The entrance of a modern building with large glass windows and a sign reading SUNY NIAGARA above the doors, with clear skies and two benches outside.

International Students

DHS Update: Elimination of Duration of Status for F-1 and J-1 Students

international student and SUNY Niagara faculty member
international student and SUNY Niagara faculty member

International Students

SUNY Niagara welcomes students from across the globe to study on our campus! We offer more than fifty (50) programs of study and on-campus housing. International students are attracted to our academic reputation, small class size, affordable tuition, and excellent transfer opportunities. In return, your presence enriches our college environment and contributes to the promotion of international understanding.

international student and SUNY Niagara faculty member
international student and SUNY Niagara faculty member
Four students sit around desks in a classroom, having a discussion. One woman with a laptop is smiling, while the others listen. Brick walls and another person working in the background are visible.
Four students sit around desks in a classroom, having a discussion. One woman with a laptop is smiling, while the others listen. Brick walls and another person working in the background are visible.

Achieve Your Goals with SUNY Niagara

SUNY Niagara looks forward to assisting you in achieving your educational and career goals. There is a dedicated International Admissions Advisor available to assist you with application requirements and maintaining compliance. SUNY Niagara is conveniently located to Toronto, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls.

Visit the Campus
Four students sit around desks in a classroom, having a discussion. One woman with a laptop is smiling, while the others listen. Brick walls and another person working in the background are visible.
Four students sit around desks in a classroom, having a discussion. One woman with a laptop is smiling, while the others listen. Brick walls and another person working in the background are visible.
Four students sit and stand around a classroom table, collaborating and smiling. One student points at a paper, while others listen and engage. Whiteboard and backpacks are visible in the background.
Four students sit and stand around a classroom table, collaborating and smiling. One student points at a paper, while others listen and engage. Whiteboard and backpacks are visible in the background.

Admission Requirements

SUNY Niagara requires the items listed below for admission to the College. International (F-1 visa) students must be full-time with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and must be officially accepted (matriculated) into a degree program. (Canadian students can attend less than full time.)

International F-1 Visa
Four students sit and stand around a classroom table, collaborating and smiling. One student points at a paper, while others listen and engage. Whiteboard and backpacks are visible in the background.
Four students sit and stand around a classroom table, collaborating and smiling. One student points at a paper, while others listen and engage. Whiteboard and backpacks are visible in the background.

International Student Application Deadlines:

SUNY Niagara will admit international students in the fall and spring semesters.  All required documentation MUST be submitted to SUNY Niagara by the fall or spring deadline stated below.

  • Fall Admission Deadline:  July 15
  • Spring Admission Deadline: December 1

Please remember to allow as much time as possible due to consulate/embassy holidays, vacations, and the increased review of student visa applications. Canadian students do not need to schedule Consulate/Embassy visits as they are exempt from that requirement.

Acceptance into a degree program is based on the following requirements.

Apply to SUNY Niagara

Official Transcripts

  • Submit official high school (secondary school) and college/university transcripts (if applicable).
  • All International transcripts must be sent to a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for evaluation.
  • The evaluation must:
    • Verify your degree(s).
    • Provide U.S. course and grade equivalencies.
  • Transcripts must be translated into English before they can be evaluated.

Submit Evaluations To

The NACES member should send the official evaluation directly to the SUNY Niagara Office of Admissions.

Email: admissions@niagaracc.suny.edu

Mail:
SUNY Niagara Office of Admissions
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132

Transcript Evaluation Service

TEC (formerly SpanTran) has created a custom application for SUNY Niagara that helps ensure you select the correct evaluation at a discounted rate.

TEC Application – SUNY Niagara

Canadian Applicants

  • Official high school and college/university transcripts must be sent directly from your previous institution to the SUNY Niagara Office of Admissions.
  • Transcripts submitted by the student (uploaded or emailed) cannot be accepted.

Passport

  • Submit a copy of your valid passport.

Personal Essay

Submit a written autobiography describing:

  • Your educational and career goals.
  • Your reasons for seeking admission to SUNY Niagara.

Please use Form FSA-2.

Financial Documents

International students must provide documentation showing sufficient financial resources for their first academic year (10 months).

Minimum Financial Requirements

  • International Students: $19,000 USD
  • Canadian Commuter Students: $10,000 USD

Required Documents

  • A certified bank statement or bank letter confirming the required funds.
    • Must include the appropriate bank signatures.
    • Must be less than six (6) months old.
    • Must be written in English.
  • If you are being supported by a sponsor:

If You Are Bringing Dependents

Provide proof of additional financial support for:

  • Spouse: $5,000 USD
  • Each Child: $2,500 USD

Also submit a copy of each dependent’s passport.


