International Student Handbook

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International Student Handbook

About the Office of International Education

NYIT's Office of International Education (OIE) serves approximately 1,400 international students from nearly 100 countries around the world. As part of the Division of Student Affairs, the OIE offers programs and services for all international students and alumni.

Our offices are located at the following NYIT campuses:

New York City
26 W. 61 St., 1st Floor
Christopher Olagunju, Primary Designated School Official: 212.261.1684

Long Island
Harry J. Schure Hall, Room 141
Karen Johnson, Assistant Director: 516.686.7526

All international students are invited to schedule an appointment with an international student advisor, who will be happy to assist you with any concerns you have.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of International Education is to support and nurture the growth of the international student community in order to facilitate integration and adjustment to a new school, community, environment, country, and culture, promoting a multicultural environment while enhancing NYIT's presence in the global community. The OIE also educates and informs international students of the regulations governing their stay in the United States and implements these regulations according to the Department of Homeland Security's guidelines.

The OIE prepared this handbook to help you, the international student, adapt to student life in the United States. It also offers information on the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The International Student Advisor

One of the most important contacts at NYIT will be your international student advisor—your personal contact with the school and the person who can assist you throughout your stay.

The international student advisor is a designated school official (DSO) or responsible officer (RO) who delivers a variety of crucial services, including:

It is Your Responsibility to Know the Rules

Read this handbook carefully to understand the basic immigration rules that affect your F-1 or J-1 status. The U.S. government will hold you responsible for following these laws. The OIE is available to provide assistance if you are unclear about anything related to your immigration status.

Although this handbook is timely and accurate, be aware that immigration rules and regulations may change at any time. It is your responsibility to keep the OIE updated as to your contact information. Remember to check your NYIT e-mail regularly for any updates from the OIE.

SEVIS Responsibilities of an F-1 Student

Students with F-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the F-1 visa. Failure to do so will violate your legal status in the United States and result in serious consequences.

Your Responsibilities Include the Following:

If you change majors or degree levels, you must notify the OIE and present documented proof of the change (a copy of the Change in Program form signed by your new department chairman or a new admission letter). The OIE may be able to help you obtain the appropriate documentation.

In addition, look very carefully at your I-20. It should accurately reflect your current major and degree level. If it does not, you must contact us immediately since that information is registered with the federal government and must be accurate.

A full-time course load varies according to academic level as indicated below:

Level Hours/Credits
English Language Institute (ELI) 18 hours per week of study for the semester
Undergraduate 12 credits per semester (may include ELI courses, if needed)
Graduate 9 credits per semester (may include ELI courses, if needed)

Remember that withdrawing from or ceasing to attend a class may cause you to drop below full-time status. Even if a class is cancelled through no fault of your own, you are still required to be registered for enough credits to remain full-time. Consult an academic or international student advisor to make sure your status remains full-time.

Note: All exceptions require documentation and must be approved in advance by a DSO before you drop courses that reduce your schedule to less than full-time.

Academic difficulties (English language difficulties or reading requirements; unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods; inappropriate course placement) must be documented by the department chair and is permitted for one semester only (usually the first semester). Excuses for a medical condition must include official documentation from a doctor, clinic, and/or hospital as well as complete contact information. The doctor must state the diagnosis and describe the limitations imposed upon you as a result of the medical condition. He must also state how long these limitations are expected to last. Excuses for a medical condition may not exceed 12 months during a particular program.

If you are an F-1 student in your final semester of study, you must get the authorization from the OIE before registering for less than full-time.

Note: Even if your department approves your less than full-time status, authorization may only be granted by your international student advisor.

Employment

Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has the right to approve or deny an application for a Social Security number. In October 2004, the SSA implemented a new evidence rule before issuing a social security number, requiring F-1 students to provide the following:

  1. A valid passport, visa stamp, and I-94 card.
  2. A SEVIS Form I-20.
  3. Evidence of full-time enrollment (i.e., course schedule).
  4. An original letter from the DSO that specifies your on-campus employer as well as the nature of the employment.
  5. A letter from your on-campus employer that verifies the nature of the employment, the anticipated or actual job start date, the number of hours you will be working, the employer's identification number, and your student supervisor.
Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations

As an F-1 student, you may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(9)]. These 20 hours include the work you do for an assistantship. You may not work off-campus (including internships for academic credit) without prior authorization from our office and the U.S. government.

