We hope your preparations for coming to NYU are going well. This message is the fifth of an email series for new international students (catch up on previous emails if you missed any). They contain very important immigration information and resources to help you acclimate to NYU and to the US.

It’s time to make sure you fully understand your legal requirements for when you arrive. Review these tips to keep your immigration status legal and valid while here in the US as an international student. You can also review the New International Student Arrival Checklist as you prepare for the US. 

And remember, if you are unable to arrive in the United States by the program start date as indicated on your current I-20 or DS-2019 or you will need to defer to a later session start date, we must change the start date listed on your document and send you an updated I-20 or DS-2019. Submit your US entry plan information so that we can work with you to get an updated I-20 or DS-2019 from our office.

An I-94 is a record of all your arrivals to and departures from the US. You'll need this document if you want to work in the US or get any other benefits associated with your status. It will be available online after you arrive. Please print an up-to-date copy and keep it for your records once you get to the US. And remember, each time you reenter the US you will need to get your new I-94 to save for your records.

The US government requires all international students in F-1 and J-1 status to report their arrival to their schools. You must submit the Report Your Arrival eforms one time after obtaining an NYU SEVIS record.

Report your arrival to NYU online by submitting the OGS Report Your Arrival eforms.

You likely are in the midst of submitting or have already submitted forms 1 and 2 prior to your arrival to NYU. If you haven’t already submitted them, submit them now to provide a copy of your F-1/J-1 visa to OGS, or to confirm that you do not need a F-1/J-1 visa to enter the US. You would also need to confirm completion of the mandatory self-paced online module.

All F-1 and J-1 students must submit forms 3 and 4 after their arrival to NYU. You should not submit forms 3 and 4 if you are not already in the US.

You will need to have copies (PDF or JPG) of these documents available to complete these forms:

As an international student, you are required to keep a current US address and phone number in your NYU record. Even if you are temporarily staying in a hotel, enter that address, then update your address again once you move to your permanent residence. See steps 2b and 2c of the new international student arrival checklist to get started.

Plan to join us for a mandatory orientation where you’ll learn your legal requirements in the US. Even if you’re returning from a leave of absence, you’ll find the information a good refresher. But it’s only mandatory for students who are attending their first semester at NYU in New York. Remember, your US education is dependent on your immigration status. You’ll also receive helpful resources for NYC living, work options in the US, and more. For more information about how to register, and a full listing of our orientation sessions, head over to our international student orientation page, to be listed soon, closer to the start of the Fall semester.

As you prepare to arrive, get tips and resources from NYU OGS peer mentors. Meet and message other new students!  

Get the Unibuddy app (Apple users / Android users) and start messaging today!

We have a variety of communities below you can join. If you don’t see your school listed below be sure to join the NYU International Student Community to get connected with other students at NYU! 

Join the community of:

Our OGS advisors are available online all summer to answer your questions or concerns regarding visa and immigration. Schedule an online appointment if you have any questions or concerns.

You can also refer to our website or contact us for any visa and immigration questions. Check out NYU International Students, a Facebook community group where you can talk with other students before even coming to the US. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay updated on international students affairs. See you at orientation soon!

Later this week, we’ll share with you information on safety in New York.

Sincerely,

The Staff at Global Services