SUNY Niagara may request additional documentation or verification directly from your bank, sponsor, or funding source. An I-20 will not be issued until all financial documentation has been successfully verified.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

Duolingo English Test

  • Minimum score: 90
  • Share your official score by searching SUNY Niagara in your Duolingo test dashboard.

IELTS

  • Minimum score: 6.0 (Competent User)

If your testing center requires institution information, use:

Account Name: SUNY, Niagara

Address:
Undergraduate Admissions
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
United States

TOEFL

  • School Code: 2568
  • Minimum Scores:
    • 61 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT)
    • 500 on the Paper-Based Test

English-Speaking Country Waiver

Applicants may submit:

  • A brief essay explaining why the English language proficiency requirement should be waived.
  • Proof of citizenship from an English-speaking country.

Student Visa Requirements

International students (excluding Canadian students) entering the United States for study must obtain an F-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

To obtain your visa, you must present the following documents:

  • Your passport
  • Your acceptance letter from the College
  • Your I-20 form (provided by the College)
  • Any other required materials as specified by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

SEVIS Fee Payment (Form I-901)

Before applying for your visa, you are required to pay a $350 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Government.

  • This fee must be paid online
  • A receipt of payment must be presented during your visa interview and at the port of entry

Note: Canadian students must also pay the SEVIS fee but do not require a visa to enter the United States.

Placement Testing

  • International students are required to complete placement testing once accepted to SUNY Niagara
  • Testing can be completed online
  • More information is available on the Placement Testing webpage

Immunization Records

  • Proof of immunization must be submitted to the SUNY Niagara Wellness Center
  • Required: Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
  • Meningitis vaccine is optional but must be acknowledged with a signature on the Health Form
  • COVID-19 vaccine and booster are strongly encouraged in line with CDC recommendations
  • SUNY reserves the right to change vaccine requirements based on local, state, or federal guidance

More information is available on the Wellness Center webpage.

Tuition & Fees

  • Tuition Rate (2026–2027): $5,448 per semester plus mandatory fees
  • Billing is not mailed
  • Students can view their schedule and bill through Banner Web login once billing opens each semester
  • More information is available on the Tuition & Fees webpage

Student Housing

  • Accepted international students may apply for housing in the Student Housing Village
  • Students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan
  • Housing rates and details are available on the housing webpage

Once you receive your I-20 via email, you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee.

SEVIS Fee Payment (Form I-901)

  • You are required to pay a $350 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Government
  • This fee must be paid online
  • A receipt of payment must be presented at the port of entry

Note: You do not need a visa to enter the United States.

Documents Required at the Port of Entry

Students must present the following documents to the officer at the port of entry:

  1. A Canadian passport
  2. The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate
  3. Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid
  4. Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States
  5. Proof of ties to Canada

International transfer students are F-1 students currently in the U.S. studying at a college or university who wish to transfer to another institution.

Prior to acceptance, F-1 transfer students must request official transcripts to be sent from any U.S. college or university attended. Official transcripts can be mailed to SUNY Niagara Admissions; 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132. Electronic official transcripts can be emailed to admissions@niagaracc.suny.edu.

F-1 transfer students must also submit all required international admission documentation.

Once accepted to SUNY Niagara, F-1 transfer students can begin the process of transferring to SUNY Niagara by completing the I-20 Transfer In form for F-1 International Students. This form must be completed by the PDSO or DSO at your current college or university and sent to the SUNY Niagara Admissions Office for review. The PDSO or DSO at your current college or university must also transfer your SEVIS record to SUNY Niagara as soon as possible.

Once you arrive at SUNY Niagara, you are required to meet with the DSO for current students with 10 days of your arrival on campus.

Contact for an appointment:

Andrea Adinolfe, DSO for Current Students
In-Person: Student Success Center (D-102)
Phone: (716) 614-6290
Email: aadinolfe@niagaracc.suny.edu

Photo of the Learning Commons. Tall glass building in front of a sunset.


Contact

Please contact for more information:

  • Brittany Souliske
  • Title: Admissions Recruiter & Engagement Specialist / International DSO
  • Phone: 716-614-6427
  • Email: bsouliske@niagaracc.suny.edu
  • Location: A-105
Photo of the Learning Commons. Tall glass building in front of a sunset.