Prospective Students

These statistics are estimated and include students who are studying at Bentley in F-1, J-1, J-2, L-1, L-2, H-1, H-4, E-2, and A-1 nonimmigrant visa status. Optional Practical Training is a post graduation work authorization and extension of F-1 status.

Bentley University's Office of International Students and Scholars (CISS) issues the I-20 or DS-2019 documents that are necessary for international students to receive a visa to enter the US. Before you can apply for one of these documents that verify that you have been officially admitted to Bentley as an international student, you first need to apply for admission to Bentley and then receive official undergraduate or graduate acceptance. From there, follow these helpful links below as you prepare for your arrival to the U.S.

Undergraduate Students:

1. Before you arrive

2. Arrival at Bentley

3. Other important information

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1. Obtain a Passport
Obtain a passport from your country of citizenship. You will not be permitted to enter the U.S. without a valid passport and F-1 visa stamp*.

2. Form I-20
Once you have been admitted into a program offered by Bentley and you have sent in your deposit to confirm that you will be attending Bentley, the Graduate or Undergraduate Admission office will forward the paperwork to CISS so that we may issue a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration (F-1) Student. We will forward the I-20 to you as soon as possible to allow you time to obtain an F-1 student visa*.

Upon receipt of your Form I-20, please make sure to review it carefully to make sure the information is accurate. If it is not accurate, you should let us know by email or telephone immediately so that a new, corrected I-20 can be prepared and sent to you.

3. U.S. Consulate and Obtaining the Visa*
Make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in your home country to obtain an F-1 visa. At your appointment, you will present to the Consular Officer the SEVIS fee receipt (see below), together with all pages of your Form I-20 and a copy of the financial documents you submitted to Bentley with your application.

4. SEVIS Fee
Prior to your appointment, please pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online by going to the ICE website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm. Retain the paid receipt.

5. Pick Up Your Passport
The Consulate will review your application and documents and, if approved, place an F-1 visa stamp in your passport. Once the visa is issued, please pick up your passport with the F-1 visa.

6. Prepare for Travels to the U.S. at least 30 days prior to the start of your program.

Arrival in a U.S. Airport or Border facility:
Travel with your passport/F-1 visa and original Form I-20. An Immigration Officer will review these documents and return them to you.

Form I-94, Arrival and Departure record:
The admitting officer will give you a Form I-94, Arrival and Departure card (white card stapled into your passport). The number on the I-94 will be your Admission Number and the card is generally marked "D/S" (duration of status) by the officer. The "D/S" means that you will be in legal status as long as you are a student registered full time and pursuing the same degree specified on your I-20. Please pay attention to the completion date that appears on your I-20 as you will be required to take action if your study takes you beyond that date.

You will be asked to report to the CISS office in the Student Center, Room 350 upon arrival. You must bring your passport and all U.S. immigration documents, such as Forms I-20, DS-2019, I-94, I-797, etc. This check-in process is mandated by U.S. federal immigration law.

You are required to attend an visa and general information session, normally scheduled a day or two after you check in at CISS. A complete schedule of programs will be provided to you when you check.

Students with on-campus housing will be able to move in after checking in with CISS on the appointed day. CISS Staff and International Peer Advisers will be available to assist you.

For more information: Check-in and Welcome Program

Health Insurance and Vaccination Requirements

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all students have appropriate health insurance coverage. Since most U.S. medical institutions will not accept non-U.S. insurance for payment, international students are required to purchase the Bentley Student Health Insurance to comply with state law. The insurance fee will be included on your invoice from Bentley.

The state also requires that all students be fully immunized against various diseases.  To verify compliance with state law, you must provide the Center for Health and Wellness with a completed "Medical History Form" and immunization certificate signed by a medical doctor before the start of classes.

You can view additional information concerning health requirements by visiting the Center for Health and Wellness website. Information will also be available in your MyBentley account.

Housing

On-Campus
International students who will live in Bentley residence halls can move into campus housing on the day they check in at CISS. Do not forget to complete all of the required paperwork indicated in your MyBentley account. If you have questions, please see the Residence Center website.

Important: First-year resident students are not allowed to register automobiles on campus during their first year of study. 

Off-Campus Housing
Finding a place to live off-campus can be very challenging for any new student. We suggest that you arrive at least one week before orientation to find a place to live.  When renting a room or apartment, you should:

           - Let landlords and real estate agents know what type of rental units
             you are looking for (studio, one-bedroom, furnished or unfurnished,
             etc.).

           - Do not rent a place that you have not seen.

           - Have any repairs or maintenance work agreed to in writing by 
             the landlord before you sign a lease.

           - Be prepared to sign a lease (binding rental agreement) for one year.

           - Be prepared to pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent 
             and a security deposit for your room or apartment before you 
             are permitted to move in.

*Canadian citizens do NOT need to apply for the F or J visa; however, they must follow the rest of the procedures and enter the U.S. with a valid Form I-20.