New Student Admission

Admission to St. Mary’s University

The ISSS Office does not make decisions regarding admissions. The admissions offices for undergraduate, graduate, and law school students can provide information about the application process that is appropriate for your program.

Admission Information for:

• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Law School Students

If you are admitted to St. Mary's and are not already in the U.S. with a visa that allows study, St. Mary's can sponsor you as an F-1 visa student or a J-1 exchange visitor.

You will be asked to provide additional documentation as required by U.S. law to produce the appropriate forms (I-20 or DS2019), which you will use to apply for a visa. Required documentation includes your basic biographical information, proof of financial ability (to cover your expenses and expenses for your spouse or children, if they are accompanying you), and proof of English ability.

F-1 Student Status

Most students come to the United States to enroll in a full-time degree program on an F-1 student status. A Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 student visa) is issued to students by St. Mary's University for entry into the U.S. Dependents (spouse or children) of an F-1 visa holder can accompany the student on F-2 dependent visas. F-2s are not permitted to be employed in the United States, study full-time, or take classes toward a degree.

J-1 Student Status

Some students enter the U.S. in J-1 student status. The J-1 visa is administered by the Department of State and is used for a variety of educational purposes. The Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 visa) may be issued to a student with a scholarship, either from a sponsoring organization or from St. Mary's University. Dependents of a J-1 visa holder can accompany the student on a J-2 dependent visa. J-2s may study and may apply for permission to work in the U.S.

Transferring to St. Mary's University

If you plan to remain in the United States, Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations permit a transfer of your immigration status to St. Mary's University provided that you are in a valid F-1 status at the school you are currently attending. You must inform your current school of your intent to transfer to St. Mary's University as soon as possible but no later than the last day of your final semester at your current school (For example, if spring is your last semester at your current school, then no later than the last day of the spring semester). Your Form I-20 from St. Mary's University cannot be issued until your current school has been notified and released your SEVIS record. Please talk to the international student advisor at your current school about the transfer process as soon as you decide you will transfer. For more information about the transfer process, please speak with an admissions representative.

** Failure to complete the transfer process within 15 days of the program start date at St. Mary's University results in a violation of immigration regulations. Furthermore, you may not work on campus until the transfer of your immigration record is processed. If you are out of status, discuss your options with your current international student advisor or with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at St. Mary’s University.