 or J-1 Visa (see page 5-6).
Submit your immunization information to the Rensselaer
Student Health Services office (see page 12).
Make arrangements for travel (see pages 9-10).
Arrange off-campus housing (see page 13).
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
SEVIS & SEVIS I-901 FEE
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, is a database used
by the United States government to collect and monitor information about all
international students and scholars who enter the U.S. on F or J visas.
ISSS created your I-20 in SEVIS, and maintains your SEVIS record during your time at
Rensselaer. To maintain your legal immigration status, all the information in your
SEVIS record must be accurate and up to date.
SEVIS I-901 Fee
Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee is required*. You must pay the SEVIS fee at least
three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You
must bring proof of payment of the SEVIS fee with you to your visa appointment.
The SEVIS I-901 Fee is $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the US but must pay the SEVIS fee and
present proof of this payment to the immigration inspector upon entry into the US.
You will pay the SEVIS fee online at: http://www.fmjfee.com
More information on the SEVIS fee is available here: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq
* If you are a student who paid the SEVIS I-901 Fee for the Fall 2020 semester, but
did not enter the U.S., the fee you paid before will be applied in the Spring 2021
semester and you do not need to pay it again.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
VISA INFORMATION
All international students must obtain a passport and visa* to enter the United States.
Student visas are issued in two categories at RPI: F-1 and J-1. It is advised to apply for
your visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country. For more information, please visit
the website of your nearest U.S. Consulate found at: http://usembassy.gov/
If you have been accepted by more than one school, do not apply for a visa until you have
decided which school you will attend. You must attend the school which issued you the
Form I-20 or DS-2019 you use to enter the U.S.
*Canadian citizens:
A F-1/J-1 visa is not required for Canadian citizens with a valid passport. Upon entry,
Canadians need only present their Form I-20 or DS-2019, evidence of financial support,
and proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment.
*Transfer students:
If you are currently at a U.S. institution in F-1 status and are accepted to RPI, you may be
eligible to transfer your SEVIS record. Please consult your Designated School Official at
your current school for instructions on the transfer process. Once your SEVIS record is
transferred to RPI, you will receive a new I-20. You may transfer your SEVIS record if you
are graduating from your current school and continuing your education at Rensselaer.
Was Your Visa Denied?
You should request a written reason for the denial. You can re-apply if denied, but you
should have new or updated evidence that convinces the officer that the first denial was
wrong. For more information on why you might be denied, see the common reasons from
the Department of State (DOS): http://bit.ly/DOS-visadenial
> If your visa is denied, please contact ISSS immediately
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
VISA INSTRUCTIONS
First, please review all of the information on your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure that it is
correct. The name on your I-20 or DS-2019 must match your name as it appears in your
passport. If there is an error, please contact the ISSS Office via email immediately at
[email protected].
For the visa interview, please bring the following documents with you, along with any other
documents your consulate or embassy requests:
1. Complete visa application - Form DS-160
2. Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students)
2. Acceptance letter from Rensselaer
3. Valid Passport
4. Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 Fee (print this from the FMJfee website)
5. Proof of financial support used to apply for the I-20 (from within the last 6 months)
For more information for F-1 visa: http://bit.ly/SITS-F1-visaguidance
For more information for J-1 visa: http://bit.ly/DOS-EV-visaguidance
IMPORTANT
- You MUST attend the school which issued you the Form I-20 or DS-2019 you
use to enter the U.S.
- F-1 and J-1 students may enter the U.S. up to, but no more than, 30 days prior
to the start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Applicants should be aware that certain disciplines are considered “sensitive”
by the State Department. If your area of study or research is considered
“sensitive,” you may be subject to additional procedures during the visa
application process.
- For more information, please visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
ARRIVAL: PORT OF ENTRY
When you enter the U.S., you will go through primary inspection with an officer from
Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You need to provide them your documentation in
order to enter the U.S. – your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, proof of finances and proof
you paid the SEVIS Fee. DO NOT pack any of these items in your checked baggage.
After you provide your documents, the CBP Officer will stamp your passport with an entry
stamp. Then they will return your documents to you. Review your documents carefully. If
there are any errors ask them to be corrected there. This is your responsibility.
F-1 Students:
The CBP Officer should place a stamp in your passport [often located on the page across
from the F-1 visa] and write in ‘F-1’ and ‘D/S’ [Duration of Status].
J-1 Students & Scholars:
The CBP Officer should place a stamp in your passport [often located on the page across
from the J-1 visa] and write in ‘J-1’ and ‘D/S’ [Duration of Status].
If you are stopped at the border or denied entry, please contact the ISSS Office
for assistance.
- During normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM -5:00 PM)
o Contact ISSS by phone at +1-518-276-4966.
