We are so excited
you have chosen Miss Porter’s School
This booklet is written specifically for you, our international students!
At Porter’s, we define an international student as any student living outside of the United States, regardless of citizenship OR any student who is a non-U.S. passport or green card holder, currently living in the United States, but who will require an F1 visa to attend school.
This booklet provides information specific to international student requirements, needs, and support. Please review all sections carefully. Our hope is for you to settle in well and feel part of the school as quickly as possible.
About the International Student Advisory
The International Student Advisory (ISA) is an integral part of adjusting to life a Porter’s and uplifting international student voices on campus. All international students are members of the ISA. Three students are elected to lead this group with the support of adult advisors each year. Together, ISA gathers at least once per trimester for conversations around international students’ needs and support and to enjoy festive dinners, fellowship, and celebrations of countries and cultures. ISA also hosts campus-wide events, including an international sit-down dinner.
Important Contacts
Office of Admission admission@missporters.org
Office of Equity & Inclusion equity@missporters.org
Office of Student Life office-student-life@missporters.org
Additional support for international students includes:
Visa processing and support for all years on campus, including the visa transferring out process to colleges and universities.
Transportation to/from the local airport, train, and bus stations for the beginning and end of school, as well as breaks. We also provide a list of school transportation services to major metropolitan airports.
Early arrival and orientation on campus to help you get familiar with your new home.
Local Family Ambassador from the Porter’s community during your first academic year, typically a day student or faculty family.
Summer storage of up to 3 boxes stored at no cost. All supplies and additional boxes carry a fee.
The Process
After enrolling, all international students, regardless of citizenship, must provide a copy of their passport and travel documents (e.g., residency cards, additional passports, etc.) to their ISA advisor.
All non-U.S. passport holders with the exception of Canadian passport holders will need an F-1 visa to come to the United States. Once your passport and travel documents have been submitted, you will receive an I-20 form that you will use to obtain your visa. Canadian passport holders will only need an I-20.
Please keep your ISA informed of your visa progress. Once you have your F1 visa in your passport, please send her a scanned copy by email.
Upon arrival at Porter’s, you will hand in your passport and travel documents to the ISA advisors. All documents will be photocopied and I-20 forms will be signed (if applicable). The ISA advisors will then deliver your documents to your house director, with whom you can check out your documents as needed during the school year.
Upon returning from winter break, you will need to follow the same procedure of handing in your passport and documents to the ISA advisors. At the end of the school year, you will check your documents out with your house director.
Your I-20 Form
The I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by a U.S. governmentapproved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States. The I-20 is officially titled the Certificate of Eligibility because it allows an individual to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Do All Students Need an I-20?
No, but most do. The exception is if:
1. a student is a U.S. passport holder or green card holder.
2. a student is maintaining a status in the United States other than F-1, an I-20 is not needed.
How is an I-20 Created?
Miss Porter’s School collects necessary financial support and identification documentation for admitted international students requesting F-1 status. Those student names and biographic information are entered into a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a U.S. government database. SEVIS processes the information and produces an I-20. The designated school official (DSO) prints and signs the I-20 and then delivers it to the student. If a student needs to update or change information on their I-20, the DSO makes these requests through SEVIS to produce a new document.
How is the I-20 Used?
Outside the U.S. - Once a student has received their I-20, they must make an appointment to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The visa is necessary to be allowed entry into the United States in F-1 status. Students must present both the F-1 visa and the I-20 to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry.
Inside the U.S. - Once a student has arrived in the United States and passes through the border inspections process, the I-20 is used as identification and proof of legal and academic status.
Do I need the I-20 for travel?
When traveling abroad, students must take their I-20 with them. The I-20 is required to reapply for a visa (if needed) and for re-entering the United States. Before departure from the United States, students should verify that they have a valid travel endorsement on page 2 of their I-20 from an ISA advisor at Miss Porter’s School. This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the United States.
Why might I have multiple I-20s?
New I-20s are issued to continuing students whenever there is a significant update to a student’s record. This includes changes in biographical data, program dates, the addition of a work authorization, etc. These types of changes are typically prompted by student request, but Miss Porter’s School will automatically produce a new I-20 when any significant changes are made. You will be made aware if a new I-20 is created.
What happens if I lose my I-20?
If you are a Miss Porter’s School F-1 student, please contact your ISA advisor for a replacement I-20. Please note that if you are outside the United States, you must obtain the replacement I-20 before entering the United States to resume your studies. Allow sufficient time for processing and mail delivery.