Off-Campus Employment

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment directly related to your field of study. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, practicum, or other type of employment offered by a sponsoring employer through a cooperative agreement with the school. It may take place during the academic year or the summer. * New York Institute of Technology

If CPT is required as part of your curriculum, it will be listed under the department's degree requirements and course offerings. All students in that program are required to complete an internship or practicum.

CPT may be recommended to you if it is beneficial, but is not required for completion of the degree. You may register for a minimum of a one-credit internship, practicum or field study course listed in the college catalog. As an F-1 student, you must be enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year before you are eligible.

Optional Practical
Training Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined as paid employment directly related to your field of study. As an F-1 student, you must be enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year before you are eligible. OPT is limited to a total of 12 months. You may be eligible for another 12 months upon pursuing another academic degree.

OPT Extension
F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree included on the STEM Designted Degree Program List, are employed by employers enrolled in E-Verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completation OPT related to such a degree, may apply for a 17-month extension.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Like all other countries of the world, the United States has laws and regulations governing foreigners who are temporarily within its borders. As a student living within the United States, you should know about the USCIS. This is responsible for enforcing immigration regulations with offices across the country. You can determine which USCIS office has jurisdiction over your area below: Most district information offices are open Monday through Friday but are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays. To speak with an immigration officer, you must make an INFOPASS appointment online at www.infopass.uscis.gov.

County Where You Reside Your USCIS District Office
The New York counties of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. USCIS New York City District Office
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
The New Jersey counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. USCIS Newark District Office
Peter Rodino Jr. Federal Building
970 Broad St.
Newark, NJ 07102
The New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. USCIS Cherry Hill Sub-Office
1886 Greentree Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

SEVIS Responsibilities of a J-1 Student

In your final semester of study, you may be granted written permission to carry an academic underload, but you must complete the program that semester or you will be "out of status." If you are suffering from a serious illness or mental health problems, this must be documented by a health professional. You must meet with the RO or ARO immediately.

It is important to address such problems early and document the need to temporarily carry an underload before attempting to drop or stop attending classes. Underload authorizations are documented in SEVIS.

Passport

A passport is an official document issued by your government that identifies you as a natural citizen of your country. It grants you permission to travel abroad. It may be renewed through your local embassy or through the nearest consulate or consulate general. We suggest that you keep a photocopy of the pages that contain your key information, just in case your passport gets lost or stolen. Your embassy will be able to issue a replacement passport more promptly if you can provide a copy of these pages.

It is your obligation to keep your passport valid and up-to-date for at least the next six months. Otherwise, your I-94 permit that allows you to stay in the United States will not be valid, and you will lose your status with the USCIS. If your embassy requires proof of full-time student status, you may request the OIE or the Office of the Registrar to provide a letter of verification.

Visa Information

A visa is an official document issued by the U.S. government to enter the United States and is issued through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It may be issued for single or multiple entries and is valid until its expiration date. A visa does not indicate how long you can stay within the United States.

As a non-immigrant student, you are granted an F-1 or J-1 visa, which permits you to enter the United States for full-time study at an authorized educational institution.

If your visa has expired and you plan to travel outside the United States, or if you have changed your visa status while still within the United States, you will need to obtain a new visa stamp at one of the U.S. embassies or consulates in your home country or another country you are visiting before re-entering the United States.

You may neither apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa nor revalidate your visa from within the United States. There is no guarantee that you will be granted a new visa. Also, obtaining a U.S. visa in a country other than your own may prove to be even more difficult than applying for one in your home country.

If you changed your status to F-1 or J-1 while in the United States but do not have an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport, you will need to obtain one from within your home country. You will also need to present financial documents to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Note that a change to F-1 or J-1 status in the United States is no guarantee that you will be granted an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.

F-2 or J-2 visas are issued to spouses and dependents of F-1 or J-1 visa holders. These may be obtained by presenting an I-20 or DS-2019 form in the name of the F-1 or J-1 student to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, along with evidence of financial support. Individuals with F-2 status are not allowed to work for monetary compensation while residing within the United States. Those with J-2 status are permitted to work with authorization.

Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94)

The Arrival-Departure Record white card, stapled in your passport by the DHS at the port of entry, confirms that you have been lawfully admitted into the United States and indicates, in the upper right-hand corner, the length of time you will be permitted to remain here. If there is no date, but rather the inscription "D/S" (Duration of Status), you will be allowed to stay for as long as you legally maintain your F-1 or J-1 status.

Do not confuse form I-94 with the U.S. visa stamped in your passport by a U.S. consulate or embassy. The OIE advises you to make a copy of the form and keep it separate from your passport. You will need to surrender your current Form I-94 each time you exit the United States.

Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 or J-1 Student Status (Form I-20) – (Form DS-2019)

This document is issued by an educational institution and may be presented to a U.S. consulate or embassy overseas to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. Form I-20 or form DS-2019 must also be presented to immigration officials upon each entry into the United States. It is a permanent record of your activities as a student in this country. Employment as well as authorization for practical training or academic training will be recorded on it. You should have your I-20 or DS-2019 with you at all times. It is generally a good idea to attach it to an inside page of your passport.

You are required to keep all I-20s or DS-2019s issued to you throughout your student status, no matter how long you stay in the United States or how many times you travel abroad. We advise you to make copies and keep them separate from your passport. If you lose your I-20 or DS-2019, notify the OIE. Under most circumstances, a replacement form will be issued immediately.

International Travel

When leaving the United States, confirm that all your F-1 or J-1 documentation will still be valid (and not expired) upon the date you return. If you need a new passport, apply as soon as possible at your country's consulate in New York City. Remember that the I-20 or DS-2019 must be signed by a DSO/RO prior to exiting the United States. This signature signifies that to the best of the DSO/RO knowledge, you are expected to be a full-time student upon your return. It also means that the information on the I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate and you are in compliance with SEVIS regulations. Only authorized DSOs or ROs may sign your I-20 or DS-2019.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean

You may visit Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean for less than 30 days provided you take the following documents with you:

When leaving the United States for one of these locations, be sure to ask the DHS officer not to remove form I-94 from your passport. Let the officer know that you plan to return within 30 days.

For DHS purposes, neighboring countries include:

Note: Some students require a visa to enter Canada or Mexico.

If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or contiguous U.S. territories, you may under specific circumstances be allowed to reenter the United States with an expired visa stamp.

Academic Matters

In many ways, you will find U.S. higher education quite different from that of your own country. Differences exist, for instance, in educational philosophies as well as academic requirements, traditions, and standards. You may find some methods of teaching stimulating, while others may seem confusing. It is important that you pay close attention to the academic guidelines of your particular degree program, consult with your academic advisor and/or professors when you have questions, and seize every opportunity to talk to experienced students—international or American— in your field of study.

Following the honor code is the responsibility of each student. Generally, there are no elaborate systems to prevent cheating (i.e., monitoring devices during examinations). However, professors and other students are sensitive to indications that a person may be cheating. Students found guilty of violating the honor code are subject to penalties. If you commit an act of dishonesty as defined in this handbook, even for the first time:

If you have any questions at all about what to do regarding any of these issues, talk to your instructor, academic advisor, or the OIE.

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Tips for Everyday Living

Money and Valuables

The OIE works with several financial institutions to help students obtain a checking or savings account. In addition to a recommendation letter verifying your NYIT student status, which the OIE can provide, you will need the following documents to open an account:

  1. Unexpired passport
  2. Form I-94
  3. Form I-20 or DS-2019
  4. NYIT student ID

Some banks may require additional identification from international students. Check beforehand with the specific bank branch where you wish to open an account. The OIE can advise you of banks that have offered special accounts to NYIT's international students.

Always show caution when it comes to money and valuable possessions. Keep purses and wallets out of sight. Do not carry too much cash when you go out. Do not ostentatiously display jewelry.

Student Attire

Dress codes at U.S. academic institutions are often casual—slacks, jeans, skirts, T-shirts, and sweaters are acceptable. Generally speaking, garments can be purchased in the United States at fairly reasonable prices, especially after you become familiar with the best sources for shopping.

When purchasing any item other than food, it is advisable to keep the sales receipt. If none is given to you, ask the cashier. You will need that receipt if the item you purchased is defective or unsatisfactory and you wish to return it to the store for a refund or exchange.