- During nights or weekends
o Contact Rensselaer’s Public Safety Office by phone at +1-518-276-6656
and they will help connect you to a representative from our office.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
YOUR I-94 RECORD
The I-94 Record is proof of legal entry to the U.S. The Most Recent I-94 Record is a
record of your most recent entry. The I-94 is digital and can be accessed online at:
. There is also an Event History that keeps track of your arrival
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
and departure to the U.S..
It is important to make sure that the information of your arrival is correct. This includes
your “Class of Admission” (F-1 or J-1), your “Admit Until Date” (D/S, or Duration of
Status), and other identifying information (Name, Passport Number, Country of Issuance,
Date of Entry).
If you are incorrectly admitted into the U.S., this could cause you serious problems and
result in a loss of your status. Check your Most Recent I-94 Record after you enter the
U.S. and inform ISSS immediately if anything is incorrect.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You are responsible for making all of your travel arrangements. Please make these
arrangements in advance to find the most affordable prices.
AIR
The nearest airport to RPI is the Albany International Airport (ALB), which is
approximately 15 minutes from campus: http://www.albanyairport.com/
Other major airports in New York State are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) www.laguardiaairport.com
www.jfkairport.com . If arriving at
either of these airports, there is a company which provides shuttle service between either
JFK/LGA and Albany called Premiere Transportation. You can find more information
here: www.premierelimo.com/transportation-services/airport-shuttle/
Other majors airports within 1-2 states of New York include Newark Liberty International
Airport (EWR) in New Jersey www.newarkairport.com
, Bradley International Airport (BDL)
in Connecticut www.bradleyairport.com
and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in
Massachusetts www.massport.com/logan-airport/
.
BUS
There are a number of coach bus services from New York City and Boston to Albany,
including Greyhound greyhound.com/north
, Megabus us.megabus.com
, Trailways
and Peter Pan peterpanbus.com/
trailwaysny.com/ bus lines.
TRAIN
Amtrak is a national train service. The nearest station is the Albany-Rensselaer Train
Station, which is approximately 15 minutes from campus. Please be sure to review
baggage regulations before travelling: www.amtrak.com
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
CAR SERVICE - TAXI
A taxi from the Albany International Airport or the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station to
Rensselaer costs approximately $45. Carry a few extra dollars to tip the driver for your
baggage. Always verify the total cost of your taxi before you go anywhere. If traveling in a
group, make sure that you are not being overcharged for each additional person.
CAR SERVICE - RIDE SHARE APPS
There are two major services in upstate NY where you can use an app to hail a driver:
Lyft or Uber. Both services require you to use your cell phone to request a driver and
permit you to enter your final destination. There also may be surcharges if you are picked
up at the airport or the train station.
WHERE TO GO ON CAMPUS
The main address for the campus is 110 8th Street, Troy, NY -- but this might not be the
best place to get dropped off with your luggage, as it is at the bottom of the hill.
Find out where you need to go in advance - to pick up a room key at Student Living and
Learning or to go directly to a building for orientation - so that you don't have to walk
uphill and carry your luggage.
Use the Rensselaer Campus Map to find a building on campus: bit.ly/RPI-campusmap
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
ORIENTATION & CHECK-IN
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
You are required to complete a mandatory virtual orientation for all new graduate
international students. You will be sent a link to orientation in December 2020.
The mandatory orientation for all new international students must be completed by
Tuesday, January 18, 2021.
For updates, see info.rpi.edu/isss/new-f1-students
This orientation will feature important information about your time at RPI, especially your
immigration status and obligations as an international student in the United States.
All new graduate students must also attend the Graduate Student Orientation. Contact the
Office of Graduate Education office for more information and see this link:
https://info.rpi.edu/graduate-education/orientation-and-ta-training
CHECKING IN WITH ISSS STAFF
Immigration regulations require you to check-in with your Designated School Official
(DSO) to maintain your immigration status. All new international students and scholars are
required to complete an Electronic Check-In with ISSS after arrival to the U.S.
This will require you to provide your U.S. address, U.S. phone number, and upload copies
of your passport, visa, I-94 record and complete a form. This should be completed within
two weeks after your arrival to the U.S.
Electronic Check-In is through a system called Terra Dotta. ISSS will send you an email
link to your RPI email account to log in and provide you with access to the Electronic
Check-In site.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
HEALTH SERVICES REQS.
HEALTH FORMS
You must submit your medical forms to the Student Health Center by registering for the
Student Health Center Portal. Please follow the steps outlined below:
1. Go to: studenthealth.rpi.edu/
2. Go to the New Students box on the left of the page and click on the “Online Portal
Forms” link.
3. Register for the portal using your RPI email address. After you register, you will be
emailed a password to log into the portal directly.
