FAQ

International Students

Do international students enroll at Hofstra Law School?
Hofstra Law School has a long tradition of welcoming international students to our campus. International students attending Hofstra enjoy all the benefits of the American system of higher education at a selective, private, campus community that values diversity and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Our student body is multinational and participates in a wide range of academic, social and cultural pursuits. We currently enroll international students from 15 different countries. Hofstra's commitment to international students is evidenced by the availability of international student organizations, study abroad programs, international events, lectures and special services.

Is there an International Students’ Office at Hofstra Law School?
Yes. The International Students Office is concerned with all aspects of the international student life at Hofstra: academic, social, cultural, legal, and financial. The Office provides an orientation program a week before classes begin that introduces new students to registration procedures, the English Language Program, academic policies, residential life, health services, social activities, and general University information. In addition, the Office provides information on United States and overseas governmental and educational organizations. The Office assists with immigration counseling and applications for optional practical and curricular training, economic work necessity, program extensions, international student insurance, visa renewals, as well as travel assistance.

I am not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. What kind of financial documentation do I need to submit in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2019?
All international students are required to follow certain procedures to insure that they are eligible to enter and live in the United States to study at Hofstra University School of Law. Whether you are requesting an I-20 (entering the J.D. or LL.M. degree program) or a DS-2019 (visiting Hofstra as an international exchange student) you will need to prove financial funds for the first year of study and financial capability for all subsequent years. You must submit official financial documentation proving the existence of the funds and sources in the amount of $61,057 U.S. dollars for each year of attendance. Please also note that you will need to prove an additional $10,000 (U.S.D.) in financial resources for each dependent you wish to bring to the United States. Official financial documentation includes: bank statements, financial aid notification of merit scholarship, employment letter, or IRA statements. All documentation must be original, on bank letterhead or bank certified, in English and U.S. dollars, and may not be more than two months old. If the bank statement is from a parent’s account, your parent must submit a letter stating that they will be supporting your legal education at Hofstra University.

How do I submit my financial documentation?
Please send your documentation to: Hofstra University School of Law, Office of Enrollment Management, Suite 250, 121 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549.

How long will it take for me to receive my I-20 once I have been admitted?
Once the Office of Enrollment Management has received your proof of financial support documentation and your completed I-20 request worksheet, we will forward it to the International Students Office for processing. It will then take approximately five to seven business days for a decision to be reached on your I-20 request. If an I-20 is issued it will be sent to you via express service from the International Student’s Office at Hofstra to the foreign address you supplied on the I-20 request worksheet.

Are Canadian citizens required to obtain a visa to attend Hofstra Law School?
If you are a Canadian citizen, you are required to obtain an I-20, but not required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States.

I am currently attending an American University or College. Do I need to submit financial documentation?
If you are currently attending another American university or college, you must complete an F-1 Student Transfer Certification in addition to the documents mentioned above. You need to complete that form and forward it to the international student adviser at the school you currently attend. Your current school will complete the form and send it to Hofstra.

My Permanent Residency is pending. What documentation do I need to provide?
If your permanent residence is pending with the U.S. Government, please submit a copy of your Notice of Action that should include your case number and will be added to your University file. Please note, you will not need to submit an I-20 Request worksheet once you have a Notice of Action on file with Hofstra Law School.

Are international students required to obtain health insurance?
Medical care in the U.S. is not nationalized. Costs for doctor's services are paid directly to the doctor or health maintenance organization. Thus, all international students are required to be covered by our international student accident and health insurance plan so that they are properly covered during their studies in the U.S.