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Admitted International Students

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) extends a warm welcome and congratulations on your acceptance to The Cooper Union! The ISSO works to support all international students throughout their time at Cooper. Cooper defines an international student as anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Please use this page as a guide for all of the required steps to ensure a seamless transition to Cooper. If you have any questions along the way, do not hesitate to contact us at international@cooper.edu 

What do I need to study at Cooper as an international student?

All newly admitted students should consult the admitted student page and most importantly refer to your checklist in the applicant portal. As an international student there will be additional steps and paperwork for you to complete. Please refer to the ISSO onboarding packet and letter that you will receive from Hala Alkasm, Director/PDSO of the ISSO. 

The ISSO looks forward to meeting you at orientation and throughout the year at our International Student programs and workshops! 

For additional questions and concerns please contact the Director/PDSO of the ISSO Hala Alkasm at Hala.alkasm@cooper.edu 
 

How to apply for an F-1 visa
  • From an immigration standpoint, an international student holds an F-1 visa and/or F-1 non-immigrant status. Most of our international students come to Cooper as F-1 international students. To become an F-1 student at Cooper, you must first be fully admitted to a program of study. After being admitted and submitting your deposit, the ISSO will email you the next steps needed to become an F-1 student.
  • If you will be coming to the U.S. in another non-immigrant status besides F-1, please contact the ISSO at international@cooper.edu to discuss your plans.
Already an F-1 student?  
  • If you are currently in the U.S. as an F-1 student at another institution, you will need to take the required steps to transfer your SEVIS record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) to Cooper Union and get a new I-20 with all the details of your program at Cooper. After being admitted and submitting your deposit, ISSO will contact you to guide you through the process of transferring your SEVIS record to Cooper and obtain a new I-20.
  • If you are currently at Cooper as an F-1 international student and are moving on to a different education level, changing majors, or need an extension, you'll need to consult with the ISSO prior to making that change.
Currently in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status?  
  • If you are currently in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant status other than F-1, you will need to confirm that you can study while maintaining your immigration status. You should review the which nonimmigrant statuses permit study document. If you have any questions about if you can study at Cooper in your current non-immigrant status, please contact international@cooper.edu.
  • Please note that all of our undergraduate programs are full-time study only. F-2, M-2, E-1/E-2, and B-1/B-2 holders are prohibited from full-time study in the U.S. If you currently hold another nonimmigrant status in the U.S. and plan to apply to become an F-1 for your studies at Cooper, it is important that you consult with the ISSO about the procedure and timeline.
Currently in the U.S. as an Asylee, Refugee, with no status, DACA, or TPS?
  • There are no additional steps in regard to your immigration status that you need to begin your studies at Cooper. Be sure to follow all of the steps for incoming students. We also recommend consulting with the Office of Financial Aid regarding your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
  • For additional resources please visit our Immigration Resource page
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  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.