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F-1 Student Status


Being in F-1 status means that your primary purpose for being in the U.S. is to study.  Most international students at SBU are in this status. F-1 students will receive a Stony Brook issued Form I-20 once we receive the required admission, biographical, and financial documentation. This Form I-20 is used to apply for your F-1 visa, which you need to enter the U.S.

Eligibility

To be eligible for F-1 status, you must be admitted to a full-time degree or non-degree program, and provide sufficient financial support which meets or exceeds the first year's estimated educational and living expenses for your degree program.

For more information regarding admission to Stony Brook University, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions webpage.

Length of Permitted Stay

As a student in F-1 status, you are admitted to the U.S. for “D/S” (duration of status). This allows you to stay until the program end date reflected on your Form I-20 as long as you enroll in and complete a full course of study each required term, maintain legal status, and have a SEVIS record in good standing. 

Employment Options

As an international student in F-1 status, you are eligible for on-campus and approved off-campus employment.