Global Visitor Program FAQ

How do I receive an Offer Letter in order to secure funding?

The Center for Education Abroad is happy to provide an Early Invitation Letter in order to secure funding for your program at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é. Contact URVisitor@rochester.edu.

Do I need health insurance?

Requirements for health insurance depend on your visa category and the length of your program at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é. Please review the information found on the .

When will I receive my immigration document?

The average time to complete the Global Visitor Process and process an immigration document takes 5-8 weeks. Therefore, we recommend beginning the Global Visitor Process 3-6 months in advance of your anticipated arrival.

Do I need to be registered as a student?

Yes. All visiting students are required to maintain full-time, non-matriculated enrollment every academic term for the duration of their program as reflected on the I-20 or DS-2019. The administrator of the hosting department at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é should assist with the registration.

How much does it cost to be a visiting student?

All visiting students pay the Visiting Student Fee, International Fee, Activity Fee (if applicable), Health Insurance and Health Fee (if applicable) per academic semester. Prior to arrival, it is required all visitors provide proof of funding with their online application. Original and current documentation will be required when you apply for your visa or travel to the United States to begin your program. Funding may be in the form of scholarship, offer letter, bank statement, etc. Documentation must have the specific amount of funding.

How much is the Visiting Student Fee?

The Visiting Student Fee is $300 per semester.

What does the Visiting Student Fee cover?

The Visiting Student Fee supports the Global Visitor Program for visiting students at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é. The fee provides on-going support and a central point of contact for visitors, faculty, and staff. The Center for Education Abroad:

  • Is the central point of contact for the host department, visitor, International Services Office (ISO), registrar, University Health Services (UHS), bursars, and other university offices involved in the Global Visitor Program
  • Reviews, approves, and processes the application and Indication of Interest
  • Drafts and processes the offer letter and IP agreement
  • Ensures student information is entered in UR Student to generate ID
  • Coordinates with UHS to confirm the visitor’s arrival and prepare insurance coverage
  • Provides up-to-date online resources including information on housing, health care, transportation, campus and community events
  • Ensures visitors remain properly registered in the student system for the entirety of their stay per immigration regulation
  • Coordinates with the Bursar’s Office to clarify any outstanding balances or questions regarding billing
  • Ensures visitors remain in compliance with both immigration and University policies
What is the difference between the International Fee and the Visiting Student Fee?

The International Fee supports the International Services Office and supports processing immigration documents. The International Fee is charged to all international students at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é. The Visiting Student Fee supports the Center for Education Abroad and supports the Global Visitor Program for visiting students at the University.

Do visiting students pay the fee if they are on campus for a short period of time?

Regardless of the amount of time on campus, all visiting students pay the Visiting Student Fee. Please see “What does the Visiting Student Fee cover” for more information. The Visiting Student Fee is per semester and payable at the beginning of each semester.

Do visiting students pay tuition?

No. A visiting student will not be charged traditional tuition. If a visitor chooses to enroll in specific courses with approval from the hosting faculty, traditional course fees would be applicable and in addition to the Visiting Student Fee.

Who do I contact about my bill?

Please contact either the OR for billing questions. If you have a question about the Visiting Student Fee specifically, please contact URVisitor@rochester.edu.

When do I pay my bill?

All outstanding balances must be paid prior to your departure.