F-1 Insurance Requirements J-1 Insurance Requirements
All F-1 international students must Current U.S. regulations require all
purchase Rensselaer’s health individuals in J status to carry health
insurance unless you can prove that insurance meeting certain minimum
comparable health insurance levels. These include:
coverage from your home country - Medical benefits: $100,000 per
matches Rensselaer’s insurance and accident or illness
is accepted in New York state. If you - Repatriation: $25,000
have equivalent coverage, - Medical Evacuation: $50,000
Rensselaer’s insurance fee may be - Deductibles: not to exceed $500
waived, but you will be required to per accident or illness
pay the health service fee. All J-1 students must purchase
Rensselaer’s health insurance unless
you can prove insurance coverage
from your home country is
comparable to Rensselaer’s
insurance.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
You should be prepared to pay a deposit and perhaps buy or rent furniture and
household items. Do not sign any lease or contract for off-campus housing unless you
fully understand the terms of the lease. Leases or contracts cannot be broken without
financial loss to you.
The below website contains listings of current off-campus accommodations:
http://www.jumpoffcampus.com/
CITY STATION
Family housing is available off-campus for married students or guardians of children:
https://citystation.mycollegesuites.com/
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATIONS
Students who do not have housing arrangements prior to their arrival can choose to stay
in a local hotel while they look for permanent housing. The following hotels are closest to
the Rensselaer campus. Be sure to ask for the RPI discount.
Franklin Square Inn Hilton Garden Inn
One 4th Street, Troy, NY 12180 235 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180
Phone: +1-518-274-8800 Phone: +1-518-272-1700
Web: www.franklinsquareinn.com Web:
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/albtygi-
hilton-garden-inn-troy/
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
Upon arrival, you will need to use cash for a variety of important things, such as taxi
transportation. It is important that you have US currency available for these transactions.
Money is often given in large units, such as $20 bills. When exchanging money, be sure
to ask for some smaller bills, such as $5 and $10 bills.
As a precaution, we recommend you have easy access to enough money to last a month
upon arrival. If you are being financed by your home country, or another source that is
not personal funds, the deposit time can be lengthy.
Make sure to inform banks and credit card companies that you are planning to study
outside of the country. They may deactivate your cards when they see suspicious
charges.
If you do not have a bank account with a bank that is international it is important to
inquire about fees for withdrawing money in the U.S. Be sure to find out what conversion
fees, if any, are involved. Many credit card companies often charge “Foreign Transaction
Fees” or “International Transaction Fees.” It is important to inquire about these fees prior
to leaving to avoid charges for using a credit card.
PAYING YOUR RENSSELAER BILL
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has partnered with Flywire to make international student
payment simple and easy. You can find more information on their website:
https://flywire.com/school/rpi
Please do not forward as payment more than one semester’s cost of attendance each
semester.
For information about the Bursar’s Office, see their website: info.rpi.edu/bursar
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
BANKS & CELL PHONES
BANKING
Here is a list of banks in the area located near to campus. These are in alphabetical
order:
Bank of America Bank of America link
Key Bank Key Bank link
Saratoga National Bank Saratoga National Bank link
SEFCU Bank SEFCU Bank Link
Trustco Bank Trustco Bank link
You may be asked to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) when trying to open a
bank account. If you are a new student and do not have an on-campus job, you are not
eligible to apply for a SSN. In that case, ask the bank what other documentation they
need from you in order to open an account.
SIM CARD FOR CELL PHONE
ISSS partners with a cell phone provider called StudentSIMS to offer you a free SIM card
and plans with low rates. You can find out more about this company and the plans they
offer here: https://www.studentsims.com/
A great benefit to this is that you can order the free SIM card and have it shipped to you
directly -- wherever you are, free of charge -- so that when you land and step off the
plane, you can already have the SIM card ready and activated.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
HELPFUL TIPS
THINGS TO DO:
Make sure you have access to at least one month’s worth of money for initial expenses.
You should also bring some smaller U.S. currency for food and taxi services upon
arrival.
Complete the online International Orientation
Mark all of your bags with your name and Rensselaer’s address.
Know the address of your final destination after you get to the Troy area.
Plan to complete Check-In within two weeks after you arrive in the U.S.
Get excited to join the Rensselaer community!
Set up your RCS account to access your RPI email and access the WiFi on campus.
THINGS TO AVOID:
Bring electrical appliances. U.S. domestic voltage levels and outlets may not be
compatible with those at home.
Bring food. Most foreign foods are available in specialty stores in this area or in New
York City. Some foods cannot be brought into the U.S. legally.
Bring household items or bed linens, which are easily and inexpensively available in
the U.S.
Sending/shipping additional baggage to Rensselaer. The campus cannot
accommodate luggage.
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
IMPORTANT PHONE #S
International Services for Students and Scholars
+1 (518) 276-4966
Undergraduate Admissions
+1 (518) 276-6216
First Year Experience
+1 (518) 276-6864
Residential Life Office & Dining
+1 (518) 276-6284
Bursar’s Office
+1 (518) 276-6610
Student Health Services
+1 (518) 276-6287
Rensselaer Public Safety (non-emergency)
+1 (518) 276-6656
Rensselaer Public Safety (emergency)
+1 (518) 276-6611
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International Services
1528 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180 - 3590
