Legal Matters

Like all nations, the United States has laws governing the conduct of foreign nationals residing temporarily within its borders. Since September 11, 2001 there has been intense scrutiny of international students and a zero-tolerance approach to violations of status. F-1 and J-1 students must understand the importance of complying with all U.S. laws, especially those related to immigration. Students who violate the terms of their immigration status face the loss of status and thus eligibility for all benefits, including work permission, the right to remain in the United States, and possible cancellation of their visas and a ten-year bar to re-entry to the United States.

The advisors and staff at the Office for International Students and Scholars are employed by NYU, not the U.S. government. A primary role of the OISS advisors is to serve as an intermediary between international students and the U.S. government. OISS advisors are registered with the U.S. government to administer F-1 and J-1 programs on behalf of the university. No one else on the NYU campus is authorized to sign F-1 or J-1 immigration documents or to determine students' standing with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

U.S. law requires that NYU, as a condition of enrolling F-1 and J-1 students, report students' presence and absence from the university, academic status, address, and other information to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Although the OISS provides information about and assistance with U.S. immigration regulations and procedures, ultimately, students are held accountable for their actions. Ignorance of the law, such as, not being aware of an application deadline, is not an excuse. A student's eligibility to remain in the United States is contingent upon knowledge of and compliance with immigration laws.

Please read this section very carefully.

Because laws and regulations change frequently, it is important to consult the OISS for the latest information and to understand how it applies to your individual situation. Stop by the office periodically; check the OISS website frequently; and carefully read Dateline OISS , the OISS electronic newsletter sent to your netID@nyu.edu account, and all OISS mail you receive.