Visa

Supplementary information for applicants that are not US citizens or permanent residents of the US.

Any documents or letters submitted in support of your application should be in English or should be accompanied by an English translation. Please do not send secondary school records.

The University requires applicants whose native language is not English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 620 (260 under the new grading system) is required for admittance. Official copies of the TOEFL score will be sent directly to us if you specify the University of Rochester code 2928 and optics department code 69 (engineering, other) when ordering the report.

To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study. Note: University fellowships may not cover all of these expenses; students will ordinarily need some additional funds. The International Student Office will issue the I-20 or IAP-66 after a student has been admitted, paid the required admission deposit, and demonstrated proof of his/her ability to pay all expenses for at least the first year of study. Questions should be addressed to: International Student Office, 209 Morey Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, telephone (585) 275-6763 or fax (585) 244-4503.