Tufts International Student Center
The International Center will be operating in a hybrid fashion, combining online advising and services with walk-in hours on specific dates and times. Review our Guide to Getting Things Done with the International Center for a more detailed list of services.
Mailing Address and Office Location on Campus: 20 Sawyer Avenue, Medford MA 02155
Telephone number: +1-617-627-3458
Fax number: +1-617-627-2111
Email: internationalcenter@tufts.edu
OBTAINING A VISA
Obtaining a visa can be an involved process. We are here to help as much as possible, but please note we have no ability to influence the speed with which the US Government finalizes your visa. Therefore, it is critical that you review in detail the visa information page and submit the first set of paperwork by June 5, 2023 to help get the process off to a smooth start.
STEP 1: Pay Enrollment Deposit and Activate Tufts Email and Username (aka UTLN)
Follow this process to request your student visa document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019). Important: You cannot request a visa document until you have been admitted and paid your enrollment deposit confirming that you will come to Fletcher.
As your first step, you need to pay the enrollment deposit in order to activate your Tufts email and username (also known as your UTLN), which are both required to access the I-Center Portal, the database our office create a student visa certificate (Form I-20 for F visa application or Form DS-2019 for J visa application) for our new international students.
Once you have activated your Tufts email and username, the I-Center Portal generates the “Newly Admitted Student” record in 24 hours. This process enables you to receive an “I-Center Portal access invitation” email from our office: this email message is very important for you to receive as it lets you access the Portal for the first time and start the document request. If you didn’t receive the invitation email after activating your Tufts email and UTLN, please email InternationalCenter@tufts.edu
In order to start the request, you need to log into the I-Center Portal by clicking “Tufts UTLN Login.” Tufts University utilizes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for many student information services. Please install a mobile phone application for Two-Factor Authentication, such as DUO MOBILE, in order to log into the International Center Portal for the first time.
** If you are not required to pay the enrollment deposit, please email reiko.ohmura@tufts.edu
STEP 2: Submit the “Student Visa Certificate Request” form by Monday, June 5, 2023
Follow this process to request your student visa certificate (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019). Once you have your visa document from the International Center, you can take steps to apply for the appropriate visa at a U.S. Embassy /Consulate Office. As a rule, you should plan on applying for a visa in your country of citizenship or country of legal permanent residence.
The time it takes to get a visa appointment, and exact visa application procedures will vary from consulate to consulate, so consult the website of your consulate for more information. Planning ahead is also extremely important, as visa processes can take a few days to several months, depending on individual circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
Visa applicants in many countries still have difficulty securing the application appointment with the U.S. Embassies and Consulate due to the COVID-19. You need to check the website of the U.S. Embassy in your country to get the most up-to-date visa appointment information as frequently as possible. Please refer to the International Center web page for more detail.
STEP 3: Come to Fletcher!
Here, you will find resources and reminders to help you make a successful transition to Fletcher and Massachusetts. As always, contact the International Center if you have any questions!
STEP 4: Orientation and Check-In
Orientation is designed to assist you in your transition to Fletcher. The information sessions and workshops will help familiarize you with Fletcher and Tufts and aid in planning your academic program. The social activities will also offer opportunities to meet and build relationships with your classmates.
During the Fletcher Orientation week, the International Center hosts SEVIS Information Sessions for new international students. This session is mandatory for F-1 and Fletcher-sponsored J-1 students.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Your health is a top priority while you are here as a student. To this end, Tufts provides various resources to support its students and employees. These include health insurance plans and programs. Tufts requires international students to enroll in the institutional student health insurance plan or show alternative insurance that provides comparable coverage.
EMPLOYMENT
International students are limited to only certain types of employment and are allowed to work only with authorization in advance. Working in the U.S. without authorization is an extremely serious violation of immigration regulations and may lead to cancellation of your visa and even departure from the U.S. In order to avoid unauthorized employment, consult with the International Center before starting any employment activity.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
What you must do to travel will differ depending on your current immigration status (e.g., F-1, J-1) and your travel plans. In general, short-term travel outside of the U.S. while you are studying at Fletcher should be possible as long as your documents are valid and unexpired and you maintain valid status.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
The International Center invites you to read through this web page to understand to start a new life at Tufts University regarding daily life matters, such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, finding a cell phone service or a new place to live off-campus.