Before You Arrive at NYU
1. How do I qualify for a student visa to study at NYU?
2. I heard I need an I-20 or DS-2019 to get a student visa. How do I get this?
3. What is the difference between an F-1 and a J-1 student visa?
4. I submitted my AFCOE to your office. How long does it take before I receive my I-20?
5. I am having problems accessing the AFCOE. What can I do?
6. Why do I need to show so many financial resources to obtain an I-20?
7. How can I check to see if my I-20 is ready?
8. Can I come on a B-1/B-2 "Prospective Student" visa and start studying?
9. I am already in the U.S. as an F-1 student. Do I need to get a new I-20?
10. I am a Canadian citizen and will be studying at NYU. Do I need to do anything?
11. I’m in the U.S. on a temporary nonimmigrant visa and have been accepted to an NYU program. Do I need a student visa?
12. Is there any way to expedite the processing of my application?
13. I need to apply for a loan, but the loan officer told me that I need an I-20 in order to receive the loan. Your office told me that I need to prove that I have a loan in order to be issued an I-20. What should I do?
14. I have heard there is a SEVIS fee. What is it and do I need to pay it?
15. I'm transferring to NYU. How long does it take to get my transfer I-20?
16. I applied for my visa and was denied. Can you provide any assistance?
17. When is International Student Orientation? Is it mandatory?

Following Arrival at NYU
1. I just arrived in the U.S. Do I need to do anything with your office?
2. Since I arrived last month, I have changed my local address. Do I need to inform you?
3. My advisor wants me to enroll part-time in my first semester. Is that acceptable?
4. Can I work on- or off-campus with a student visa?
5. How do I get information about on-campus jobs?
6. I need a Social Security number. How do I get one?
7. I would like to open a bank account. Where should I go?
8. Is there any way for me to get a credit card?
9. How can I get a driver's license or non-driver photo ID card?
10. Where do I take the English proficiency exam? Is it required?
11. How do I activate my NYU computer account?
12. Where can I find information about waiving my health insurance?
13. I need to find housing. Where should I look?
14. How do I get an NYU ID card?
15. How can I change my NYU mailing address so my mail is not sent abroad?

Before You Arrive
1. How do I qualify for a student visa to study at NYU?
In order to qualify, you must be admitted to a full-time academic program at NYU that leads to a concrete educational objective (for example, a master’s degree).   In general, NYU issues an I-20 or DS-2019 form for students admitted to full-time degree or certificate programs.  In order to qualify for the I-20 or DS-2019 you must be able to document that you have sufficient financial resources to pay for your tuition, fees and living expenses while at NYU.

2. I heard a I need an I-20 / DS-2019 from NYU to get a student visa. How do I get one of these forms?
Upon admission to a full-time program at NYU, your school's admission office will send you a letter of admission and a flyer with detailed instructions for accessing, completing and submitting the Application for Certificate of Eligibility (AFCOE). You can access and download this form once you have activated your Net ID . Complete the AFCOE in its entirety.

Once the OISS receives a completed AFCOE and all supporting documents, we will process your I-20 or DS-2019 and mail it to you. Take the I-20 to a U.S. consulate to apply for an F-1 student visa, or the DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 student visa. Check with the consulate directly regarding visa application requirements and processing times.

3. What is the difference between an F-1 student and a J-1 student?
An F-1 student is an individual who is in the U.S. to pursue a full-time academic or language program; the vast majority of international students at NYU obtain F-1 status.  

The J-1 Exchange Visitor program is designed to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of  other countries through educational and cultural exchange.  There are many categories in the J-1 program and student is one of those categories.  J-1 students are usually sponsored by their home government, a U.S. government agency, or by their home or host University.   Students who are funded solely by personal or family funds do not qualify for J-1 status.  In some instances,  they can be placed under a "two-year home residency requirement" which requires the J-1 visitor to return to his or her home country for two years before becoming eligible to pursue long-term employment or residency options, including permanent residency, in the U.S

4. I submitted my AFCOE to your office. How long does it take before I receive my I-20?
AFCOE processing typically takes around 2 weeks, depending on a number of circumstances. The OISS will email you at the email address you provided on the application within 3 business days of receiving the AFCOE.  Your I-20 or DS-2019 form will be sent by UPS express mail and you will receive the tracking information directly from UPS.  To ensure timely processing, please be sure to complete the AFCOE in its entirety and provide all required documentation (see #2, above). Submitting your AFCOE late may prevent your ability to enter the U.S. on time.

