Student Life
Visas and Immigration Information for New Students
Incoming Students
What kind of visa will I need in order to study in the United States?
Most international students will need to apply for an F-1 visa. J-1 visa status is offered to students who plan to enter the U.S. as part of an educational exchange program pursuant to co-operative agreements with universities abroad or whose education is primarily funded by the government or institutional resources.
What documents do I need from NYU-Poly in order to apply for an F-1 or J-Visa?
We will provide you with an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) if you will be applying for an F-1 visa status and DS-2019 if you will be applying for a J-1 visa status. We will issue these document to admitted students once they provide the following information:
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency - usually the results of TOEFL Examination or IELTS
- Duly completed Declaration and Certification of Finances together with supporting documentation such as bank statements and other evidence of financial resources required to cover educational and living expenses in the United States
When should I submit English proficiency and financial information?
To expedite the issuance of I-20 or DS-2019 documents, you should submit financial and language proficiency information together with your application for admission. This way, you will receive the documentation necessary to apply for a visa together with your admission package.
What happens if I submit financial and English proficiency information after I get admitted to NYU-Poly?
If you submit your financial and English language proficiency information after the completion of your admission process, the documents required to apply for a visa ( I-20 or DS-2019) will be sent separately at a later date, which might not give you enough time to apply for a visa.
Where can I obtain detailed information about admission requirements?
For detailed information regarding admission requirements and procedures please refer to the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions sections of this web site.
When can I apply for a visa?
You may apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate near your home. The U.S. consulate or embassy may issue a visa approximately 120 days before your scheduled program start date at NYU-Poly. The program start date is noted on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Sometimes these policies and procedures change and you should check with the local consulate regarding the earliest date on which you may apply for a visa, as well as with the U.S. Department of State for additional information about visa application processing.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an electronic status verification system mandated by the U.S. government for international students and scholars on F-1 or J-1 visas. The system is supported by the fees collected from prospective applicants for J and F visas. Consequently, once you receive an I-20 or DS 2019, you will have to pay an I-901 government SEVIS fee before completing an application for a visa. For detailed information about SEVIS fees and application procedures please refer visit the SEVIS web site.
Will I be interviewed when I apply for a student visa?
All applicants for a student visa are required to appear for a personal interview before the U.S. consular official with the following documents. (Please check with the local U.S. consulate for any additional information and documentation required for your visa interview.)
- valid passport
- photographs
- verification of payment for a visa application
- verification of a payment for a SEVIS fee
- completed non-immigrant visa application (connect with web site)
- proof of financial support
- proof of English proficiency
- test scores and academic records and transcripts
- I-20 or DS 2019 Issued by Polytechnic Institute of NYU
- admission letter from Polytechnic Institute of NYU and any other documents verifying scholarships, grants, fellowships, or assistantships.
What happens if my visa is denied?
If your visa is denied, you will usually be given an opportunity for another interview and submission of additional information or documentation to overcome any deficiencies in the initial request.
You might also contact our office (international@poly.edu) for additional guidance and advice in the event of visa denial.
Please note that under U.S. immigration law every applicant for a non-immigrant visa such as F-1 or J-1 is presumed to have an “immigrant intent,” in other words, the consular officer will assume that you want to work and live permanently in the United States. It is then up to you to demonstrate that all you want is to get your education in the United States and that you will return home after completing your studies.
What are the typical reasons for visa denials?
In most cases visas are denied because an applicant is unable to demonstrate that he intends to return home after completing his education, has sufficient funds for educational or living expenses in the United Sates, or has difficulty in explaining clearly and coherently his educational and future professional and personal plans. Visit this site for more information about visas.
Important I-94 Information
What is the I-94?
The form I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the United States. CBP will now automate this process by issuing digital I-94 records at all airports and seaports. Instead of receiving a paper I-94 record when you enter by air or sea, your I-94 information will now be made available online. CBP will continue to issue paper I-94 records at all land borders and at secondary inspection.
When is this changing?
The automation process begins on April 30. CBP will start updating the process at certain airports over a 4 week period. By the end of this 4 week period, all airports and seaports will issue the online I-94 admission record.
Where will I be able to access my I-94 information?
Once you have entered the U.S., you will be able to access your I-94 admission record and information online through the I-94 website created by CBP. You will be required to enter your passport and entry information in order to obtain your I-94 record.
This record will continue to be available to you while you remain in the U.S. Once you depart the United States, this online record will no longer be available for you to view.
What should I do with my I-94 information?
Once you are able to access your I-94 record on the CBP website, you should review all information and ensure that it is correct. If you arrived at a land border or went through secondary inspection and have a paper I-94 card, ensure your I-94 card is correct.
Your record should indicate the day you entered the U.S. and also until when you are eligible to remain in the U.S. For F-1 and J-1 students, your I-94 information should indicate you are able to reamin in the U.S. " D/S" or duration of status. If all information is correct, print and make a copy for your records.
If you are unable to access your I-94 record or if any of the information is incorrect you should meet with an OISS advisor during walk-in advising hours.
It is important that all information on this record is correct in order to apply for any F-1 or J-1 benefits. These benefits include the Social Security Number, Driver’s License or state ID card, travel signature, or employment authorization.