Maintaining F-1 Status While Studying or Researching Abroad

Note: This information does NOT apply to J-1 students. J-1 students who wish to research or study abroad must contact an OISS Advisor directly for guidance.

Introduction

The following information is for F-1 students who are considering studying or researching abroad. It is possible in many situations to study or research abroad while maintaining your F-1 status. Your ability to return to the United States, to travel, or to accept employment following your return to the U.S. may be affected by your time abroad. If you are considering studying or researching abroad, you must contact an OISS advisor prior to finalizing your plans.

If you are studying abroad, notify the OISS of your acceptance to an NYU study abroad program.

If you are conducting research abroad, provide the OISS advisor a letter of support from your academic advisor or director of graduate studies which confirms: the timeframe you will be outside the U.S., the purpose of your research, verify that you will pursue research on a full-time basis, when you are expected to return to NYU, what you will have remaining to do at NYU, and your anticipated completion date.

Study or research abroad for F-1 purposes is approved for a maximum of one year at a time. If your plan is to study or research abroad beyond that timeframe, inform the OISS advisor when discussing your situation. Students who are studying or researching abroad more than two years may not be eligible to maintain F-1 status.

If the OISS advisor verifies your study or research plans meet the F-1 regulatory requirements, you must do the following to maintain F-1 status and benefits:

• Register as a full-time student at NYU (full matriculation“FM” for graduate students conducting research)
  
• Maintain a U.S. local address – updates may be done through “Albert”
(Stern graduate students must use ais.stern.nyu.edu)
• Obtain an OISS travel signature on your I-20 before departing the U.S.
• Inform the OISS of the date you will depart the U.S.
• Inform the OISS at least two months prior to your return to the U.S.
• Present your immigration documents to the OISS for review upon return to NYU

Travel Instructions to Re-Enter the U.S.

• Check your F-1 visa expiration date. You must have a valid F-1 visa in order to re-enter the U.S. If your F-1 visa has expired, make an appointment to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate. Take your current I-20 and all relevant supporting documents, including funding information and verification of full-time enrollment. It is best to apply for the visa in your home country, whenever possible.


• Obtain a travel signature from an OISS advisor before leaving the U.S.


• Once you have returned to the U.S. in F-1 status, be sure to register for full-time studies and meet with an OISS advisor so that your immigration record may be updated.