5. I am having problems accessing the AFCOE. What can I do?
If your Net ID is ineligible, send an email to our office at intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu and include your name, Net ID and the school at NYU that you will be attending. The OISS will work with your school to make the necessary changes to your student account so that you can access the application.

The AFCOE form is an interactive PDF. To download the form, you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free. In addition, if you are having problems, downloading the file, you can right click on the AFCOE link and save the file.

6. Why do I need to show so many financial resources to obtain an I-20? The immigration regulations require students to prove that they have funding for full tuition and living expenses for at least their first year of study, and similar funding available for subsequent years of study. The cost of pursuing full-time studies and living in New York City is perhaps the highest in the world. NYU asks that you show financial resources based on estimated minimum yearly averages; your actual expenses may be higher. Please keep this in mind, as your ability to secure further funds after you have arrived will be extremely limited.

7. How can I check to see if my I-20 is ready?
Please do not call our office – heavy telephone traffic delays our ability to process your documents in a timely manner.  If the OISS requires further documents from you, we will contact you directly via email at the address that you provided on your AFCOE. 

If you have not received your I-20 or DS-2019, or been contacted by an OISS staff within two weeks of the receipt of your application, send an e-mail to the OISS at intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu, and we will attempt to respond to you as quickly as possible, usually within 1 - 2 business days. Please be sure to include your NYU ID number in any communication with our office.

8. School is starting soon. Can I come on a B-1 / B-2 / B-2 "Prospective Student" visa and start studying?
Effective April 12, 2002 new immigration regulations explicitly prohibit individuals in the U.S. as B-1 visitors for business, B-2 visitors for pleasure, or B-2 "prospective students" from engaging in study of any kind, except very short-term, casual study such as a single English class or a crafts class. Full-time study, or study that is focused toward a degree or vocational objective, is not permitted. Individuals who enter on a "visa-waiver" are prohibited from study of any kind. If you are in the United States as a tourist, you should return to your home country and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.

9. I am already in the U.S. as an F-1 student. Do I need to get a new I-20?
If you are attending another school in the U.S. but intend to begin studies at NYU, you must obtain an I-20 from NYU and complete a transfer procedure within 15 days of the beginning of the term. Your current school will need to release your SEVIS record to New York University, and you will need to submit a transfer form to your advisor. The transfer form is required even if you have already graduated from your U.S. institution and are in the U.S. on OPT. The transfer form is required even if you have already graduated from your U.S. institution and are in the U.S. on OPT.

10. I am a Canadian citizen and I will be studying at NYU. Do I need to do anything special?
If you intend to enter the U.S. from Canada to pursue full-time studies at NYU, you do not need a visa, but you must have an unexpired passport, an I-20 from NYU, copies of your financial documents and admission letter, and specifically request F-1 status. Upon entry, you should be given an I-94 departure card stamped and marked"F-1 D/S." Failure to obtain an I-94 card from an immigration inspector is tantamount to entering the U.S. as a tourist.

Please note that Canadian permanent residents or landed immigrants do need to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Canadian citizens must pay the SEVIS fee after they have received their NYU I-20. The fee must be paid 3 business days prior to your entry to the United States .

11. I’m in the U.S. on a temporary nonimmigrant visa and have been accepted to an NYU program. Do I need a student visa?
Individuals may enroll in school under a variety of immigration statuses. Your immigration status should reflect your primary purpose in the U.S. You are not required to obtain F-1 student status, provided that you are in the U.S. in an immigration status that does not prohibit enrollment. Keep in mind that F-1 students must enroll full-time for each semester they are in the United States. Please note that B-1/B-2 tourists and F-2 dependents are prohibited from enrolling in school until they are in F-1 student status.

12. Is there any way to expedite the processing of my application?
The best way to ensure the speedy processing and delivery of your I-20 is to send in the complete AFCOE form along with all additional required documentation. Submitting incomplete applications with missing information delays the review process. The OISS sends all I-20s via UPS express mail. Be sure to carefully indicate your mailing address on the AFCOE., including your postal code and telephone number.

