International Exchange Orientation Spring 2026

International Student Information

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides specific Orientation programs for all new international students. Please view our New International Student website for more information. These programs are required for all students in F-1 or J-1 visa status and are optional for students in other visa categories.

When do you plan to arrive in Albany?
Please note that students in F1 or J1 status are permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start date on their I-20 or DS-2019. The start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 should be January 18, 2026. You can arrive in the US as early as December 19, 2025.

Students who plan to live in the residence halls will not be able to move into their room until January 18. Students arriving before then will need to make other arrangements, such as a hotel. Students living on-campus should follow the move in instructions from the Residential Life Office.

What will be your visa status while you are studying at UAlbany?

F-1 or J-1 student visa

Any other non-immigrant visa category i.e. H-4, F-2, H-1, etc.

F1/J1 Visa Status: All international students are required to participate in any appropriate University Orientation along with the ISSS Online Orientation and International Student Orientation. More information on these programs can be found here.

Non-Immigrant Visa Category: International students in any visa category must attend University Orientation (including first-year, transfer, or graduate department orientations). However, students in visa categories other than F-1 or J-1 may choose not to attend International Student Orientation. You are welcome to review the Online orientation information and participate in New International Student Orientation if you would like.

Dietary Preferences

Do you have any dietary preferences for religious, medical or personal reasons? (examples: vegetarian (please specify if no eggs or no seafood), kosher, vegan, food allergies)?

Acknowledgements

Once a student is accepted as a member of the University community, they are responsible to uphold the standards outlined in the University's Student Code of Conduct, Community Rights & Responsibilities. The student code of conduct applies to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University sponsored activities, electronically/online, and to off-campus conduct. Therefore, I acknowledge that I must abide by the UAlbany Student Code of Conduct. I understand that failure to abide by the Code of Conduct may result in being removed from the Orientation program and could lead to the processing of a formal student conduct referral which may also place my University student status at risk.

I agree

In accordance with SUNY policy, the University at Albany will ask students if they have been convicted of a felony upon seeking campus housing or participation in clinical or field experience, internships, or study abroad programs. Any disclosed felony convictions will be reviewed by a campus committee. Students who have been convicted of a felony are advised that their criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who are concerned about such matters are advised to contact the dean’s office of their intended academic programs.

I agree

The University at Albany retains the right to videotape, photograph, and record students attending university events and then use their physical likeness and sound in University at Albany publications, marketing materials, social media posts, and productions. I understand that I may not seek any claim on the University at Albany or anyone else with whom they’ve contracted over the use of my physical likeness and sound recorded at university events.

I agree

The University at Albany has a responsibility for, and is committed to, promoting the health, well-being and safety of its students, faculty and staff, volunteers, guests and visitors. Tobacco prevention programs are most effective when supplemented by strong tobacco and smoke-free policies, and when they are incorporated into a broader community effort to reduce tobacco use. I understand that the University prohibits Smoking and the use of Tobacco Products on University Property.

I agree

Additional Accommodations

Please indicate below any accommodations you may need at Orientation and/or while attending UAlbany.

Once you have registered for classes, you will be able to schedule an appointment with DAISS if you need additional accommodations (disability/medical accommodations, IEP, 504 Plan, etc.).

Please describe in detail below how we may assist you.

Please click "Submit" to complete your registration for International Orientation. You will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions. Thank you!