Incoming Students

First steps after admission...

  • Receive Form I-20 and admission packet by email. You must print out and sign this document on paper.

  • Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee and print receipt
    The fee is currently $350 USD and is paid online at FMJfee.com for most students. (Students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check from U.S. bank.) You will need information from your Form I-20 when paying the SEVIS fee.

    • If you are currently an F-1 student and will transfer your SEVIS record directly to MCC from another school, you do NOT need to pay the SEVIS fee again. 

  • Schedule your F-1 visa interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
    The U.S. Department of State website gives instructions on how to apply and required documentation for the visa appointment. Enclosed with your I-20 are instructions and tips for the visa interview from MCC.

    • If you already have a valid F-1 visa from previous study in the U.S. you may not need to apply again. Contact International Services to make sure.
    • Citizens of Canada do not need to apply for an F-1 visa but will be granted F-1 status upon entry to the United States.

  • Activate your MCC network and student email accounts
    You will receive instructions (sent to your personal email address that you used to apply to MCC) regarding how to set up your MCC network account. Set this up as soon as possible! This account will allow you to access your MCC student email account and on-campus computers. Most importantly, you will be able to access the myMCC Portal where you can register for classes, pay your tuition bill, sign up for housing, access pre-arrival information, and a variety of other services. Student Technology can help with setup online (try this first) or by contacting the office.

Next steps...

  • Sign up for on-campus housing (not required)
    If you are interested in living in the student apartments located on campus, you must complete the housing application online and pay the deposit to reserve a room. You are permitted to live off-campus if that is what you would prefer.
  • Complete placement testing in English and Math (if required)
    Placement tests will ensure that you are registered for the correct level English and math courses. We recommend that you submit a request and complete any required placement tests remotely prior to arrival, to make course registration smoother. We also recommend that you review preparation materials ahead of the mathematics placement test.
  • Contact International Services for academic advisement and class registration
  • Pay your tuition bill!
    After you are registered for classes, your tuition bill will be generated for the upcoming semester. Your bill will be due before the semester begins, so you will probably need to pay before you arrive to the United States. There are a few different payment options. You can pay online through your myMCC account, or wire transfer internationally through Flywire. You can also sign up for a payment plan. We understand some new international students may need to delay payment until after arrival in the U.S. and establishment of a U.S. bank account, due to fund transfer limits in your home country. You can work with International Services and the Student Accounts office directly for special payment timelines or accommodations.
  • Confirm your travel plans and inform International Services of your arrival date
    Once your visa is approved, please let us know the good news and inform us of your arrival plans. New international students may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start of your program. You should plan to arrive to Rochester before International Student Orientation begins.  

Upon arrival to MCC...

  • Attend the required International Student Orientation program
    Information about the mandatory orientation, including an agenda, will be emailed to you. Under U.S. law, all new and transfer international students must check-in with International Services within a few days of arriving to MCC. At orientation you will complete your check-in, review immigration regulations for F-1 visa students, learn about different resources on-campus, take a campus tour, and meet other important staff and students! 
  • Submit immunization records to Health Services
    This is a New York State law to submit proof of your immunizations. If you have not received the appropriate immunizations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or cannot locate your records, please let International Services know and we will assist you with scheduling an immunization appointment at a local health clinic in Rochester.

  • Receive your international student health insurance card. 
    International students are required to have health insurance when studying in Nw York State. MCC automatically enrolls all F-1 visa students into a mandatory SUNY-wide international student health insurance plan which has exceptional coverage. Details will be covered at orientation. If you already have international health insurance from your home country that you believe will cover you in the U.S., please contact International Services regarding the waiver process.