Frequently Asked Questions

The I-20 (for F-1 students)/DS-2019 (for J-1 students) is the document you need from NYU in order to apply for the F-1 or J-1 student visa at a consulate outside the US. You also need to present your I-20 or DS-2019 at the US border along with your F-1 or J-1 visa, and other supporting documents in order to be able to enter the US as an F-1 or J-1 student.

Submit your application at least 3-4
 months prior to your intended start date in case of visa delays. If you don’t apply at least 3-4 months prior to your intended start date you may face difficulty in arriving for the first day of classes if you are outside the US.

Processing time is about 2 weeks once we receive your complete application. Please note that emailing us to ask about the status of your application delays our ability to process as quickly.

J-1 students are required by law to carry adequate levels of health insurance; failure to do so results in termination from the Exchange Visitor program. We send information to all J-1 students about the insurance requirements with your initial DS-2019 form.

When all F-1 and J-1 international students register for classes, they will be automatically charged for the NYU-sponsored comprehensive insurance plan. Check your bursar bill for insurance charges. Review detailed information on the NYU Health Insurance page for important information.

If you wish to bring a spouse and/or children under the age of 21 with you, please review our information on bringing a family member and include the additional documentation with your I-20/DS-2019 application. Only a spouse and/or children under the age of 21 can accompany you as a dependent. Parents, grandparents, and other relatives are not eligible to come to the US with you as your F-2 or J-2 dependent.

Domestic partners can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to accompany you. Though B-2 visas are normally for a short duration, it is possible for your partner to accompany you for the duration of your academic program in the US. Your partner would need to demonstrate their intent to depart the US at the conclusion of your stay.

You should wait to schedule your visa appointment until you have received your original I-20 or DS-2019 from us. Remember that it takes around 2 weeks for us to process your I-20 or DS-2019. Be sure to complete all required forms and pay the required fees before your appointment. Learn more about getting your visa.

If you receive a visa denial, request a denial letter from the US Consulate so that you will understand why your visa was denied. The main reason visas are denied for the US is failure of the applicant to prove they have ties to their home country. Learn more about visa denials. OGS would like to support you in anyway that we can. If you are denied, please report this update through our online portal and have ready the information below:

1. Name and date of birth
2. N Number
3. Date of interview
4. Location of interview
5. Details of conversation
6. Attach any handouts from the Consulate
7. List of any relatives in the US
8. Detailed description of past visa issues
9. Your DS-160 number

Some students may face visa delays due to security checks based on your field of study, name, country of birth, citizenship, or nationality. Most security checks are handled within 30 days. If yours takes longer, please report this update through our online portal and have ready the information below:

1. Name and date of birth
2. N Number
3. Date of interview
4. Location of interview
5. Details of conversation
6. Attach any handouts from the Consulate
7. List of any relatives in the US
8. Detailed description of past visa issues
9. Your DS-160 number

Please report this update through our online portal so that we may cancel your I-20/DS-2019.

Read the complete arrival checklist. 

In order to stay legal in the US, you must update your US address and phone number, as well as upload documents to OGS Online. Read the complete arrival checklist. Review the specific instructions for getting your US address and phone number updated in the NYU system.

On-Campus Housing - visit the on-campus living website.

Off-Campus Housing - for more information.

You can also find off-campus housing and roommates through the NYU Housing Registry.

The International Student's Survival Guide to Living in NYC that you received once your I-20 or DS-2019 was ready that also has a listing of temporary housing in New York. 

A sublet is when you rent a room from an absent tenant who signed the original lease. 

You can call or text 311, New York's main source of government information and non-emergency services. 

To get an NYUCard, visit photoid.nyu.edu and follow the instructions to upload a photo to be used on your NYUCard. In order to properly access this system, students must have activated their NYU NetID and NYU email accounts.

An email will confirm the location where you will pick up your new card. You must bring your passport to the NYU Card Center in order to be issued an NYUCard. There is no charge for the first card. Always carry it with you, as you will not be granted access to NYU buildings without it.

The cheapest and most convenient way to get around is by the NYC subway system. The MetroCard is used to navigate the subway system; there are two ways the MetroCard is used pay for subway fare: 1. unlimited weekly/monthly plans, or 2. pay-per-ride cards. Go to a kiosk or service station in any subway station to purchase.

Please note: some subway trains are Express trains that will only stop at major stations. Read signs on the subway platform carefully to make sure you get on the right train. 

You can also use the free NYU bus service. It takes you to campuses, schools, residence halls, and service centers. The bus times for each semester differ.

