Plan For Your Arrival In New York
Travel Tips
When You Arrive In New York
Money Matters
Points of Contact
Perspectives From Our Students

Plan For Your Arrival In New York

Embarking on a graduate career is an exciting and challenging experience for any student. New York University recognizes the special needs of our international students and offers a wide array of services to assist you with the transition to life at New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS).This section will acquaint you with the services and contacts available to students in the Graduate School.

More detailed information can be located through the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) via www.nyu.edu/oiss. Also, more detailed information on all of the topics covered in this reference guide can be found at www.nyu.edu/oiss/documents/tutorialHome/index.htm. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) assists prospective and enrolled international students with immigration matters and the adjustment to a new academic and cultural environment.This office advises students on issues concerning legal rights and responsibilities while offering personal and family services.

Required Documentation
Obtaining a visa is a crucial aspect of the preparations international students must make before arriving in New York. The application process involves several tasks, so students are advised to take special care in filling out the required forms and to allow plenty of time for processing.

Fill out the AFCOE Form
To fill out the Application for Certificate of Eligibility of AFCOE form visit the following: www.nyu.edu/oiss/afcoe.
This form serves as a visa application and must be returned to OISS. The AFCOE form must be submitted with proof of funding and a copy of the admission letter. If you have questions regarding your AFCOE, please contact OISS at
intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu.

Verify the Certificate of Eligibility
Once you submit the AFCOE, OISS will process the information and you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility from NYU. Students applying for an F-1 visa receive the I-20AB Certificate of Eligibility. Students applying for a J-1 visa receive the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility. F-1 visas are issued for full-time students. J-1 visas are issued for students eligible for exchange visitor status. For more information regarding visa eligibility and requirements, contact OISS. Students should carefully review all information printed on the certificate to verify it is correct. If an error exists, email OISS at intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu Do not return the certificate by mail unless asked to do so by an OISS counselor.

Review Specific Information Required for Your Visa Application
In addition to the Certificate of Eligibility and your NYU admission letter, each applicant for a student visa must submit additional information.Visa requirements vary from country to country; students should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate office within their home country for more detailed information. OISS sends all students specific information regarding the required documentation to solicit their visas. Visa applicants may be charged a processing fee.

Verify Your Passport Expiration Date
To obtain a visa you will need a passport with a valid date extending at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must submit a separate application.

Your Health Records
University policy requires all incoming students to complete several health-related requirements. These include a medical history, proof of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization and either proof of meningitis vaccination or receipt of information regarding meningitis. If you do not submit the required health records, you will not be permitted to register for classes. Be sure to carry all relevant health records when traveling to the U.S. to avoid having to be revaccinated upon your arrival. If necessary, you should also obtain English translations of your medical history to ensure better care while residing in the U.S.  For more information, visit: www.nyu.edu/health/requirements

Family Members
A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student’s program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time. For more information on U.S. student visas visit the OISS web site www.nyu.edu/oiss.

Students enrolled in the NYU insurance plan can also enroll their eligible dependents. Dependent enrollment forms can be found via www.nyu.edu/shc/about/dependents.html.

Travel Tips

The “Report Date”
You must arrive at NYU no later than the “report date” indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Arrange your flight as soon as you know your report date. U.S. consulates and embassies will issue the F-1 visa as much as 120 days before this report date. As you make arrangements for your travel, plan to attend the important orientation sessions organized by the Graduate School, OISS, and your academic department.These sessions are designed to introduce you to the Graduate School and to familiarize you with your department’s policies and procedures. Before leaving home, read the important information you receive from the various GSAS offices to determine the dates of orientation sessions, registration and the first day of classes. We recommend you contact your academic department to inquire about department orientation sessions. OISS check-in information is available at http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/legal/visa/f1_j1/mandatory.html.
You must make arrangements to attend one of these sessions.

Transportation from the Airport
www.ny.com/transportation/airports/
There are three main airports in the New York City area. If you are traveling from abroad, chances are you will land either in JFK, LaGuardia or Newark Liberty Airport.To find out more about your transportation options once you arrive, we suggest you visit the airport’s information center for specific transportation information and cost estimates.

When You Arrive in New York

Check in with Your Consulate
Many countries have a Consulate Office in NYC. Some countries require their citizens to register at the local consulate and other countries only recommend it.We recommend you contact your local consulate office to see if a reporting requirement exists. For the address and telephone number of consulate offices, contact OISS.

Check in with OISS
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/legal/visa/f1_j1/mandatory.html
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/documents/TravelWorkshop/index.html

OISS Orientation
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/programs/orientation.html

Register for Classes
To comply with Homeland Security’s regulations, all students must register full-time by September 8, 2009 for Fall 2009 and by January 19, 2010 for Spring 2010.

Apply for a Social Security Number if You Are Eligible
F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to apply for a social security number only if they are in status and authorized to work. In addition, F-1 students must have an actual job offer to apply for a social security number. Please visit OISS for more information.

Money Matters

Understand Your Tax Responsibilities
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/legal/taxes/index.html
www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html
All funded international students are required to file a U.S. tax return by April 15 of each year. Many of our international students are recipients of fellowships and graduate assistantships. If you have been awarded a fellowship, scholarship, or assistantship please visit www.nyu.edu/financial.services/cdv/ts-resources-pg37 and click on the Required Tax Documents Checklist for NYU Students. The forms are located at www.nyu.edu/financial.services/cdv/forms.

New York University is required to collect these forms from all international students who will receive an award in the form of an assistantship, fellowship or scholarship. These forms will be used to correctly process your financial aid award so that your stipend or assistantship payments will be treated in accordance with current U.S. tax regulations. As soon as you arrive on campus, it is best to deliver these forms in person to the Stipend Payment office (726 Broadway, 2nd Floor).
Due to office space constraints, you will need to make an appointment to submit your forms and receive any assistance you may need in completing them. For students receiving fellowship payments in 2009-2010, contact either of the following individuals:

• Mapalda Abamonga (212) 998-2944
• Patty Fiordaliso (212) 998-2928
  

For students receiving assistantship payments in 2009-2010 (primarily students in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Math)—you should make an appointment with the following individual:

• Darko Pedisich (212) 998-2982

Fellowships that are used for tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction are excludable from gross income. Fellowship amounts received for other expenses, such as room and board and living expenses, represent taxable income to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to report any includable amounts on her or his tax return and to maintain records to support expenditures for tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies.The University suggests that students retain receipts for all educational expenses.

These are general guidelines regarding the tax treatment of certain forms of income and expenses. We strongly suggest that students either consult with a tax expert or refer to federal publications for clarification. The IRS provides information through free publications and a telephone information line. OISS has a link on their web site for tax information for all F1 and J1 students and their dependents.

Points of Contact

Office of International Students and Scholars
561 LaGuardia Place
Telephone: (212) 998-4720
Fax: (212) 995-4115
Email: intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu
Web: www.nyu.edu/oiss

American Language Institute
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
48 Cooper Square, 2nd Floor
Telephone: (212) 998-7040
Email: ali@nyu.edu
Web: http://www.scps.nyu.edu/areas-of-study/american-language-institute/
The American Language Institute of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies of New York University offers intensive courses in English for students with little or no proficiency in the language. It also offers the Preparatory Workshop program for students with English proficiency insufficient to undertake a full academic program but sufficient for a part-time academic program in combination with part-time English study. This combination may constitute a full-time program of study.