JOURNEY TO NYU
#2: Plan Your Trip!

Welcome to NYU!

We at the Office of Global Services (OGS) are are here to assist you with all immigration-related matters.

This message is the second of an email series for new international students (catch up if you missed the previous one). They contain very important immigration information and resources to help you acclimate to NYU and the US. So, stay on the look-out for future emails!

Not able to enter the US by the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019?

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.

Enter the US no more than 30 days in advance

Enter the country no earlier than 30 days before and no later than the start date indicated on your I-20/DS-2019. We understand that you may want to arrive earlier to prepare for school, however US law prohibits you from doing so. The only exception is for students who have transferred to NYU from another US school.

At the US Border: Talking to a US Immigration Officer

It is always best to be polite. Keep these documents in your carry-on (not in your checked luggage) and show the officer your:

Passport,
F-1 or J-1 visa,
I-20 if you’re an F-1 student, or
DS-2019 if you’re a J-1 student

And in case the officer wants more information from you, have a copy of:
your NYU admission letter,
your financial documents showing you can afford the upcoming year at NYU
Proof that you paid the SEVIS fee
OGS contact information

Never enter as a tourist when you're a student at NYU. Always enter as an F-1 or J-1 student.

Getting from the airport to your destination in New York

Make a plan for how to get to your New York destination before you leave for New York. If arriving at one of the three major airports in the New York area, you can choose to take public transport. Taking a yellow cab (which you'll find at the airport) or using a car service like Lyft or Uber will be another convenient option. You can also read more on getting to NYU.

Check out ground transportation info at your arrival airport:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey

Reminder: US Student Visa Resources

Please remember that our website has many resources to assist you as you apply for your student visa. We link to several videos that US consulates have created that provide helpful overviews of the nonimmigrant visa process and further guides on what to expect and how to prepare for the visa interview itself.

Chat with other new students and get resources through Unibuddy!

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

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:

Before you arrive, talk to fellow international students on our community Facebook group or through Unibuddy.

Finally, if you have questions and concerns regarding visas and immigration, refer to our website, contact us, or schedule an online advising appointment.

Soon we’ll share information researching housing and finding a place to stay in New York.

Sincerely,

The Staff at Global Services