• For inexpensive phones and uncomplicated prepaid options:
  
  • campusSIMS
  • Tracfone Purchase monthly or yearly minutes. Can also purchase data for Android phones. 1-800-867-7183
  • Metro PCS 212-929-1899
• For contract-based options:
  • T-Mobile 212-674-5377 
  • Verizon 212-533-0055
  • AT&T 212-677-4673

Athletic facilities are free for NYU students enrolled in classes. You must show your NYU ID card to enter.

• The Palladium Athletic Facility is at 140 East 14th Street (between Third and Fourth Avenues) near Union Square. Palladium has a deep-water pool, a 957-meter weight room, a 1,046-meter aerobic fitness room, and a 9-meter-high indoor climbing center that spans two floors.
• 404 Fitness is at 404 Lafayette Street (between East 4th Street and Astor Place). This three-floor athletic facility includes multi-floor cardio & aerobic fitness and strength areas. It will also include a lounge area, locker rooms complete with free daily issue and rental lockers, a membership office, dance and spin room, yoga room, and stretch areas.
• Brooklyn Athletic Facility (BAF) is located at 6 MetroTech Center in downtown Brooklyn. Members may partake in the many free-play activities scheduled in the Gymnasium or engross themselves in online content while utilizing the fitness industry’s most advanced cardio equipment.  

A driver license is required to operate an automobile anywhere in the US. New York honors all valid foreign licenses. We suggest you also have an International Driver Permit, which translates your country’s driver license. You must apply for one in your home country before coming to the US. You do not need to apply for a New York driver 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) or call 212- 645-5550. Driving manuals are available as well.

If you reside in the state of New Jersey for more than 60 days, you may obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. Licenses for non-citizens may have different requirements.

You can also obtain a non-driver photo ID card from the New Jersey MVC or New York DMV. 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 US Social Security card (or a letter from US Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible for a SSN) in order to apply. In addition, you must present your passport, I-94 record and I-20 or DS-2019 showing that you have authorization to be in the US for at least six months into the future. 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 US utility bill.

The IDNYC program offers a photo identification card for residents of New York City who are at least 14 years old. This municipal ID card connects New Yorkers to services, programs, and benefits, regardless of immigration status, homeless status, or gender identity. You must apply for the card in person at an Enrollment Center. Appointments are required. You will need to bring documents to prove your identity and that you live in New York City.
 

Student Link Center (SLC) provides students with information about NYU and New York City. SRC also helps students navigate university resources and services, provides academic referrals, and promote ways for students to get connected at NYU. The office is located in the Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, 2nd Floor, Suite 210.

Find out more about NYU’s welcome programs for new students. 

Our office is here to help you understand how to keep your status legal while studying in the US. We go over information about how to do this at our orientation sessions. If ever you find that you have been arrested or have had any interaction with police, please be sure to let the OGS know immediately. Please also see our information on the effect an arrest could have on your immigration status.

It’s important for you to be aware of the rights you have in the US as an international student or scholar: the rights for US citizens and permanent residents are not the same as rights for people in non-immigrant statuses such as F-1 and F-2 or J-1 and J-2. Here are some basics for you to remember.

Wondering what kind of effect an arrest could have on your visa for or legal status within the US? US visa and other Government-Related application forms ask whether you have ever been arrested. It’s important for you to answer this question honestly, but also be aware of what impact this will then have on your application.

Remember, if you have been arrested or have had any interaction with the police, inform the OGS immediately. If you ever find yourself arrested or charged with a crime, we recommend that you find two attorneys: one who specializes in immigration law and one who specializes in criminal law.

Check here for the common questions students have on the topic of arrests.

To register for classes, make an appointment to see your academic advisor in person. Graduate students should go to their department, undergraduate students should go to the advising center for their schools. After meeting your advisor and being cleared, you can register for classes. Use your NYU net ID to register in Albert. Albert is accessed through your NYUHome account after logging in. After logging into your account, click on the "Academics" tab in the upper left-hand corner and log into Albert to register.

To register in Albert you must enter a US or international mobile phone number and emergency contact number in the system. NYU must be able to reach you in an emergency situation. NYU alerts are sent through a text message with instructions or notification about closures. If a mobile phone "emergency contact" number is not listed, you will NOT be able to register. Send an email to registration@nyu.edu to indicate that you don't have a mobile phone number to provide if you don't yet have a mobile phone. Once you do have a number, you must enter it in Albert.

If you have questions about registration, contact the Office of the University Registrar.

You can make payments to your student account at the Office of the University Bursar. If you will be paying by international wire transfers, review the Bursar's information on international payments.

