FAQ for International Students & Scholars

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 the Office of International Education 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 the Office of International Admissions at [email protected].

All documentation will be provided to you electronically. If you are transferring from another institution within the United States, please complete the International Transfer Student Release Form (PDF). 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.

You can also find estimated wait times for nonimmigrant visa interview appointments at U.S. Embassies or Consulates on the US Department of State website. 

Please 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
  • Graduate Coordinator, [email protected]
• College of Education and Human Services:
  • Barbara Fruscione, Assistant Dean
• College of Arts and Sciences:
  • Eileen Gurwitz, Assistant Dean, School of Science, Technology & Mathematics and School of Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Emily Carlin, Assistant Dean, School of Communication, Media & Performing Arts and Westminster Choir College

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.

Academic Calendar

Please check with your academic advisor for your program.

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.