Information for Newly admitted International Students

Congratulations to international students who are admitted to SUNY Maritime College! You are joining a prestigious institution—the oldest maritime college in the United States!—that has uniquely meaningful traditions, rigorous and highly pertinent academic programs, abundant clubs and organizations for extracurricular activities, and staff who are focused on helping you succeed.  

The visa process may begin once the international candidate has completed their application to Maritime College and has been accepted by the College. Once a visa is approved, the student may enter the U.S. within 30 days of the program start date listed on their I-20.

SUNY Maritime College Form I-20 for F-1 Visa Application 

  • International students who are admitted to SUNY Maritime College and who want to gain or maintain F-1 visa status need a form I-20 from Maritime. Accepted students will receive a personalized email from the international student coordinator with instructions for requesting a form I-20 for your particular F-1 visa situation. Details about required documents and estimated expenses will be included in the email.

J-1 Visa for International Exchange Students 

A limited cohort of students are invited to attend SUNY Maritime College each semester as part of exchange agreements with colleges around the world. If you are one of SUNY Maritime College’s accepted exchange students, an email will be sent to you with instructions about requesting a form DS-2029 to apply for a J-1 visa. Details about required documents and estimated expenses will be included in the email. 

Considerations to Note for International Students 

B-Visa:  

If you are an admitted student who is in the U.S. in B visa status, you will need to discuss your options with the international student coordinator. United States government regulations (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(b)(7)) specifically prohibit a course of study in the United States while in B-1 or B-2 status.  

United States Coast Guard License Programs (Deck or Engine): 

Only citizens of the United States are eligible to hold a United States Coast Guard (USCG) license. 

Even without a USCG license, Maritime College’s License Programs have a high value for international students in F-1 visa status. Graduates who complete our approved programs and pass the license exam receive: 

  • Official Letter of Accreditation from the USCG. 
  • Sea time experience to meet license requirements aboard the college’s new state-of-the-art training vessel. 
  • Certificates for training completed. 
  • Prestige of graduating from the U.S’ oldest maritime college. 
  • The growth in knowledge that comes from small classes taught by Maritime College’s highly experienced faculty.  
  • The growth in leadership that comes from opportunities within the Regiment. 
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefits for those who qualify.  
  • Extensive connections with international employers who recruit through Maritime College, career counseling through the Career Center, and potential for networking with international alumni. 
  • For those for whom English is a second language, fluency in the English language including in scientific and maritime vocabulary.