General Questions for International Students

ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes, international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships and are automatically reviewed for scholarship by our admissions committee at the time of admission. Additionally, international students are eligible for on-campus job opportunities and graduate assistantships.

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A NACES EVALUATION OF MY TRANSCRIPTS?

The following students must submit an approved NACES evaluation. For a list of approved NACES members please check here http://www.naces.org/members.html

• Transfer Applicants
• Graduate Applicants in designated majors. The majority of graduate programs at LIU do not require a NACES evaluation. Please visit your program website for more details at LIU Brooklyn or LIU Post.

DO MY TRANSCRIPTS NEED TO BE IN ENGLISH?

Yes, all transcripts must be submitted in English. Please inquire with your prior institution about translation services or professional translation services in-country are acceptable.

DO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS NEED TO SUBMIT PROOF OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTING OR QUALIFY FOR A VALID WAIVER TO STUDY AT LIU?

Yes, all international students must submit ELPT or qualify for a valid waiver to study in the US.

HOW CAN UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH DACA STATUS, APPLY FOR ADMISSION ON THE LIU ONLINE APPLICATION?

“Visa Type” is a required question for non-U.S. citizens on the LIU online application for admission. As an undocumented student, you have the option to select “Other” at the bottom of the dropdown list for this question. This option is considered a valid response and we recommend this choice for undocumented applicants, including those with DACA status.

IF THE DACA PROGRAM IS CANCELED OR REVOKED, WILL MY STATUS AS AN ENROLLED STUDENT PROTECT ME FROM DEPORTATION?

Enrolled student status does not necessarily provide protection from removal; however, a 2011 memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) designates college campuses as “sensitive locations,” meaning that college campuses would not be the focus of law enforcement actions (i.e. arrests, searches, interviews, and surveillance) unless: (a) exigent circumstances exist; (b) other law enforcement actions have led officers to campus; or (c) prior approval is obtained.

HOW CAN REFUGEES AND ASYLEES IN THE UNITED STATES APPLY FOR ADMISSION ON THE LIU ONLINE APPLICATION?

“Visa Type” is a required question for non-U.S. citizens on the LIU online application for admission. As a Refugee or Asylee, you have the option to select “Refugee/Asylee” at the bottom of the dropdown list for this question. This option is considered a valid response and we recommend this choice for Refugees and Asylees

AM I CONSIDERED AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IF I AM “PERMANENT RESIDENT PENDING?”

Yes, you are considered an international student if you are Permanent Resident Pending or I-485 Pending. “Visa Type” is a required question for non-U.S. citizens on the LIU online application for admission. As a student who is PR Pending or I-485 Pending, you have the option to select “Other” at the bottom of the dropdown list for this question. This option is considered a valid response and we recommend this choice for applicants who are PR Pending or I-485 Pending.

*An individual who has filed the I-485 application to adjust his or her status from a non-citizen to become a Permanent Resident is considered to be Pending for Permanent Residency (PR Pending or I-485 Pending). Like the Permanent Resident, the PR Pending may also enroll at LIU without any special visa or authorization from the International Admissions Office at LIU. This means that these students are not required to have an F-1 visa to study at LIU. It may be months or years before the pending status is resolved, so students should be aware of their options and the potential benefits and consequences of each.

**The information above is only for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. If you are seeking Permanent Residency or U.S. Citizenship, you should contact an immigration lawyer or other appropriate counsel for advice.