Dollars and Sense

Most students live on limited budgets. It is best to manage your money wisely to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Be cautious about spending until you have become accustomed to the value of the dollar and know what your essential living expenses will be. This may take time and experimentation. Be extra cautious about overextending yourself through excessive use of credit cards. Finance charges on such cards accumulate rapidly.

Food and Dining

There are three types of stores where you can purchase food: supermarkets, neighborhood stores, and convenience stores. A supermarket sells food as well as a large variety of other products. Examples include Waldbaum's, or Pathmark. Neighborhood stores and convenience stores are smaller, have fewer items, and, in the case of the latter, often stay open all night. They may also have slightly higher prices.

Many restaurants in the New York City area specialize in food from one particular country or region of the world with prices that range from cheap to very expensive. Coffee shops often feature less pricey meals and a more informal setting. Fast food establishments offer inexpensive prepared food such as hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, fish, etc.

Generally speaking, American food is considered bland by those accustomed to hot or spicy cuisines. Salads are very popular and are served nearly everywhere. Many people in the United States are trying to watch their weight.

In the United States, tips and gratuities are not usually added to restaurant bills, as is customary in many other countries, and therefore should be left on the table. Fifteen percent of the total cost of the meal is considered the normal amount for a tip, but you can leave more as a token of appreciation for exceptionally good service.

Housing

Where you live will play a large factor in how comfortable you are during your studies at NYIT. Unless you are renting a room or living with family or close friends, you have probably signed a contract with either NYIT residential services or a private landlord. Housing contracts are usually for one year but can be adjusted for greater or lesser durations. You should read anything you sign carefully. Do not go by what someone tells you about the contract. Be aware that these contracts are legally binding. If you are not happy with your living situation, you should contact the landlord or NYIT resident assistant to rectify the situation. If the problem is not solved, there are public or private agencies that can help you find a solution. Moving out before the proper termination of a housing contract may result in a substantial penalty.

Hygiene

Americans take matters of hygiene very seriously. They bathe or shower daily—sometimes more often if they engage in vigorous work or exercise, or during hot weather. Americans also use an underarm deodorant to counteract the odor of perspiration and brush their teeth at least once a day. In addition, they use mouthwash or mints to ensure that their breath is free of food odors. Garlic, for example, is a popular food in certain countries but may leave a strong scent on your breath that, in the United States, is considered offensive. Most Americans will retreat from a person who has body odor or bad breath. However, this is a sensitive matter, and many people may not mention that you have these problems. Their reaction or body language, however, may show their discomfort.

Mail

U.S. postal deliveries are normally made once a day, except on Sunday or legal holidays. All first-class mail is shipped within the country by air without extra cost. Therefore, airmail notification is not needed on such mailings. If you want to ensure that an important letter has been received, send it "registered" or "certified," and ask for a receipt. Note that there is a small charge for this service.

In the United States, ZIP codes follow the name of the city and state; they do not precede it as in other countries. You must write your mailing address in the correct format since it is likely that an incorrectly addressed letter will not be delivered. The general format is as follows:

Your name
Street number Street name, Apartment number (if any)
City, State ZIP code

If your address contains additional lines (like a building name or suite number), make sure you list the information on the correct line. Although it is rare that more than one street name (such as a cross street) is used in an official address, be careful whenever you add additional instructions to your mailing address.

Medical Care

There is no overall government-supported system for paying medical expenses in the United States. In other words, there is no national healthcare program. Consequently, doctor and laboratory fees, hospitalization expenses and medication may be costly should you require these services. Typically, hospital costs in the New York area are between $500 and $1,000 per day, which does not include physician's fees that may also be expensive.

Put simply, you cannot afford to be without medical insurance. Therefore, NYIT requires that all international students be covered by a health insurance plan. As an F-1 or J-1 student, you will automatically be billed for the International Student Accident and Sickness Plan underwritten by the Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Be sure to pick up the brochure describing your medical benefits from either the OIE or the Office of Wellness Services on your campus.

If you have a minor illness or common aches and pains, do not feel you must go to a hospital. If you do so, and the hospital determines that it is not an emergency, you may be charged for the visit. Instead, go to one of the preferred healthcare providers listed on the Aetna Web site.