Some schools and programs require non-native English speakers to take the English Language Institute’s English proficiency exam. Check with your academic advisor or your school’s student services office to see if you are required to take the exam.

Take the exam as soon as possible if you are required to do so. Your ability to register for classes may be delayed if you do not take the exam. English Language Institute (ELI) is located at 7 East 12th Street.

Bobst is the primary library for NYU, located at 70 Washington Square South. Telephone: 212-998-2500. You must present your NYU ID card to enter.

NYU Information Technology Services (ITS) offers internet accounts to NYU students enrolled in degree or diploma programs. Activate your NYU account with you NetID. Check out the various resources at the NYU technology labs for access to computers, laser printers, CD-ROM drives, scanners and related equipment, as well as a wide selection of software.

The Center for Student Activities, Leadership and Service (CSALS) has a comprehensive list of student clubs and organizations. You can also log in to OrgSync to see clubs and events.

Each semester, there is also Club Fest, a fair which showcases more than 400 student clubs and organizations. 

To get updates on special events in your field of interest, subscribe to one or more of the NYU mailing lists. Do so by logging on to NYUHome, going to the “Lists“ section under “Home“ tab. There are over 800 lists at NYU reflecting diverse student groups and interests.

Submit a copy of your immunization records to the Student Health Center (SHC). These records must show that you have received protection against certain diseases, as required by New York State law. You must also complete the Student Health History form and complete an online course on sexual misconduct prevention. Failure to provide this information will result in de-enrollment from classes and the inability to move into (or remain in) NYU residence halls, if you are planning to live on campus.

If you have questions about these requirements, email Immunology Services Office at the SHC or call 212-443-1199. The SHC is located at 726 Broadway on the 3rd and 4th floors.

The Student Health Center (SHC) is located at 726 Broadway, on the 3rd and 4th floors. Telephone: 212- 443-1000. You need your NYU ID card to enter the SHC. To use this center, you must be an enrolled student or living in university residence.

Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) is a free service to NYU students and is located at 726 Broadway, Room 471, telephone: 212-998-4780. Students may wish to discuss feelings of loneliness, culture shock, academic struggles, family problems, drug, alcohol or other concerns. The staff is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and trainees in these professions and maintain strict confidentiality in all conversations with students. If you have any questions, contact wellness.exchange@nyu.edu.

In case of an emergency, call the private hotline 212-443-9999, 24-hours a day and they will contact a counselor on your behalf. This number is also on the back of your NYU ID card.
 

Brooklyn students should go to the Brooklyn Student Health Center. It provides primary care, disability services, and counseling by appointment. 

F-1 and J-1 students are automatically charged for the comprehensive insurance plan through NYU. If you have your own health insurance and do not want the NYU plan, you must apply for a waiver online. Your plan must meet or exceed the coverage provided by NYU’s plan. Check to see the specific information about student health insurance plans, options, and requirements at the different NYU campuses.

On-campus student employment is limited to 20 hours maximum per week during the Fall and Spring semesters and is limited to the NYU campus. To look for a job on campus, look for department postings or sign up for Handshake, an online program that will allow you to view job listings, as well as workshops and other career events. Read the instructions for proper work authorization thoroughly after you are hired. 

For career coaching sessions, contact the Wasserman Center for Career Development at 133 E. 13th St., 2nd floor. Telephone 212-998-4730.

The OGS realizes that a SSN is requested for many transactions, from apartment rental to obtaining a cell phone or credit card, however, that is not the purpose for which the government designed it. The SSN is meant to be for tax-record keeping purposes only, thus, the government will only issue a number once you obtain work authorization. Read more about the application process. Please note that the NYU ID number is not a Social Security Number.

New students, transfer students, and students returning from a leave of absence can apply for a new US Social Security Number no earlier than 10 business days after entering the US and attending an OGS orientation. We will inform the US government that your SEVIS record is “active”. Thus the Social Security Administration may not have access to your immigration record until after ten business days of your active status.  

To open an account, take your passport, I-20, NYU ID Card, an enrollment verification (you must first add your US address to Albert and register for classes before obtaining the enrollment verification) and cash or check to deposit.

See the “Managing Money“ section of the International Student’s Survival Guide to Living in NYC for other information about banking.  

A checking account allows you to deposit and withdraw money. By contrast, a savings account is used to deposit money and cannot be used to directly spend money; it provides a modest interest.

A debit card is an alternative to cash. It withdraws funds directly from your checking account. 

Credit card companies generally require a Social Security number to run a background check. The following credit card companies are 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 -  or call 1-(877)621-2639
• First National Bank of Omaha 
• Discover 

Find various money management resources and tips from the NYU Student Resource Center.