​Adjusting Your Arrival Plans

• Overview

  International students in F-1 or J-1 status may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.

  While we strongly recommend arriving before classes begin to support a smooth transition and academic success, we understand that visa delays, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances may impact your plans.

  If your arrival plans have changed, please select the appropriate tab based on your degree level—Undergraduate or Graduate/Professional—to review your options and the steps required.

  Change in Arrival Plans: Undergraduate Students

  Change in Arrival Plans: Graduate Students

• Undergraduate Students

  
  Change in Arrival Plans: Undergraduate Students

  We understand that plans may change. If your travel to the U.S. for the upcoming semester is delayed or no longer possible, please review the options below and determine which best fits your situation. Then, notify Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) by following the appropriate steps. This ensures your SEVIS record is updated and, if necessary, a revised Form I-20 or DS-2019 is issued.

  
  I need to arrive after the first day of classes.

  Late Arrival Permission

  If you anticipate arriving after the start of classes (August 25, 2025), you must submit the Late Arrival for Undergraduates request in accessVIS. Once submitted, an automated email will be sent to your general advising unit for approval. Only those who have completed all registration and advising checklist items within the StartSBU Portal will be considered for late arrival.

  If approved, a remark will be entered in SEVIS regarding your late arrival, and a support letter will be issued.

  Important:

  • • It is important to note that while the late arrival support letter aims to facilitate your entry into the U.S., it does not guarantee entry, as all students are expected to arrive by the program start date specified on their I-20 or DS-2019.
    • You must still complete the International Student Check-In in accessVIS even if you arrive late.
    • Make sure to finish all checklist items in your StartSBU Portal to be considered for late arrival.
    • Verify you're enrolled in a full-time course load. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree, this means you will be required to enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credits, of which 9 credits must be in-person/hybrid.
    • If you are a first-year or a transfer student, it is essential to contact the Office of New Student & Transition Programs at orientationoffice@stonybrook.edu to inform them of your late arrival and request information on how to make up any missed orientation activities.
    • If you have secured on-campus housing but anticipate arriving after Sunday, August 24, you must submit the “Late Arrival Request Form,” available on the Assignment Confirmation page of the Housing Portal. This step is important - without approval for a late check-in, your housing assignment may be canceled.

   

  I want to start my studies online this fall and arrive to SBU for the spring semester.

  F-1/J-1 Program & Arrival Deferral with Remote Start

  You may be eligible to begin your program remotely from outside the U.S. while deferring your F-1/J-1 program start to a later semester. This option allows you to start your studies at Stony Brook University and gain additional time to secure your visa before entering the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status.

  What to know:

  • • Eligibility is determined based on your specific course requirements, online course availability, and applicable U.S. export control regulations.
    • VIS cannot determine eligibility for remote start but must be informed of your plans.

  Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS to ensure your SEVIS record and Form I-20/DS-2010 are updated accordingly.

  
  I’m interested in starting my SBU career in another country.

  Freshman Launch Year (FLY)

  Start your SBU degree abroad through the Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program. FLY allows newly admitted students to earn SBU credits at one of three global partner institutions during their first semester, while staying on track with degree progress.

  Whether you’re drawn to the vibrance of Shanghai, the innovation of Seoul, or the art and culture of Florence, FLY offers an incredible way to begin your global SBU journey.

  Click here to learn more!

  
  
  I want to defer my admission to the following semester.

  Admission Deferral

  If you’re unable to begin your studies this fall, you may request a deferral through Undergraduate Admissions by completing the Deferral Request Form in your StartSBU Portal. 

  Key points: 

  • • Deferrals may be granted for up to one year and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require approval.
    • If approved, Undergraduate Admissions will issue a new offer of admission for the updated semester.
    • VIS does not approve deferrals but must be notified

  To notify VIS, submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so we can update your SEVIS record and documents accordingly.

  
  I no longer plan to attend SBU.

