COVID-19 FAQ for International Students & Scholars

Rider University for Fall 2021 has returned to normal delivery of classes. Students should prepare to arrive on campus for their start date or continuation of their degrees if on an F or J visa. 

If you are unable to enter the US and be on campus for your classes, please contact International Admissions if you are a new student ([email protected]) or the Office of International Education if you are a continuing student ([email protected]).

Rider continues to issue I-20s and DS-2019s to students upon admission to the university. Questions regarding admissions should be directed to [email protected] Rider will send these documents to you electronically, complete with an electronic signature. Requests for Travel Signatures, Extensions, CPT and OPT should be directed to OIE at [email protected].

If you are an F student with an I-20, No, you do not need the original (wet signature) document for applying for your visa or for entering the United States. The US government is currently accepting electronically signed documents.'

If you are a J student with a DS-2019, a wet signature is required. If you have not received your DS-2019, please contact International Admissions at [email protected].

All documentation will be provided to you electronically. We will issue you a new I-20 for Rider University once your current school has released your SEVIS record to us.

Please contact the U.S. Consulate nearest you for more information on visa appointments and requirements. It is important to stay up-to-date on the list of countries whose citizens may face difficulties entering the United States; these restrictions are constantly changing.

Please see the CDC's webpage on current travelers prohibited from entry into the United States for the most up-to-date guidance. Please also refer to the Fragomen immigration update for a comprehensive list of travel restrictions around the world.

Before making any travel plans, please confirm that neither your destination nor any transit countries have put in place restrictions that could affect your itinerary. In addition, check with your airline to ensure you have the right status to make a layover in other countries.

Please check with your academic coordinator to see if you can begin your classes online for the fall semester.

• Norm Brodsky College of Business:
  • Jaime Hall, Undergraduate Coordinator
  • Jean Cherny, Graduate Coordinator
• College of Education and Human Services:
  • Teresa Podgarski, Academic Coordinator
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
  • Terri Marriott, Academic Manager
• Westminster College of the Arts:
  • Alyssa Larrosa, Academic Coordinator

If you plan to begin your studies online for the Spring 2022 term, and are unable to arrive on campus in time for the spring semester, please contact [email protected] so we can defer your start date on your I-20/DS-2019.

Typically the last day to begin classes is one week after the start of the semester, January 28th, 2022 for the Spring 2022 term.

• Undergraduate academic calendar 
• Graduate academic calendar

Please check with your academic advisor for your program. You may also refer to the Resolved and Ready page on Rider’s opening plans for the spring 2022.

We advise that you speak with an immigration attorney to assist you with applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 status. You may search for an immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). As you will require assistance from Rider University, please email the [email protected] for supporting documentation.