Read our Incoming Students page
All students should start by reading our Incoming International Students page and review the resources we鈥檝e put together, including our FAQs and new student checklist.
Welcome Events
Webinars for new international students
These webinars are designed to be watched in addition to the Orientation Programs that your respective schools will be hosting throughout the summer and into the fall.
Upcoming webinars and events
How to Prepare for a U.S. Visa Interview
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am (U.S. Eastern)
This International Services Office webinar will focus on preparations needed for interviewing for a visa. Matt Pierson, a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer, will be available to present on the visa interview process and take your questions.
Matt is a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer who is an expert on the visa interview process. He worked for over ten years at the Department of State, and he has conducted over 100,000 visa interviews. He currently works as a Visa Interview Consultant, assisting travelers prepare for their visa interviews at embassies around the world.
He will be discussing possible questions officers may ask, non-immigrant intent for visa applicants, and the social media vetting process.
ISO Welcome Webinar for New Fall 2026 Students
Friday, July 17, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am (U.S. Eastern)
Welcome to the Rochester! This webinar introduces the聽 International Services Office and the services we provide. You will also learn about some important topics for starting your U of R experience such as arriving in 91原创, website navigation, online modules, scams, safety, weather, and transportation. We look forward to hearing your questions!聽
Travel Considerations Webinar
Friday, July 24, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am (U.S. Eastern)
This webinar will address important concerns international students may have about traveling to the United States. We will discuss considerations for your flight, arriving in the United States, and how to navigate the airport.
Immigration Compliance Webinar
Friday, July 31, 2026
9:00am to 10:15am (U.S. Eastern)
The ISO will be hosting a聽尘补苍诲补迟辞谤测听Immigration and Compliance webinar聽required for ALL graduate and undergraduate students.聽 The webinar will provide all international students with information about how to stay in compliance with F and J visa regulations while studying and working in the United States.聽 The session will be recorded, but you are required to attend. ISO will deliver all ISOP Orientation Meetings virtually.
Student Employment, Social Security, and Taxes for International Students
Friday, August 7, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am (U.S. Eastern)
Join our for our last ISO Pre-Arrival Webinar for new Fall 2026 international students. We will be discussing how to obtain student employment, get a social security number, and paying taxes as an international student.聽
Past webinars and events
Only current students all other users with an Active Directory account can view the following presentations and Q&A recordings. You will be automatically given an Active Directory account by University IT as you enroll.
For all international students
- Overview: This webinar introduces some ISO staff members, helps you plan your arrival, reviews key ISO requirements, and discusses possible scams you should know.
- Overview: Learn about the experiences of international students at 91原创, and learn all about the opportunities for student engagement with ISO. The webinar was followed by a Q&A session where incoming students asked experienced international students many questions about their experiences.
- Overview: This presentation, sponsored by the International Services Office and Student Employment Office, provides international students with guidance on how to begin the process of searching for employment on campus and applying for a social security number once you have gained for-service employment.
- Overview: The ISO hosts a尘补苍诲补迟辞谤测听Immigration and Compliance webinar聽required for all graduate and undergraduate students.聽The webinar provides all international students with information about how to stay in compliance with F and J visa regulations while studying and working in the United States.聽The session was recorded, but you are required to attend a live session.
For graduate international students
- Overview: Rebecca Orton, the Assistant Director of Graduate, Family, and Off-Campus Housing, presented a webinar with more information on housing registration, as well as a question-and-answer session. Watch to learn about on-campus and off-campus housing options!
On-demand videos and training: TIPS
In addition to our webinar recordings, we鈥檝e created a variety of videos for our TIPS on-demand series: Tools for Immigration and Preparation Support.
You鈥檒l also be asked to complete online video training on preparing for studies and life in 91原创. These resources will be available through using your .
Check out the publicly-available on-demand videos below, and contact our office if you have any questions.
Immigration documents for new students
SEVIS immigration transfers
Third-party sponsored students
Obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa
Travel to and arriving in the US
Entry to the US
Getting settled in 91原创
Stay in touch
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your way to become a 91原创 international student!
This page will continue to be updated with events and additional opportunities for engagement.聽Check back regularly for updates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don鈥檛 hesitate to contact us. You can also review our Incoming Student Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional detailed support.