International students who require an F or J student visa, and who have not yet applied for the I-20 or DS-2019 necessary to obtain the visa, should complete the Application for Visa Certificate (AVC) to obtain the student visa required to study at Columbia University.

As you know the process to obtain a student visa can be very lengthy, therefore, we suggest that you apply online at the following address: http://isso.columbia.edu/

If you are unable to access the above web address or cannot apply online, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) directly for instructions on completing the AVC.ISSO at 1-212-854-3587 or isso@columbia.edu

There will be an ISSO International Graduate Student Orientation Program and Welcome Reception on Friday, August 28th from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.