13. I need to apply for a loan, but the loan officer told me that I need an I-20 in order to receive the loan. Your office told me that I need to prove that I have a loan in order to be issued an I-20. What should I do?
You may apply for a loan and provide the OISS with your pre-approval notice. With this pre-approval notice, the OISS will be able to issue you an I-20, provided that you have submitted adequate proof of financial documentation You do need to provide the lending institution with a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019/ and I-94 card(which you will receive upon entry to the United States) in order to disburse the loan.

14. I have heard there is a SEVIS fee. What is it and do I need to pay it?
The SEVIS fee is a U.S. Government fee that supports the operation of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) . In order to pay the SEVIS fee you will need to have your SEVIS ID Number which is printed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. You will also need to have NYU’s school code to do so. Our school code is NYC214F00169000 for F-1 status and P-1-00057 for J-1 status. You may find further information about the SEVIS fee at http://www.fmjfee.com/help.jhtml

15. I'm transferring to NYU. How long does it take to get my transfer I-20?
The OISS cannot process your I-20 form until we receive and review your AFCOE, and have access to your SEVIS record. Generally, it will take at least two weeks from the date we receive a complete AFCOE AND have access to your SEVIS record. You should discuss your transfer release date and travel plans with your current international student advisor when submitting the transfer form to them.

16. I applied for my visa and was denied. Can you provide any assistance?
Keep in mind that the U.S. government regards F-1 and J-1 visas as nonimmigrant visas. This means that you must show that you have a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon - i.e., that you have continuing family, educational, vocational, or related ties to your home country. Failure to show such ties may lead to your visa being denied on the basis of "immigrant intent." If you receive a denial, you should request a letter in writing. Unfortunately, our office is unable to assist as we cannot certify your future plans or intentions. If your visa is denied for reasons other than immigrant intent, please contact our office for assistance.

17. When is International Student Orientation? Is it mandatory?
International Student Orientation for the fall 2007 semester is scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2007. International Student Orientation is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

Following Arrival
1. I just arrived in the U.S. Do I need to do anything with your office?
You must attend a Check-In workshop at the OISS. For the workshop schedule and further information, go to Mandatory Check-In.

2. Since I arrived last month, I changed my local address. Do I need to tell you?
Yes, you are obligated to update your local address within 10 days of your move. For more information about updating your address, click HERE.

3. My adviser wants me to be part-time in my first semester. Is that acceptable?
Part-time study is acceptable only in the first semester of study in the United States for a limited number of reasons - to work on your English-language skills, for instance. You may also be part-time in your final semester of study, or if you have an unexpected medical condition which prevents full-time study. Otherwise, you are required to study on full-time basis every fall and spring term. It is essential that you receive OISS part-time enrollment approval; permission from your school or academic advisor alone is not sufficient.

4. Can I work on- or off-campus with a student visa?
Full-time students in lawful F-1 or J-1 status sponsored by NYU are allowed to work on-campus, for any NYU department or office, up to 20 hours per week during the school year (full-time during school vacation periods). Click HERE for more information. Off-campus employment requires special permission and usually can be done only after the first academic year (9 months) of full-time study at NYU.

5. How do I get information about on-campus jobs?
Speak to your department or school, or visit the Wasserman Center for Career Development at 133 East 13th Street, 2nd Floor.

6. I need a Social Security number. How do I get one?
F-1 students are permitted to apply for a Social Security Number provided they have a job offer from NYU. A Social Security Number is intended for individuals who will work in the United States and cannot be issued simply for identification purposes.

7. I would like to open a bank account. Where should I go?
To open an account, take your passport, I-20, NYU ID Card, letter of enrollment (obtained at Registrar’s Office at 25 West 4 th Street or your school registrar) in addition to money or a check to deposit. Here is a list of banks with branches near NYU campus that will open accounts for international students:
Citibank, www.citibank.com, 555 LaGuardia Place (next door to OISS)
Washington Mutual, www.wamu.com, West 4th St. and 6th Ave. (Avenue of the Americas) or 8th St. and 2nd Ave.
Wachovia , www.wachovia.com, 66 Ninth Ave. (at 9th Ave. & 15th St.) HSBC , www.hsbc.com, 9th St., and Broadway, 15th St. and park Ave., Houston and Broadway, or 8th St. near 5th Ave.

