University and Beyond (UnB) presents

Pathways in
American Higher
Education

PATH 2026 brings together students on dependent visas with confirmed universities — with 40+ expected — all under one roof — one day, one venue, face-to-face conversations with admissions officers who can answer your exact questions about applications, tuition, financial aid, and life on campus.

40+
Universities
5 hrs
Exhibition
Free
Entry
Event details
August 8,
2026
Sheraton Hotel, Edison NJ
Time 10:00 AM — 3:00 PM
Location Edison, New Jersey
Entry Completely free
Open to Students & families
Organised by University and Beyond
Secure your spot →
About PATH 2026

Where your college journey begins

Thousands of students across New Jersey and New York are on dependent visas — H-4, L-2, J-2, TD — and face a unique set of questions that most college fairs don't answer: When should I transfer to F-1? Which schools offer in-state tuition to dependents? What are my work options after graduation?

PATH 2026 was built for exactly this community. In one focused day, you'll meet admissions officers, immigration advisors, and career counsellors who understand your situation and can give you real, specific guidance — not generic brochures.

University and Beyond (UnB) has spent years helping immigrant families navigate American higher education. PATH is our largest event yet, bringing the resources directly to the community that needs them most.

Visa-specific guidance

Sessions tailored to H-4, L-2, J-2, TD and other dependent visa holders on the college pathway.

Meet universities directly

Face-to-face conversations with admissions teams from NYU, Rutgers, Drexel, Rowan, and 40+ more universities expected on the day.

Panels & workshops

Expert-led sessions on tuition benefits, financial aid, the H-4 to F-1 transition, and OPT/CPT.

Completely free for families

No tickets, no fees. Register online and walk in. Bring the whole family.

Who should attend

Built for your situation

01
High school students on dependent visas

Currently in 9th–12th grade on H-4, L-2, J-2, O-3 or TD status? This event answers your most pressing question: what happens to my immigration status when I go to college?

02
Students already in community college

Planning to transfer to a 4-year university? Meet admissions teams, understand the transfer credit process, and get clarity on whether to switch to F-1 before or after transferring.

03
Parents and guardians

Attending alongside your child? Sessions are designed for families together. Understand in-state tuition eligibility, financial aid options, and how your visa type affects your child's choices.

04
Students already on F-1

Already studying on F-1 and looking to transfer institutions, or explore graduate programmes? Many universities will have representatives for both undergraduate and graduate admissions.

05
Recent graduates and working professionals

Exploring graduate school while on H-4 EAD? PATH 2026 includes graduate school representatives at the exhibition. Come with your questions about admissions, funding, and programme options.

06
Community & cultural organisations

Representatives from Indian cultural centres, mandirs, and community groups are welcome. We offer a dedicated table for community organisations to connect with UnB and co-promote the event.

What to expect

Five hours, everything you need

Meet universities face to face
Walk the exhibition floor at your own pace and speak directly to admissions officers from confirmed universities, with 40+ expected on the day. No appointments, no pressure — just real one-on-one conversations.
Ask your exact questions
Bring your visa situation, your GPA, your intended major — and ask the admissions team directly. No gatekeepers, no generic brochures. Real answers to your specific circumstances.
Compare programmes side by side
Visit multiple university booths back to back and compare tuition, financial aid, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes in real time — something no website or brochure can replicate.
Understand financial aid options
Ask financial aid representatives in person about merit scholarships, in-state tuition eligibility for your visa type, and what changes when you transition from a dependent to F-1 status.
Explore community colleges too
Community colleges offer an affordable, strategic first step for many dependent visa students. Their representatives will be there to discuss transfer pathways, articulation agreements, and 2+2 programmes.
Walk away with a plan
Leave with brochures, direct contacts at multiple universities, and a shortlist built from real conversations — not guesswork. Many students walk in undecided and leave knowing exactly where to apply.
Participating universities

Confirmed universities, more coming

These universities have confirmed their participation at PATH 2026. We are actively finalising 40+ institutions — check back for updates as more confirm.

New York University
Rutgers University
Drexel University
Rowan University
40+more coming
Day at a glance

August 8, 2026 — exhibition day

9:30 AM

Doors open — registration & welcome

Check in at the entrance, collect your visitor badge and event guide, and get oriented before the exhibition floor opens.

10:00 AM

University exhibition opens

The exhibition floor opens with all 40+ university booths staffed and ready. Walk at your own pace, visit as many booths as you like, and have direct conversations with admissions officers and representatives.

All day

Open floor — visit any university, any time

No timed slots, no queues, no appointments. Browse the floor freely throughout the day. University reps will be available the entire time to answer questions about admissions, tuition, financial aid, programmes, and campus life.

3:00 PM

Exhibition closes

The exhibition floor closes. Take any final brochures, exchange contacts with university representatives, and head home with a clearer picture of your options.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered

PATH 2026 is completely free to attend for students and their families. There are no tickets, no registration fees, and no hidden charges. Simply register online so we can plan seating for the sessions, then walk in on the day.
PATH was designed with H-4 students at the centre. The entire programme — from the university fair to the visa transition panel to the in-state tuition workshop — addresses the specific questions H-4 families face. You will leave with a clear, personalised roadmap for your child's college journey.
Absolutely. F-1 students considering transferring schools or applying to graduate programmes will find the exhibition directly relevant. Many universities send both undergraduate and graduate admissions representatives, so you can explore postgraduate options on the same day.
No. Families from New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and beyond are welcome. The Sheraton Edison is easily accessible from across the tri-state area. Many students who attend are considering NJ universities specifically for in-state tuition benefits, so the content is relevant regardless of where you currently live.
Yes, and we encourage it. Panels are designed so that students and parents hear the same information simultaneously. Many of the most important decisions — like whether to stay on H-4 for two years to claim in-state tuition — are family decisions. Bring everyone who's involved in the planning.
University representatives are available throughout the exhibition floor from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. No appointment is needed — simply walk up to any university booth and start a conversation. If you have specific questions prepared, arriving early (10:00–11:00 AM) is the best time to get longer, unhurried conversations.
Currently confirmed are New York University, Rutgers University, Drexel University, and Rowan University. We are actively adding more institutions and expect 40+ universities to participate. Check the event page regularly as new confirmations are announced.
The Sheraton Edison has ample on-site parking available to event guests at no additional charge. The venue is also accessible by NJ Transit train (Metropark station, 5 minutes by taxi) and is located near Routes 1 and 9 for those driving from North or South Jersey.

Your path to an American degree starts here

One day. 40+ universities. Real conversations with the people who can shape your future. PATH 2026 is a free university exhibition — the only cost is not coming.