Information for New International Students

Follow the steps below to obtain your student visa:

Step 1:  Provide Documentation to Bentley University:  Once you have been admitted to Bentley University and submitted your deposit, you will receive an email at your Bentley email address inviting you to the CISS Portal.  You will use the CISS Portal to handle your immigration needs during your time at Bentley.  Log in to the CISS Portal with your Bentley credentials to provide the required information and upload the required documents.   If the information you provide is accurate and complete, your immigration document will be processed and made available in the CISS Portal for you to download.  Please allow up to three weeks for this process. 

Step 2:  Receive Form I-20/DS-2019:  When your immigration document is ready, you will be notified to access it in the CISS Portal.  You must print it out, review it for accuracy, and sign and date at the bottom of page one.  You will need to show this document when you enter the U.S. 

If you find an error on your Form I-20/DS-2019, please email us at GA-CISS@Bentley.edu so that we can issue you a corrected form.

Step 3:  Pay the SEVIS Fee:  Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online using the SEVIS ID number and school code listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019. 

• Most students can pay the fee by credit card.   
• If your country of citizenship is Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia, you must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or a certified check from a U.S. financial institution.  
• You must pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before your visa appointment.  
• After paying the fee, print out the Form I-901 confirmation page (available immediately if paid by credit card) and bring it as proof of payment to your visa appointment.

Step 4:  Complete the Online Visa Application (Form I-160):  You can complete the  Form I-160 Visa Application on the Department of State website. Once you have completed the visa application, uploaded a photo, and paid the visa fee, print out a copy of your visa application.  You will need a printed copy of the visa application and proof of payment for your visa interview. 

Step 5:  Schedule an Interview (If required):  Most prospective international students must obtain a visa at the nearest  U.S. consulate or embassy to request entry to the U.S. in student status (Except for Canadians and Bermudans). 

• You may be able to schedule a visa interview at another U.S. embassy or consulate, although it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
• Wait times for visa appointments may vary by location and time of year.  
• We recommend scheduling your appointment as soon as possible. 

Step 6: Gather Documentation for Your Appointment:  At your appointment, you may be expected to show the following documentation:

• Bentley University Acceptance Letter
• Form I-20/DS-2019
• Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Valid Passport (Valid for at least 6 months into the future)
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Other evidence as required by the consular post. 

Evidence may consist of transcripts, diplomas, test scores, financial documentation, or documentation of your ties to your home country or intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of studies. You can find the contact information and specific instructions for the various U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions around the world on the Department of State website. 

Step 7: Attend Your Interview (if required):  If required, a consular officer will interview you to determine if you meet the requirements for a student visa. You may be asked to give digital fingerprint scans or be given instructions on how to provide these later. Be ready to explain why you want to study at Bentley University and what you hope to do with the degree that you earn. The Consular Officer may also ask to review your social media to determine your visa eligibility.  In most cases, the consular officer will then approve or deny your visa. 

• In some cases, a consular officer may not make an immediate decision and may determine that your application requires further Administrative Processing.   See the section below on "Administrative Processing and Visa Denial."  
• In the case of denial, see the section below on "Administrative Processing and Visa Denial."  Administrative Processing may take a few weeks to months. Notify CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu and the Admission Office if your visa is denied so that we can guide you. 

Step 8: Receive Your Visa: You will need to arrange for the return of your passport (with your visa) by picking it up at the consulate or having it mailed to you.  *Canadian and Bermudan citizens entering the United States with valid passports do not require a visa but must pay the SEVIS fee and present a valid Form I-20/DS-2019 at the U.S. port of entry 

Step 9: Make Your Travel Plans: Plan to arrive in the United States in time to attend your Orientation Program, but no more than 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019. 

Administrative Processing

The U.S. Consulate/Embassy may request security clearance or additional review of an applicant before issuing a visa. These reviews can sometimes take up to several months. Individuals with special skills in the STEM fields may be more likely to undergo administrative processing. Please plan accordingly.  For more information on Administrative Processing, go to the Department of State website.

New screening requirements for F and J visa applicants mean all eligible applicants are now placed in Administrative Processing. During this time, consular staff will instruct the applicant to set their social media accounts to “public” and will review their accounts for any possible threats to national security. Students are recommended to book their visa interviews as soon as possible to have the additional time needed for Administrative Processing.

Email the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu if you are notified that your visa application must undergo Administrative Processing.

Visa Denial

Sometimes, the visa process does not go as planned. A visa application may be denied if:

• The consular officer does not have the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa.

• The applicant does not qualify for the visa category.

• The applicant is ineligible or inadmissible to the United States due to the applicant's current and/or past actions, such as prior drug or criminal charges.

• The applicant does not prove “non-immigrant intent.”