However, if you believe you have a medical emergency, do not hesitate to seek professional help at the nearest hospital. Your personal health is by far your most important asset.

Your NYIT insurance policy does not cover any other members of your family. It is recommended that you purchase separate insurance coverage for each of them.

Official State Identification Card

As of October 2004, it is no longer possible to get a Social Security number (SSN) without having a job or the promise of a job (see Employment section). If you are asked to provide your SSN and do not have one, an official state identification card may be used as a substitute. These are granted by a U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles. Although it may resemble a driver's license, the identification card does not grant you permission to operate a motor vehicle in the United States.

If you do not have enough proof of identification during your first semester at NYIT to receive an official state identification card, the academic transcript generated after your first semester may help you apply for one.

For more information, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles or visit the following Web sites:

Personal Safety

Large cities can appears to be dangerous. However, by taking precautions and using common sense, your chances of experiencing misfortune are greatly reduced. Remember these street smart tips:

At Home and On-campus Precautions Include:

Shopping

Nearly any product can be bought in such a huge metropolitan area as New York City. Nowadays, most Americans purchase goods in shopping malls, which contain several shops, restaurants, and movie theaters in a single enclosed area. Shopping malls are usually open all week and closed in the evening.

Telephone

The telephone is a fixture of American culture.

Portable cellular phones are everywhere and considered a necessity for most individuals. Unfortunately, you may find it difficult to obtain a cell phone on your own since many companies require a SSN that will not be available until you legally gain employment in the United States. If you have family or friends with cell phones in the United States, you might consider asking them to put you on a "family plan" with their cell phone company. In addition, calling cards and companies that specialize in long distance calling may help you stay connected at a reasonable rate.

Manners and Customs in the United States

Notable Characteristics

Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of contemporary American society is its diversity. The United States, and especially the New York area, is truly multicultural. It is difficult to make generalizations about the people of this nation or about specific ethnic, religious, socio-economic, age, occupational, or other groups.

Nevertheless, certain characteristics exist that describe attitudes and practices common among people living in the United States. * Individualism. People in the United States generally consider self-reliance and independence to be ideal qualities. As a consequence, many Americans see themselves as individuals and dislike being dependent on other people. * Informality. You find that some people in the United States are informal in dress, in decorum, and in personal relationships. * Time. In the United States, considerable importance is placed on punctuality and people tend to organize their daily activities accordingly. To the foreign observer, Americans may seem hurried, always rushing from place to place, but many consider this to be a helpful way of assuring that things get done in an orderly fashion.

Culture shock is the name given to the feeling of disorientation that sometimes occurs when a person is placed in unfamiliar surroundings. Upon your arrival to New York City, you will no doubt encounter a multitude of new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that are not the same as in your home country. If your English skills are limited, you may have difficulty expressing yourself. As a result, you may feel confused, unsure or doubtful about the wisdom of your decision to study in the United States.

People affected by culture shock may become nervous or fatigued, feel the need to frequently contact family and friends in their home country, get angry over minor irritations, and become dependent on others who have the same cultural background. These feelings may negatively impact your relationships with U.S. citizens as well as other international students.

Coping With Culture Shock

Although people react differently, here are some suggestions that may prove helpful:

If you feel the need to talk to someone about the new things you are feeling or experiencing, the Office of Counseling and Wellness Services (Long Island 516.686.7976, New York City 212.261.1770) can provide you with more information.

Campus Talk

The language around an academic campus ranges from formal to slang. In between these two extremes are the everyday expressions that can be heard everywhere. To communicate effectively, you must learn what these expressions mean, and in what situations they should be used. The following are some of the more common expressions you may encounter:

Registration Terms

All students must go through registration. Oftentimes, you will hear someone say, "last name first." On many forms used by U.S. institutions, your last name (or family name) will appear first followed by your first (or given) name. For example, an international student's form might read "Tanaka, Masayumi K." On the other hand, when you are asked to sign a document, your signature must include your first name followed by last name (i.e., Masayumi K. Tanaka).

Other Terms

Conclusion

This handbook was created to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as an F-1 or J-1 student. You are responsible for complying with the rules and regulations established by the U.S. government.

Remember, we are always available to assist you. It is our hope that the many joys and challenges you experience at NYIT add new dimensions to your education and that your own cultural heritage enriches our academic community.