  Admission Withdrawal

  If you no longer plan to attend Stony Brook University, please:

  • • Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS.
    • Notify Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@stonybrook.edu if withdrawing before August 25, 2025.
    • If withdrawing after Aug. 25, 2025, and you are registered for classes, submit the Undergraduate Semester Withdrawal Form to the Office of Registrar.

  Important: You must officially withdraw from courses. Not attending class does not cancel your enrollment or tuition charges.

  • • If withdrawing before the first day of classes, you will drop your classes in SOLAR.
    • If withdrawing after the first day, a withdrawal form is required.

   

• Graduate/Professional Students

  
  Change in Arrival Plans: Graduate Students

  We understand that circumstances may change. If your travel to the U.S. for the upcoming semester is delayed or no longer possible, we recommend speaking with your academic program to determine which of the following options may be available to you based on your situation. Then, be sure to notify Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) by following the appropriate steps below. This allows us to update your SEVIS record and issue a revised Form I-20 or DS-2019, if needed.

  
  I need to arrive after the first day of classes.

  Late Arrival Permission

  If you anticipate arriving after the start of classes (August 25, 2025), you must submit the Late Arrival for Graduate Students request in accessVIS. Once submitted, an automated email will be sent to your GPC/GPD for approval.

  If approved, a remark will be entered in SEVIS regarding your late arrival, and a support letter will be issued.

  Important: 

  • • It is important to note that while the late arrival support letter aims to facilitate your entry into the U.S., it does not guarantee entry, as all students are expected to arrive by the program start date specified on their I-20 or DS-2019.
    • You must still complete International Student Check-In in accessVIS even if you arrive late.
    • It is your responsibility to ensure that you are enrolled in a full-time course load. For F-1 students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, this means you will be required to enroll in and complete a minimum of 9 credits, of which 6 credits must be in-person/hybrid.
    • If you have secured on-campus housing but anticipate arriving after Sunday, August 24, you must submit the “Late Arrival Request Form,” available on the Assignment Confirmation page of the Housing Portal. This step is important - without approval for a late check-in, your housing assignment may be canceled.

  Students not eligible for late arrival will be advised to consider requesting an admission deferral to a future term.

  
  I want to defer my admission to the following semester.

  Admission Deferral

  If you’re unable to begin your studies this fall, you may request to defer admission through your academic department.

  Key points: 

  • • Deferrals may be granted for up to one year and are subject to departmental approval.
    • If you have already used up your one year deferral, requests for a deferral extension may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If approved by the department and the Graduate School, additional information or forms may be required. 
    • If approved, the Graduate School will issue a new offer of admission for the updated semester.
    • VIS does not approve deferrals but must be notified

  To notify VIS, submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so we can update your SEVIS record and documents accordingly.

  
  I want to start my studies online this fall and arrive to SBU for the spring semester.

  F-1/J-1 Program & Arrival Deferral with Remote Start

  Some master's students may be eligible to begin their program remotely from outside the U.S. while deferring their F-1 program start to a later semester. This option allows you to start your studies at Stony Brook University and gain additional time to secure your visa before entering the U.S. in F-1 status.

  Please note: This option is not available to doctoral/Ph.D. students.

  What to know:

  • • This option requires approval from your academic department and the Office of Research Security
    • Online course availability and U.S. export control regulations may impact eligibility
    • VIS cannot determine eligibility but must be informed of your plans

  To notify VIS, submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS so we can update your SEVIS record and documents accordingly.

  
  I no longer plan to attend SBU.

  Admission Withdrawal

  If you no longer plan to attend Stony Brook University, please:

  • • Submit the Report Changes to My Arrival e-form in accessVIS
    • Notify your academic department directly to complete the official withdrawal process

  Important: If you are registered for classes, you must officially withdraw. Not attending your classes does not remove you from your courses or cancel your tuition charges.

  • If withdrawing before the first day of classes, you will drop your classes in SOLAR.
  • If withdrawing after the first day, a withdrawal form is required.