International Student Affairs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: A student (F-1) visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a foreign country for the purpose of entering the U.S. for full-time study. Before you can apply for this visa, you must be admitted to a full-time program at NYU. For information on applying to NYU, you should contact the appropriate admissions and program office. Once you have been admitted to a program, you can receive a document (I-20 Form) to present to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for your student (F-1) visa. Only two NYU offices are authorized to issue the I-20 Form: The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for NYU degree programs and the American Language Institute (ALI) for Intensive English as a Second Language study and full-time non-credit SCPS programs.

Q: Do I need a student (F-1) visa to enroll in courses at NYU?

A: No. NYU does not require international students to have a student (F-1) visa to enroll in courses. However, students admitted to degree and full-time non-degree programs must obtain a student (F-1) visa.

Q: Can I obtain a student (F-1) visa if I enroll in continuing education SCPS courses?

A: Yes, but only the following continuing education SCPS programs qualify international students for a student (F-1) visa:

• X30.9000 - The Intensive Program in American English and Orientation
• X34.9066 - 4 Week Intensive: Filmmaking
• X34.9523 - 8 Week Intensive: Filmmaking
• X34.9522 - 12 Week Intensive: Filmmaking
• X34.9450 - 4 Week Intensive: Digital Filmmaking
• X34.9453 - 8 Week Intensive: Digital Filmmaking
• X34.9454 - 12 Week Intensive: Digital Filmmaking
• X34.9964 - 8 Week Intensive: Directing
• X34.9083 - 4 Week Intensive: Cinematography
• X34.9615 - 6 Week Intensive: Editing

To register for one of these programs please contact (212) 998-7171, and then the American Language Institute at (212) 998-7040 to request an F-1 Student visa.

Q: If the program in which I am interested does not qualify me for a student (F-1) visa, can I enter the U.S. on a visitor (B-1/B-2) visa to enroll in the courses?

A: Since 9/11, U.S. immigration regulations have changed significantly, making it much more difficult for foreign nationals to study while in the United States on B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Regulations now explicitly prohibit any form of study other than very short-term, casual, or recreational study. In any event, in no case can study be the primary purpose for visiting or remaining in the United States in B-1/B-2 status. B-1/B-2 status allows persons to stay in the United States for short-term visits relating to either business or tourism or (in specific cases) medical treatment, but not to facilitate coursework or study.

Q: If I enter the U.S. on a visitor visa, can I change to student (F-1) status to study in a full-time program?

A: Under the new regulations, visitors are not permitted to pursue a full course of study prior to receiving approval of the change of status request from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). To facilitate the change of status process, the prospective student should notify the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) upon arrival in the U.S. of their intent to begin a full course of study in the U.S. Students who fail to inform the INS official at the port of entry will not receive approval of a change of status request and must return to their home country to apply for a student (F-1) visa before starting their program.

A: Only full-time students who enter the United States on a student (F-1) visa have the opportunity to work part-time during the academic year and full-time for one year after the completion of a degree program. Part-time employment is limited to the NYU campus and must not exceed twenty hours per week. Prior to the commencement of any employment, F-1 students must obtain permission to work from the Office of International Students and Scholars. Tourists are not allowed to work in the United States.

Q: Can I use the NYU Health Center or enroll in the NYU Health Insurance Plan?

A: As a full-time or part-time NYU student, you can use the NYU Health Center at 726 Broadway, 3rd and 4th Floors. Depending on your insurance coverage, fee collection for the visit may vary. NYU requires all full-time students to enroll in a health insurance plan, either through the University or another insurance company. Full-time students who enter on a student (F-1) visa are eligible to enroll in the NYU Health Insurance Plan. If you are entering the U.S. as a tourist (B-2) or another type of visa, you should purchase health insurance coverage before you travel to the U.S.

A: Due to limited housing space during the fall and spring terms, only full-time students are eligible to apply for the NYU residence halls. For fall or spring housing applications, you may contact the SCPS Admissions Office.

During the summer terms, part-time and full-time students can apply for NYU housing. For summer housing applications, contact the NYU Summer Housing Office at (212) 998-4621.

For more information about issues regarding international student admissions, please call (212) 998-7040.  

Q: What if I need to take a leave of absence for personal or medical reasons?

A: An F-1 or J-1 international student on a personal leave of absence may not remain in the United States. When approving a leave of absence, the appropriate department or school official should notify the OISS and the student must depart the United States immediately.

International students requiring a leave of absence or permission to take less than a full course load for medical reasons are eligible to stay in the United States, subject to conditions set forth by the Department of Homeland Security in accordance with information provided by a physician.

Students out of attendance who did not apply for a leave and who wish to return to SCPS must apply for readmission.

If you don’t find the answers to all your questions here, you may want to check the Office for International Students and Scholars’ FAQs.