• If a social media review is needed

One of the most common reasons for denial of a non-immigrant visa is failure to establish non-immigrant intent (denial under Section 214b). During the visa interview or as a part of the application process, you must present evidence that you do not intend to abandon your home country and that you have significant economic, professional, or personal ties or reasons to return to your home country once the intended program or activity is completed. Consular officers may use their discretion to determine whether non-immigrant intent is evident. 

You can proactively provide documentation of ties to your home country within your application by presenting evidence of:

• Property ownership

• Investments or financial assets

• Family or social relationships

• Future employment offers. 

These items are not mandatory and showing them does not guarantee that your visa will be approved.

If you are denied a visa, you should be given a document that explains the reason for the denial.  Contact the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu for assistance. In most cases, visa re-application is possible. For more information on visa denials, visit the Department of State website.

If you are coming to Bentley from another U.S. high school or university and are transferring your immigration record to Bentley, you are considered a SEVIS transfer student and may not need to obtain a new F-1 visa. You may be a SEVIS transfer student if you:

• Are currently in the United States and studying at a U.S. institution, and are planning on changing schools
• Have completed a program at a U.S. institution and will begin a new program at Bentley in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
• Have attended a U.S. institution or completed a program in the United States and are currently outside the country, but plan on re-entering to attend Bentley
• Have completed a program and are currently pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, but will start a new degree program at Bentley

To be eligible for a SEVIS transfer, your new program must start within five months.

How do I transfer my SEVIS record?

• The SEVIS transfer process must be initiated while your SEVIS record is active or within the 60-day grace period following completion of your program or Optional Practical Training.
• During the admissions process, you will complete a Transfer Request in the CISS Portal. The International Student Advisor at the school listed on your current Form I-20 will be given instructions to approve the transfer of your SEVIS record to Bentley on a specific date.
• Once your SEVIS record has been transferred, CISS will be able to create a Bentley "Transfer Pending" Form I-20 for you. You do not need to obtain a new visa unless your current visa has expired, and you need to re-enter the U.S. You are permitted to either remain in the U.S. between programs, OR travel and re-enter before your new program.
• You will be required to complete the SEVIS Immigration Registration in the CISS Portal.  SEVIS transfer students will receive a new Form I-20 once this process is complete to indicate that the transfer has been finalized.  Please email the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu if your arrival is delayed for any reason.

If you are currently in the U.S. in non-immigrant status (B-1/B-2, F-2, H-1B, or H-4) you may want to consider changing your status to F-1. F-1 status is the most common immigration status for enrollment in a full-time degree program.  While some other statuses may allow for part-time and full-time study, they may not include the employment benefits of F-1 status.   

Options for Changing Your Immigration Status 

There are generally two options for changing your status to F-1:  

• Travel and re-entry to the U.S.-You will have to travel to your home country and apply for an F-1 visa with a Bentley Form I-20 to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.  Follow the instructions from the “Obtaining a Visa” section for more information. 

• Apply for a change of status from within the U.S.  If you are in the U.S and you are not able to travel, you can apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for a change of status.
• This application process can take 3-6 months and requires a fee. You can find current processing times on the USCIS Website.
• Approval is not guaranteed, and changing from certain visa types may not be allowed or approved.
• Travel outside of the U.S. while your change of status application is pending is not recommended.
• If your change of status application is approved, you will be in your new status and can remain in the U.S. to pursue a full-time degree program.  However, when you travel outside the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1visa to re-enter the U.S. 

We highly recommend that you work with an immigration attorney if you decide to apply for a change of status within the U.S. 

Change from F-2 to F-1 status: Individuals in F-2 status are eligible for part-time study. Once your change of status to F-1 is approved, you are required to be enrolled full-time. If your change of status has not been approved by the deadline for adding/dropping classes, your Form I-20 start date will be deferred until the start of the next semester, and you must stay enrolled part-time until the end of the current semester to maintain your F-2 status. 

Change from B-1/B-2 to F-1 status: It is extremely difficult to apply for a change of status from B-1/B-2 status from within the U.S., as you must prove that the original intent of your visit to the U.S. has changed. Individuals in B1/B2 status are prohibited from “enrolling in a course of study” until after USCIS approves their change of status application.  

If your change of status is approved or if you enter the U.S. in your new F-1 status, you will be required to comply with F-1 regulations, including full-time enrollment.  

Process for Changing to F-1 Status 

If you would like to change to F-1 status, follow the steps below: 

STEP 1: Review and understand the different ways you can change your status 

STEP 2: Send an email to GA_CISS@bentley.edu to inform the CISS that you would like to change your status and set up a time to meet with a CISS Advisor. 

STEP 3: Decide which option would be the best for you to change your status 

STEP 4: Request a Bentley Form I-20.  You will be invited to apply for a Form I-20 through the CISS Portal. Follow the instructions for the option that you choose to change your status. 

