Change in Arrival Plans?

We understand that circumstances may change, and if your plans to enter the U.S. for the upcoming semester have been altered for any of the following reasons, we ask that you submit the 'Report Changes to My Arrival' e-form in accessVIS to inform us about your situation. This allows Visa & Immigration Services (VIS) to update your SEVIS record and make necessary adjustments to your Form I-20 or DS-2019.

• I am a new student and intend to study remotely outside of the U.S.
• I am requesting to defer my admission to a future term.
• I am no longer planning to attend Stony Brook University (SBU).

Late Arrivals: If you still intend to come to Stony Brook University but anticipate arriving after the program start date specified on your I-20 or DS-2019, please submit the respective 'Late Arrival Request' in accessVIS as soon as possible. For more information about arriving after the start of classes, click here.

Admission Deferral

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) cannot determine your eligibility for an admission deferral. However, it is important to notify VIS if you plan to defer your admission to a future term so we can update your Form I-20. Follow the steps below based on your student status:

• Undergradate Students: must notify Undergraduate International Admissions about your deferral request by completing the deferral form in the StartSBU Portal.
• Graduate Level Students (Master's / Doctoral): must notify your graduate academic department directly about your request to defer your admission. 

Remember to also submit the 'Report Changes to My Arrival' e-form in accessVIS to ensure proper updates are made.

Admission Withdrawal

If you no longer intend to attend SBU for the upcoming semester, it’s important to notify VIS to cancel your Form I-20. In addition to submitting the 'Report Changes to My Arrival' e-form in accessVIS, please follow these steps:

• Undergradate Students:
  • If withdrawing before the first day of classes, email your decision to Undergraduate International Admissions enrollintl@stonybrook.edu.
  • If withdrawing after the semester begins and you are already enrolled, submit the Undergraduate Semester Withdrawal Form to the Office of Registrar.
• Graduate Level Students (Master's / Doctoral): must notify your graduate academic department directly about your plans to withdrawn your admission. 

Important Reminder About Withdrawals: If you have registered for classes but will not be attending, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw from those classes. Simply not attending does not constitute an official withdrawal and does not relieve you of your financial obligations.  If you have any questions about your tuition liability, please contact Student Financial Services directly.

F-1 Program & Arrival Deferral

Students admitted for the upcoming semester have the option to defer their F-1 program and U.S. arrival to a future semester while enrolling remotely from their home country. This allows students to begin their studies at Stony Brook University (SBU) while allowing more time to secure a visa before coming to the U.S. in F-1 status.

From an immigration standpoint, students who are not yet in F-1 status can study remotely full-time or part-time while outside of the U.S., as F-1 status requirements would not apply. The enrollment requirements only become relevant after a student has been granted admission to the U.S. in F-1 status.

If you choose to study remotely and defer your arrival to a later semester, follow these steps:

1. Notify Your Admitting Office:
   • • • Undergraduate Students should email their intentions to study remotely to International Undergraduate Admissions at enrollintl@stonybrook.edu.
       • Graduate Level Students (Master's / Doctoral) should contact their respective academic department to inform them of their decision.
2. Submit the 'Report Changes to My Arrival' e-form in accessVIS.