International Students
- If you are applying to Yale Summer Session as an international student, you will need to enroll in a full-time course of study (normally two course credits per session; see definition of full-time study) and enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. If you do not have an F-1 visa, you will not be allowed to attend, without exception. You may not study on a B-1/B-2 visitor or tourist visa.
- You should first submit your academic application to Yale Summer Session. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the visa issuance process. In addition to the time required to process the Summer Session application (generally two to three weeks), a visa may take anywhere from three weeks to six weeks or more to be approved. Check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for time frames.
- With your application, include proof that you have sufficient financial resources to meet the tuition and living expenses of the summer program. Such proof can be either an original letter from your bank stating specifically that you have sufficient resources, or a letter from a scholarship organization that will pay for your expenses. You will need two original versions of the letter; send one with the Summer Session application and keep one for your visa application.
- If you are accepted into the program and have demonstrated that you have sufficient funds to cover the full cost of the program, Yale will send you an I-20 form with your acceptance letter.
- You must take the I-20 form to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an F-1 student visa. Some processing fees may apply. You will need to present an original financial certification letter from your bank at the embassy. Note: This step does not apply to Canadian citizens, who simply present an I-20 form and proof of financial support at the point of entry to be issued F-1 status. Canadians must present the I-20 form at the border to avoid entering in visitor's status (B-2). Make certain you are issued an I-94 card at the border.
- A processing fee of U.S. $100 will be charged for each student visa. This fee will be added to your tuition bill. Along with your I-20 form, Yale will include a receipt showing payment of the visa fee; you must bring this receipt with you to the embassy to apply for a visa.
- Part-time study is generally not permitted for international students. However, if you already have F-1 or J-1 status and are currently studying at another U.S. college or university, you may study either full or part time. You must speak with your international student adviser or an adviser at Yale's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS, 203.432.2305) to determine whether you need to obtain a Yale I-20 form for study in Yale Summer Session.
- If you have sent an application but subsequently decide not to attend Yale Summer Session, you must inform the Summer Session office immediately.
- Current information regarding visas is available on the OISS Web site.