8. Is there any way for me to get a credit card?
Credit card companies generally require a social security number to run a credit check. The following credit card companies willing to process applications without a social security number: Please note that card approval is not automatic, but judged on a case by case basis.
American Express - www.americanexpress.com or call 1-877-621-2639 for “Blue Card for Students”
First National Bank of Omaha - www.firstational.com/fnb/personal/cardproducts
MBNA – www.mbna.com

9. How can I get a driver's license or non-driver photo ID card?
A driver’s license is required to operate an automobile anywhere in the U.S. Drivers are required to obtain a license in the state they reside in, even if they have another state license. New York honors all valid foreignlicenses.The law will honor a valid driver’s license issued by any other nation to a resident of thatnation. You should not apply for a New York driver’s license unless you become a resident of New York state. Students from other states or other nations are not normally considered residents of New York State.

For more information, visit the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website at www.nydmv.state.ny.us or call 212-645-5550 or 718-966-6155. Driving manuals are available at the DMV office or online.

You can also obtain a non-driver photo ID card from the New York DMV or New Jersey MVC. A non-driver photo ID may be helpful as proof of identity for renting an apartment, gaining entry to certain venues or applying for credit. You must have a U.S. Social Security card or a letter from U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA-L676) stating you are ineligible for a Social Security number in order to apply for a NJ or NYS driver’s license . In addition, you must present your passport, I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019 showing that you have authorization to be in the U.S. for at least six months into the future. Lastly, you must also provide documents for proof of identity and date of birth which may include either a bank card with printed name, bank statement or a credit card, and a U.S. utility bill. See the New York DMV or New Jersey MVC websites for details.

10. Where do I take the English proficiency exam? Is it required?
Students can take the English proficiency exam at the American Language Institute (ALI), which is located at 48 Cooper Square , Room 200 (second floor); telephone 212-998- 7040. If you are at NYU campus, walk east on West 4th Street, past Broadway, until you reach Cooper Square. You can also take the #6 train to Astor Place. Summer hours are: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you are not sure whether you need to take the exam or want to know why you are required to take it, consult your academic advisor.

11. How do I activate my NYU Internet account?
Information Technology Services (ITS) offers NYU Internet accounts to NYU students enrolled in degree or diploma programs. To activate your NYU account, bring your current NYU ID to any ITS computer lab or, visit: www.start.nyu.edu and follow the instructions using your Net ID. ITS has four large computer labs that offer Apple and IBM-type personal computers, laser printers, CD-ROM drives, scanners and related equipment, as well as a wide selection of software.

12. How can I waive the NYU health insurance?
If you have your own health insurance and do not want the NYU plan, you must fill out a waiver with a copy of your health insurance plan in English. To complete a waiver, visit the Student Health Insurance Services Web site or the office on the 3rd floor of the Student Health Center. You can call 212-443-1020, or stop by Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You can select an optional Student Health Insurance plan as a supplement, which can enhance your own insurance by providing 100% coverage of virtually all medically necessary services provided at NYUHC.

13. I need to find housing. Where should I look?
For information about on-campus housing, contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life Services, 383 Lafayette Street, 1st Floor, telephone: 212-998- 4600. The office is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For information about off-campus housing, visit the NYU Off Campus Housing Office, located at the corner of Bleecker and Mercer Streets at 4 Washington Square Village. Telephone: 212-998-4620. The office is open during the summer Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This office maintains listings of available apartments. You may access the database through your NYU Home account.

14. How do I get an NYU ID card?
To obtain an NYU ID card you must first have an activity in your NYU student account; for example, a fee payment or class registration. The NYU Card Center is located at 7 East 12 th Street (between University Place and Fifth Ave.) on the 1st Floor. Telephone: 212-443-CARD (2273). The NYU Card Center is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

You must have your 9-digit NYU ID number and a passport or U.S. driver’s license. Your picture is taken and ID made right away at the center. There is no charge for the first NYU ID card. Always carry your NYU ID card with you. You will not be granted access to NYU buildings without it.

15. How can I change my NYU mailing address so my mail is not sent abroad?
There is no official "mailing address" field in your NYU personal record. If you wish to have mail sent to your local address in the U.S., you must first make sure you have your international address stored in the "foreign address" field in your personal record. A "foreign address" may be added by emailing oiss.records.update@nyu.edu. You can then input your local address in the remaining fields of your personal record in Albert via NYU HOME or at your school's Registrar.

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