Should I keep all copies of my I-20s?
Yes. You may obtain several different versions of your I-20s while you are in the United States if there are changes to your program or other information. Keep all copies for future reference. Always use the most recently issued I-20 for travel, work, or other purposes.
Visa Information for Canadian Passport Holders
Canadian students and scholars do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, you must complete your I-94 record with the U.S. immigration official at your point of entry to the United States. If you enter the U.S. by land, you will be given an I-94 record. If you enter by air, your I-94 record will be entered into the online system. You will need to print out your I-94 record upon your return to the United States as evidence of your legal status. In both cases, you will be charged a small fee to process the I-94 record.
U.S. immigration inspectors are accustomed to admitting Canadian citizens as visitors, not full time students or scholars, so it is your responsibility to make sure you are granted the correct immigration status when you are entering the United States. If you are admitted as a visitor (or tourist) without receiving an I-94 record noting your immigration status (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, etc.), you will have to return to Canada and re-enter a second time.
When crossing the border to begin their study or exchange program in the United States, the student will need to provide the officer at the port of entry:
• A Canadian passport
• The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate
• Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid
• Proof of ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States
• Proof of ties to Canada
F-1 Visa Information
There are several steps to apply for your F-1 visa. Please visit the U.S. State Department website to review all of the necessary steps. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you intend to apply.
1. Sign your I-20 Form
When you receive your I-20 Form, please check that your personal information is correct, then you and a parent must sign it.
2. Pay the U.S. SEVIS fee
You must pay this fee and have a printed receipt that proves payments were made before your visa interview. Find out how to pay your SEVIS fee here.
3. Complete the online visa application
• Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160Access the application here. You must complete the online visa application and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online visa application form DS-160.
4. Schedule an interview
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.
5. Gather required documentation for the interview
• Passport valid for travel to the United States. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
• Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo uploaded when completing the Form DS-160. Bring an extra one to the interview just in case.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
Additional documentation may be required. Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply to see if any additional documents that may be required. This varies depending on the country.
6. Attend your visa interview
Attend your visa interview prepared. Be direct, confident, and to-thepoint in your interview. Review the visa processing time to learn how soon your passport with your visa will be ready for pick up.
7. Get excited to come to campus!
Review Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors and reach out to your ISA advisor with any questions.
Early Arrival and Orientation at Porter’s
The arrival and registration for international students will be on Monday, September 7, 2026. A welcome event will follow registration.
Our opening day will be the following day, Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Parents are invited and asked to attend these events. International students may spend the night of September 7 with their families or in the dormitory. Families should expect to depart after opening day events and students will stay over in the dormitory.
The opening day schedule will be sent to you when it becomes and a copy of the Academic Year Major Calendar Dates is linked in every News and Notes email.
Cell Phone Requirement
Because of our security system and dorm check in systems, we require all students to have U.S. phone numbers. We are happy to guide you through the process of getting a SIM card and/or phone contract upon arrival.
Bank Accounts
For banking, we recommend using any of the local banks (such as Bank of America, People’s Bank, Berkshire Bank, Webster Bank, Collinsville Bank) that are all within walking distance of campus. All banks will be able to open a student account for your child and will provide a debit card, which will be good for most financial needs while at school.
Guardian Requirement
Every student, including international students, must have a local guardian or contact within 200 driving miles of Porter’s campus. All local guardians will need to be verified by Porter’s. If you need assistance in hiring a local guardian, please review the concierge services below.
Note: Miss Porter’s School does not promote, recommend, or support any particular service.
Cogito World Education
Website | info@cogitoworldeducation.org
Phone: 1-617-301-1237
Student Health Advocates
Website | info@studenthealthadvocates.com
Phone numbers: 1-267-245-5060, 1-484-686-1309
Airport Transportation
School Shuttle to/from Local Airport
During major school breaks and on long weekends, Miss Porter’s School provides transportation to Bradley International Airport (BDL) and the Hartford bus and train station. Information about these shuttles are provided in advance of breaks and are posted on the student life resource board. Contact office-student-life@missporters.org for more information.
TRAVEL
Transportation Services to/from NYC and BOS
Students departing from or arriving in New York City airports, including John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR), or Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS), are encouraged to contact one of the verified car services below. Students and families may arrange transportation on their own or in smaller groups based on individual travel details and needs, and should contact services directly for airport destination information, fee structures, passenger and luggage capacity information, and unaccompanied minor services.
