International Student Services

As an international student, all of the information listed on your Form I-20 must be accurate at all times. If you anticipate program completion to go beyond the program end date listed on the first page of your I-20, you MUST contact International Student Services to discuss your options. International students must work toward completing academic program within the dates listed on Form I-20 as options to extend academic program are very limited.

You are eligible for an Extension, only if:

1. You have applied for such extension in a timely manner prior to the expiration noted on the l-20 Form (a minimum of 30 days prior to expiration date is advised);
2. You are in lawful status; and,
3. You can demonstrate the need for such extension based on immigration laws* (Compelling academic reasons or medical reasons)
4. Must provide financial documentation for additional time added to program

Note: An extension will not be granted if the need for such extension is based on poor academic performance. A maximum period of one year may be granted. 

Program extension options may change as a result of proposed rule and ongoing litigation. If you expect that you may need a program extension, please contact international@mercy.edu for further advising.

• Documented illness
• English language difficulties
• Change of major
• Change of research topic
• Research problems
• Circumstances out of student’s control

IMPORTANT: You must contact International Student Services as soon as possible to determine your eligibility to apply for a program extension.

For the most up-to-date Tuition costs, please review the Mercy University Course Bulletin or visit this link.

Living expenses at Mercy University are estimated at $17,500 for I-20 issuance purposes. It is the estimated cost of living, books, and transportation for international students studying at Mercy. This is the estimated costs regardless of whether students live on or off-campus. You must provide proof for I-20 issuance that you can cover the $17,500 estimated living expenses. You may spend more or less, but this is what we estimate that you will spend on living books, transportation, etc.

International students must pay full tuition and fees according to the semester deadlines. Please note that because financial capability to cover the costs is shown before I-20 issuance, international students are not eligible for a payment plan option. In addition, all international students at Mercy University must pay a one-time International Student Fee which is due during your first semester at the University.

Failing to make a payment on an outstanding balance will result in a hold on your account. This hold will prevent you from registering for upcoming terms. Failure to register as a full-time student for a required term will result in a termination of your SEVIS record. You will be considered out of status by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In order to receive a Form I-20 and F-1 visa, applicants must prove that they have sufficient funds are OR will be available from an identified and reliable financial source. Funding must be available to cover the cost of all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States. Specifically, applicants must prove they have enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study.