Information for New Students

The OISS is a post admissions office that issues initial certificates of eligibility for F-1 and J-1 status to students who are admitted to full-time academic programs. Note that if you have questions about admission visit NYU Admissions.

If you have been admitted to an academic program that qualifies for an I-20
or DS-2019 form, you will receive information that directs you to the
I-20/DS-2019 application. It is important that you carefully read the
instructions and submit the form with all required supporting documents to
the OISS. Current I-20 processing time is approximately 4 weeks for complete applications. The OISS will send you a confirmation e-mail within five
business days (one week) of receiving a complete application.

If you will study at NYU under one of the exchange programs between NYU and
your home university, you will NOT need to submit the I-20/DS-2019
application. Your NYU school will submit a request for J-1 status to the
OISS on your behalf.

The OISS strongly recommends that you file your application at least three
months prior to your intended start date in case of visa delays or security
checks for administrative processing. The OISS begins processing spring
semester applications in October and summer and fall semester applications
by the beginning of March.