Exchange (Visiting) Student Information

Upcoming Important Dates:

Spring Orientation Arrival Date:
January 8th-9th, 2025

Mandatory International New Student Orientation:
Friday, January 10th, 2025

First day of Classes:
Monday, January 13th, 2025

Fall 2025 Orientation Arrival Date:
Tuesday, August 19th-Wednesday, August 20th

Mandatory International New Student Orientation:
To Be Decided

First day of Classes:
Monday, August 25, 2025

Application Process

1. Your home institution will nominate you directly to the Director for the Center for International Education. Our Office will provide the school and you with the application. We will need  all official transcripts from institutions attended, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a course preference form approved by your home institution. If you have already received a degree, please also include a copy of the diploma. 

2. Once we receive your materials, you will move on to the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility application. This is an online form that we use to put in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System. 

2a. Complete the Certification of Finances page of the application with your sponsor. In addition, documentation of financial support is required for issuance of a visa eligibility form (I-20). Upload original financial statements no older than 3 months and an accompanying English translation (if necessary), demonstrating funding available for the period of study in USD. 

3. Once the I-20 application is complete, we will send you the I-20 form, International Student Handbook, and Physical Examination and Immunization form. The International Student Handbook will give you guidance on these. 

4. The F-1 visa application: all non-Canadian international students must complete the DS-160 F-1 visa application and book an appointment with an American embassy. 

5. Complete the Physical Examination and Immunization Form for International Students. This will be a part of an email you will receive from the Center for International Education along with your I-20. If there are immunizations required on the form that you typically do not receive in your country, you will be able to receive these immunizations once you arrive. Please be sure that your physician completes the Physical Examination portion in English.

Timeline

Students that are interested in studying at Canisius for the Fall term (beginning in late-August) should submit their application by April 1.  Students interested in studying at Canisius for the Spring term (beginning in mid-January) should submit their application by November 1.  The process of obtaining a visa can take a few months, so we recommend these application deadlines.

All application materials should be sent to Kera Bush-Turner at @email. Please work with your home institution's international coordinator for guidance.

Instructions on how to make your deposit will be included in your acceptance letter. Included in the acceptance letter are your My Canisius portal login credentials and instructions on how to fill out the housing application. It is college policy that all international exchange students live on-campus in college owned residency. Housing assignments are completed on a first come, first serve basis based on your date of deposit to the college.

You can also make a deposit here: https://www.canisius.edu/admissions/registration-transcripts/accounts-billing/international-payments

International New Student Orientation

The Office of International Student Programs offers a mandatory 2-day orientation program to familiarize new international students with American culture, college life and Canisius itself.  During orientation, students meet with faculty and administrators from different departments on campus. This program is designed to help new students get organized and prepared for the academic semester. In addition to meeting with different administrators and offices, social activities are also planned to allow the new international students to get to know each other and the city of Buffalo together. You will be given the orientation schedule prior to your arrival. 

Arrival: Students will be given two days prior to orientation to arrive where we will offer free pick-up from the Buffalo airport, bus station, or train station. This will be in the pre-arrival guide and told directly to students. 

Exchange Partner Universities

Canisius University welcomes exchange students from many different partner universities around the world. Below is a list of our current exchange programs offered. Canisius University students can study abroad at any of these locations!