Immigration and Visa Information

The Affidavit of support (AFCOE) is required to issue your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019. It verifies that you have sufficient funding to meet tuition and living expenses.

Forms

• AFCOE 2025–2026: For all students except Gabelli and GSAS
• Gabelli AFCOE 2025–2026: For Gabelli School of Business Graduate students
• GSAS AFCOE: For Graduate School of Arts & Sciences students

If you are a J-1 exchange student through an official institutional agreement, please use the AFCOE specific to your Exchange program.

What to include

• Passport biographical page
• Financial supporting documents (bank statements, letters, etc.)
• Transfer recommendation fform (if applicable)

Submission tips

• Combine all documents into one PDF file
• Do not send JPEGs
• Email subject line format: family name, given name, Fordham ID number, AFCOE
• Always include your Fordham ID and school/program name

Financial information

Fordham must verify that you have adequate financial resources to meet tuition, fees, and living expenses for your full-time program. These amounts are listed on the AFCOE.

If you have dependents, you must also show additional funding for their living expenses (amounts listed on page 4 of the AFCOE).

Acceptable documentation includes:

• Bank statements or certificates of deposit
• Employment or sponsorship letters
• Award or scholarship letters

Scanned copies are acceptable; originals are not required. You may email, fax, or mail them to your respective office.

Submit a clear, color copy of the biographical page of your passport.

Transferring your SEVIS record to Fordham

If you are currently in active F-1 status at another U.S. institution, you may transfer your SEVIS record to Fordham.

Steps

1. Complete the top part of the International Student SEVIS Transfer Form
   
   
2. Have your current school’s DSO to complete the bottom half of the form
   
   
3. Submit the completed form along with your AFCOE, financial documents, and passport copy

You may submit these materials directly, or your previous school can email them to [email protected].

If you are staying in the U.S. before beginning at Fordham:

• Request your SEVIS transfer before your start date
  
  
• OIS will issue your new I-20 within 1–2 weeks of the release date

If you are traveling abroad before your program:

• Use Fordham’s I-20 to re-enter the U.S.
  
  
• You may use a valid F-1 visa from a previous school, as long as it has not expired.
  
  
• If expired, apply for a new visa abroad before returning.

Paying the SEVIS fee

You must pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee before applying for your F-1 or J-1 visa. This fee supports the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Who must pay?

• All first-time F-1 or J-1 applicants must pay the SEVIS fee before the visa interview.
  
  
• Students with a valid SEVIS record do not need to repay unless a new SEVIS ID is issued.

How to pay

1. Visit FMJfee.com
   
   
2. Select “Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment”
   
   
3. Choose Form I-20 (for F-1) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1)
   
   
4. Enter your information and follow the instructions
   
   
5. Print and keep your SEVIS fee payment receipt — you may need to present it later.

Applying for your visa

When scheduling your visa interview, review the materials enclosed with your I-20 or DS-2019 package and consult your U.S. Consulate’s website for specific requirements.

You will need:

• Form I-20 or DS-2019
  
  
• SEVIS fee receipt
  
  
• Valid passport
  
  
• Proof of financial support

During the interview, your goal is to demonstrate that:

• You intend to study full-time at Fordham
  
  
• You plan to return to your home country after completing your studies

For individualized questions, please contact OIS rather than relying on online forums or unofficial advice.

Key immigration documents

SEVIS form I-20 (F-1 students)

This is a three-page document issued by Fordham, which describes the nature and expected duration of your program, your financial resources, and other information. It has a SEVIS ID number on it, which lets immigration identify you. Your SEVIS ID is the 9-digit number starting with N, at the top-right of your I-20, located above the bar code. The Form I-20 allows you to apply for an F-1 visa stamp and to gain F-1 (student) status when you enter the US.

Immigration regulations require that you attend the school that issued the I-20 you use to enter the United States. DO NOT use another school’s I-20 to enter the United States if you intend to study at Fordham. You can use our I-20 with a valid F-1 Visa that has another school's name on it.

SEVIS form DS-2019 (J-1 students)

This is a two-page document issued by your sponsoring organization, which describes your purpose for entering the United States, the expected duration of your program, and your sources of funding. Form DS-2019 permits you to apply for a J-1 visa stamp and to gain J-1 (Exchange Visitor) status when you enter the United States.

Visa stamp

A U.S. visa stamp in your passport allows you to enter the United States. You can only apply for a student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the United States. Notations on the visa stamp include the type of visa (F-1, J-1, etc.), the number of entries allowed (M=Multiple), and the expiration date. It is OK if your visa expires while you are in the United States. The only purpose of the visa is to allow you to enter the country, like a key. So, the only time you must renew your visa is if you will leave the United States and intend to re-enter.

Passport

Your passport must always remain valid while in the United States.
If traveling internationally, ensure it will be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. You may renew it through your home country’s consulate in New York.