When making travel arrangements to and from airports, students should allow plenty of time for unexpected traffic delays, airport check-in, and security procedures. Students departing for international flights should arrive at the airport three hours in advance. Upon returning to the United States, it will take up two hours to clear customs and collect baggage, depending on the terminal and flight origin. Ambassador Limousine
Website | 860-925-5466
Website | 800-659-5466 Gateway Limousine
Website | 203-753-5466
Website | 860-891-1318
Website | 860-289-5466
About the Family Ambassador Program
Porter’s offers international students a Family Ambassador during their first year as an extra level of local support if they would like.
Family Ambassadors have typically been day student families, local boarder families, and faculty families. Family Ambassadors are a resource for our international students and play an important role in helping them to feel supported while living so far from home.
Family Ambassadors are not expected to host students during any long or short breaks, but are welcome to do so.
We have both Family Ambassadors and interested international students complete a short questionnaire to help with the pairing that takes place over the summer. Students will meet their Family Ambassador upon arriving in Farmington.
At your earliest convenience, please complete this form to begin the process of being paired with a Family Ambassador.
Colgate Wellness Center
The Colgate Wellness Center (CWC) at Porter’s includes both health and counseling services. The CWC health care team empowers students to care for themselves now and in the future through comprehensive and integrated healthcare focused on both physical and emotional well-being.
The CWC Student and Family Resource Guide contains comprehensive information regarding the health and counseling services and policies, practices, and procedures. This guide and additional information can be found on the CWC Resource Board on the MyPorter’s portal. Access to the resource board is available for enrolled students and families on July 1.
Please reach out to CWCnurse@missporters.org with any specific medical or health-related questions.
Medications, vitamins, and supplements
If your student is bringing any pharmaceutical products to school including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements, or holistic/naturopathic remedies, please carefully review with your student the information found on the CWC Resource Board:
• Parent Guide to Medication at Porter’s
• Student Guide to Medication at Porter’s
All pharmaceutical products brought to school from international destinations must be:
• Labeled in English or accompanied by a document with all of the ingredients translated into English.
• Accompanied by the necessary medication authorization form or parental authorization for vitamins/supplements.
HEALTH
Medications will be held in the CWC if a student arrives at school with pharmaceutical products that do not have an English translation of the ingredients or the correct forms. The nursing staff will contact you regarding what steps to take for your student to have access to the medication.
Regarding psychotropic medications - If your student takes psychotropic medication for treatment of depression, anxiety or any other mental health concern, we will require that student have a prescriber in the United States who can manage their medications and refills. The CWC counseling staff will work with individual international families to help them get in contact with local prescribers.
Student Health Insurance
Miss Porter’s School requires that all students carry sufficient medical insurance. Our current plan is administered by Clifford Allen Associates in partnership with Global Benefits Group, and underwritten by Crum & Forster. This plan is the best option to minimize out of pocket expenses to families if a student requires medical or behavioral health services while at school.
Students may not move into their dorm on their day of arrival without sufficient medical insurance coverage.
Families should only complete the purchase of a student health insurance plan when they are fully committed to their student attending Miss Porter’s School.
International families should finalize their student’s visa and travel prior to purchasing health insurance coverage.
Student health insurance is available for international students with:
• citizenship outside the United States.
• dual citizenship (U.S. + international) but whose family resides outside the United States full-time.
Students with U.S. citizenship only will need to purchase the domestic insurance plan.
In very few cases, international families may have sufficient medical insurance coverage through their employer (for example, if you work for a U.S.-based company, overseas). If you have questions regarding your student’s current medical insurance and whether or not it will be considered sufficient, please contact the Director of Nursing Georgia Burman at gburman@missporters.org.
To purchase the International Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan, please do so through our enrollment center. Payment can be submitted online with a credit card.
When does coverage start and end?
Your student’s academic year insurance coverage starts August 15 if purchased prior to that date. If purchased after August 15, coverage starts on your date of purchase.
The coverage for the 10-month plan will end on June 14. The coverage for the 12-month plan will end on August 14.
Which plan should I purchase?
If you know that your student will remain in the United States for the summer, you should purchase the 12-month plan. If you are unsure which to purchase, you can extend your 10-month coverage to 12 months later in the school year.
Where can I find the plan details?
Plan details in English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish can be found in the International Student Health Insurance FAQs document, available on the CWC Resource Board in the MyPorter’s portal or by emailing CWCnurse@missporters.org.