Visa Information (F-1) for newly enrolled INTERNATIONAL students

We want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your recent acceptance to Skidmore College. 

You are required to obtain an F-1 student visa (except citizens of Canada) in order to enter and pursue your education in the United States. American colleges are required by U.S. federal law to obtain several documents before we can issue a SEVIS I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) to the international student. Please complete the attached

 a) Application for Certificate of Eligibility/Biographical Data Form, and

 b) International Student Certification of Finances Form and return to us with the additional documents requested below, so that we can issue SEVIS I-20 to you. 

1. A copy of your letter of admission to Skidmore College
2. A photocopy of the identification page from your passport
3. Original or copies of official bank certificates of deposit, or other appropriate official documents certifying available funds to cover a MINIMUM of your first year's expenses.  This can be in the form of a SIGNED LETTER from a bank official on the bank's letterhead citing the availability of the funds.
4. Copy of your Financial Aid Letter from Skidmore College (if applicable)
5. Copy of your TOEFL scores or other English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
6. Copy of your current F1 visa (if you have one in your passport)
7. Copy of your I-94 (IF you are in the US). To print your I-94, please do a Google search for “I-94 and CBP.gov”, and follow the instructions on printing your I-94
8. Copy of both pages of your I-20 (IF you are on an F-1 student visa studying in the US)
9. SEVIS Transfer form if you attending a US high school or college and transferring to Skidmore

  Form Completion Instructions:

  Application for Certificate of Eligibility/Biographical Data Form

1. Check to see that your name is spelled exactly as it appears on your passport.  If you do not have a passport, please apply for a passport immediately.
2. If you have dual citizenship, note both countries and indicate which passport you plan to use when you enter the United States.
3. If you are currently studying in the United States, please attach a copy of your current I-20 and I-94. 
4. Please write the month of your date of birth in words, e.g., January, February, etc.
5. A person who enters the United States in "B" visitor status (including Visa-Waiver) cannot attend a college, unless they file for and obtain a change of status prior to start of program.  We would recommend that you please consult with an immigration attorney, if you are in the US in any status other than F-1 or J-1. Change of status applications can take more than 1 year to process.
6. Canadian citizens do not need to apply for an F1 visa, however, they do need an I-20, passport and financial documents to enter the United States to attend college. F1 status is granted to Canadian students when they cross the border with their college I-20.

  International Student Certification of Finances

Higher education in the United States is an expensive investment, and colleges are required by federal law to obtain documentation of available funds to cover your education in the United States.  It is advisable to plan your finances accordingly.  

The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is anticipated to be in the range of $89,500 (subject to change).

Please note that travel, personal and miscellaneous costs vary from student to student and are not listed above OR on the Bursar's website.

Please provide accompanying, documented evidence to cover expenses for the first year of study, with the completed form.

Examples: Personal Funds & Parents' contribution: Provide an accompanying bank statement, securities report, bank certificate of deposit, etc. NOTE: Please do not use proof of salary to show financial eligibility.

OR

If sponsored by an organization or person other than a parent (e.g., aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc.), please note the organization (e.g., information from your Student Aid award letter) or individual and provide documentation from the organization or individual for the specific amount of funding. If the sponsor is an individual, then please provide a letter or certficate of deposit from the individual's bank showing funds available.

OR

If sponsored by a government agency, please name the agency and provide documentation from the agency for the specific amount of funding.

The total should cover the approximated costs for your education in the United States. 

Please project the costs and coverage for the full four years of your education; keep in mind that we only need documentation for the first year.

Please acquire the appropriate signatures and forward the forms and accompanying documentation F1Visa@skidmore.edu (F one Visa @ Skidmore dot edu).  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (518) 580-8150 or email F1Visa@skidmore.edu.

As we receive this completed information, we will mail you your Skidmore SEVIS I-20. You may then follow the remaining steps to apply for your F-1 student visa (except Canadians) and prepare for your entry into the United States.

The United States Department of Homeland Security maintains a thorough website called Study in the States to guide you through these steps.