International Student Affairs

STUDENT VISAS

Continuing Education Programs Visa Information

Many continuing education and diploma programs do not qualify participants for a student (F–1) visa. Students who are required to obtain a nonimmigrant visa for entry into the United States must consider alternative options, such as a tourist’s visa. Students enrolled in certain courses are eligible to apply for the student (F-1) visa.

• Visit our Frequently Asked Questions area for more information on student visas, or e-mail ali@nyu.edu.

Credit Programs Visa Information

All non-resident students accepted into an SCPS undergraduate or graduate degree program should obtain an F-1 visa. In order to be eligible a student must have a letter of acceptance from the SCPS Office of Admissions, and complete an Application of Eligibility (AFOCE), which is sent with the acceptance package.

The completed AFOCE form should be returned to the:

NYU Office of International Students and Scholars
561 LaGuardia Place - 1st floor
New York, NY 10012
U.S.A.
(212) 998-4720

The deadline for submitting the AFCOE to the Office of International Students and Scholars is:

• Fall Term: June 1
• Spring Term: October 15
• Summer Term: March 15

A $50 fee must be submitted with the AFCOE.

In order to obtain the visa, all non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents must submit appropriate evidence of financial ability to pay for education in the United States. The issuance of certificates for student visas (Form I-20) or exchange visitor visas (Form IAP-66) will be delayed until such evidence is received.

If your studies are being financed by means of your own savings, parental support, outside private or government scholarships, or any combination of these, you must arrange to send official letters or similar certification as proof of such support, together with a New York University Application for Certificate of Eligibility (AFCOE). This form will be sent to you upon receipt of your application for admission to the University. Please be sure to indicate the name of the applicant on each document you submit.

If you are currently in the United States, you must submit a copy of your I-94 card. Please note that students holding F-1 or J-1 student visas are generally not allowed to work in the United States to earn money toward their educational expenses and are required to pursue a full-time course load each semester.

For more information, please contact the SCPS Office of Admissions at (212) 998-7200.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

The employment option available to most full-time international students in academic programs is called optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students and academic training (AT) for J-1 students. Optional practical training and academic training provide a great way to obtain work experience before you return to your home country or to establish relationships that can lead to future work in the U.S. For further information, or to apply for OPT or AT, contact NYU’s Office for International Students and Scholars. 

Please note that students admitted into the diploma programs are not eligible for student (F-1) visas. And visas may not be issued for degree programs that are offered entirely online.  

Further details about the F-1 visa can be found at the Office for International Students and Scholars or  U.S. State Department Visa Services.