image of international students walking towards office of global services

OGS MONTHLY UPDATE: SEPTEMBER

Announcements

Staff Updates

As we kick off the new semester, we're thrilled to introduce two new talented staff members who have joined our team over the past few months. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Kristina Harvey, Outbound Immigration Advisor

Before joining NYU, Kristina worked with the New York Office of UK Visas & Immigration and later with VFS Global, where she managed various aspects of the UK visa application process for the Americas Region. Kristina is motivated by students’ enthusiasm in studying away, knowing how important these opportunities are in helping them gain a deeper understanding of the world and themselves. One of Kristina’s favorite places to visit is Barbados, where she finds peace in the beaches, the natural beauty, and, of course, the delicious food.

Johnathan Rivera, Administrative Aide

Before joining OGS, Johnathan worked as a StudentLink Representative, where he first gained insight into our office. His passion for working at NYU comes from his desire to positively influence every student he encounters and the inspiration he draws from the University's dynamic culture and environment. If he could give advice to his 18-year-old self, it would be to never take anything for granted, always fight for what you believe in, and never be afraid to show who you really are.

New Job Search Guide for International Students

OGS teamed up with Wasserman Center Staff to develop a more comprehensive job search guide for international students. We encourage you to review the information and share widely with your students.

Anticipating the Upcoming Election: Resources and Support for International Students

As the upcoming election approaches, we recognize the potential for questions and concerns among our international student population. To help students navigate this period, our office is planning sessions later in the semester that will cover important topics such as understanding the US voting and political system, knowing their rights in the US, and offering students best practices for staying informed and safe. Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and to ensure their safety and well-being during this time. We’ll have more details in next month’s update. If you or students have any questions in the meantime, please let us know! You may also find our know your rights information a helpful resource.

Global Buddies Outreach Request

As we prepare for the new semester, we’re excited to launch the Fall 2024 cohort of Global Buddies, and we’d greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word to your students. Global Buddies is a vibrant initiative designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and build lasting friendships between US and international students. Participants will engage in a series of events throughout the semester, centered on social justice, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and relationship building. Encourage your students to apply by September 16th to be part of this enriching experience. If you have any questions, please email ihub@nyu.edu.

US Passport Drive

Need to apply for or renew a US passport? Apply conveniently on campus at the Office of Global Services on September 17th, during the NYU Passport Drive. The New York Passport Agency will be at 383 Lafayette Street from 10 AM until 3 PM ET to accept passport applications (both new and renewal). There's a limited number of appointments available, so sign up to reserve your spot today. You must bring a complete set of application documents with you on the day of the drive. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Global Services.

Key OGS Priorities for International Students This Month

All international students need to be registered full-time for the spring semester in order to maintain their legal status in the United States. Keep in mind that international students who are unable to register full time must receive OGS permission to register for a reduced course load in order to keep their immigration status valid. For undergraduate students a minimum of 12 credits is considered full-time enrollment; for graduate students, typically a minimum of 9 credits is considered full-time enrollment. US immigration regulations allow only 1 online course or up to 3 credits of online coursework to count toward the full-time enrollment requirement. However, guidance indicates that only up to 3 credits of online coursework should be counted toward full-time enrollment (e.g., only 3 credits of a 4-credit course count towards full-time enrollment). Since the regulations themselves have not changed, OGS will continue to follow the regulatory wording, and will count all credits of an online course toward full-time enrollment; but we will continue to make impacted students aware of the guidance.
Please inform OGS as soon as possible if a student is dismissed or withdrawn so that we can advise students on their options regarding their immigration status. If OGS can communicate with students before any such action is taken, they typically will have more and better immigration options. We’re required to notify the US government within 21 days of an action so your timely help in this is essential!
OPT season will start soon for December graduates! For those of you who review and approve an international student’s OPT request that comes to you via email, we hope this Reviewing an OPT Request video proves useful.
As always, all emails sent to students are directly linked from our Immigration Updates and Events web page.
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