To help you prepare for your arrival, please note the following important dates:
Fall 2026 Residence Hall Move-In Dates for International Students
August 24 to August 27, 2026
Any date in this range is fine, but please notify us of your intended move-in date
so we can ensure your room is ready. Please move-in between 10:00am to 5:00pm. International
students will move in earlier than local students.
Fall 2026 International Student Orientation
Friday, August 28, 2026.
Please arrive to Rochester before this date to ensure you can attend orientation!
You must print out and sign this document on paper.
Step 2
Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee and print receipt
The fee is currently $350 USD and is paid online at the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee Processing website (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.
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.
Step 4
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 Student Technology office.
Next steps...
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
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.
Step 5
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 by emailing International Services (mccglobaleducation@monroecc.edu). Please tell us your arrival date and time to Rochester New international students
may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start of your program. The closest
airport to MCC is the Rochester, NY International Airport (ROC). You will likely need
a connecting flight to Rochester from another major airport such as New York City.
(Rochester is located about 5 to 6 hours drive from New York City.) You should plan
to arrive to Rochester before International Student Orientation begins.
Upon arrival to MCC...
Step 1
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!
Step 2
Submit immunization records to Health & Wellness
Step 3
Receive your international student health insurance card