STEP 5: Once your application is approved or you return to the U.S., complete the SEVIS Immigration Registration in the CISS Portal 

Remember: When your change of status to F-1 is complete, you must follow all F-1 immigration regulations. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires all full-time students (12+ credits for Undergrads, 9+ credits for Grads) to be covered by a health insurance plan.  All Bentley students will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the Bentley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). 

If you have your own health insurance plan that meets the Massachusetts state requirements, you can apply for a waiver.   Please be aware that the U.S. health care system is complex, and health care can be quite expensive.  It is critical to have comprehensive health insurance coverage. To learn more about the Student Health Insurance Plan, go here. 

The Student Health Center requires you to submit the following information to Bentley University before your arrival:

1. Health History Questionnaire
2. TB Risk Assessment
3. Immunization Record

You can submit this information through the Student Health Portal, using your Bentley short name (everything before the “@” in your email address). For full details, forms, waivers, and video instructions, visit the Bentley Health Center website.

Important Note: If you do not complete these requirements, a $50 non-refundable fee may be applied to your account, and your future housing and/or class registration may be impacted

1. You may enter the U.S. in F or J status up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019.  
2. Before arriving at a U.S. airport or border facility, be sure to have your passport, F-1/J-1 visa, and your original Form I-20/DS-2019 with you. You may also want to carry additional documents, such as a copy of your acceptance letter.  Carry these documents on your person and NOT in your checked luggage. You will show your documents at the port of entry. An immigration officer will review these documents to determine if you are eligible to enter the U.S. as a student.
3. It is recommended to have copies of these documents stored electronically in case originals are lost or inaccessible.
4. Upon entry to the U.S., a Form I-94 will be generated for you electronically.  This form will show your entry date and status.  We recommend that you print out a copy of this form each time you travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter to verify that you have entered the U.S. in the appropriate status. 

Please contact the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu if your arrival is delayed or if you will not be attending Bentley University. 

For information on getting to Bentley University, please visit the International Student Resources page, which will give you information on arriving in Boston, getting to Bentley, and getting around the Bentley campus.

Orientation

As a new student, you will have multiple opportunities to participate in various Orientation programs. There is the New Falcon Experience for new undergraduate students, a Graduate Student Orientation, and an International Student Orientation. The International Student Orientation offers you the opportunity to learn about important immigration regulations and useful resources on campus and in the community.   Attendance at the International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students.  

The undergraduate International Student Orientation is a 2-3-day program that requires registration and allows international students to arrive early to get settled in their residence halls and attend the orientation. For detailed information on this program, join Campus Groups and navigate to the CISS events.

You will need to get a copy of your Form I-94 to complete the SEVIS Immigration Check-In. 

Retrieving Your Form I-94

• Go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 web page
• Click on "Get Most Recent I-94"
• Click "Consent & Continue"
• Enter Your Traveler Information
• Document Number=Passport Number
• Save and print the most recent Form I-94 (NOT THE TRAVEL HISTORY)

Having Trouble Retrieving Your Form I-94?

If you receive a “Not Found” message, it is possible that the Form I-94 does not exist because of a system error.  I may also be that the Form I-94 is in the system, but the data is formatted differently than you entered it. 

If so, here are a few tips:

• Enter your name as it is written on your visa or your boarding pass.
• Enter the first and middle names in the First Name field.
• Switch the order of the names.
• If you have multiple names, try writing without spaces or omitting the last few letters.
  Example of multiple names: Type the multiple first names "Julie Anne” as “Julieanne”
• The search is case sensitive. Try all lower-case letters
• If you have two passports with a valid visa in the old passport, try using the old
  passport number, and then try using the new passport number.
• If you have a Mexican passport, try eliminating the first two digits of the passport
  number (used to indicate the year). This will not work for all Mexican passports.

Still having problems retrieving your Form I-94?

• If you came through immigration at Boston Logan Airport, you can contact the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Deferred Inspection Office at 617-568-1810.
• If you entered the U.S. at another port of entry, you can call the CBP Deferred Inspection Office at that airport and explain the problem. Contact information for the Deferred Inspection Offices at different airports can be found on the CBP website.

Remember, you will receive a new Form I-94 each time you enter the U.S.
 

SEVIS Immigration Registration

As a new student, you are required by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to complete the SEVIS immigration registration process once you arrive in the U.S.  SEVIS registration must be completed within 30 days of your program start date to indicate that you arrived in the U.S. in valid student status. You will need to upload a copy of your Form I-94 and verify your U.S. and home country address and phone number in Workday.You can complete your SEVIS immigration registration after your arrival in the U.S. in the CISS Portal.