Frequently Asked Questions
Some of our international students' most frequently asked questions are addressed below. If you have a different question, e-mail the Office of International Education or call 516.686.7526 (Old Westbury) or 212.261.1684 (Manhattan).

 

 

 

How do I check in upon my arrival?
Go to the Office of International Education (OIE) at your campus upon arrival in the United States. Bring your stamped I-20, passport with visa stamp, and I-94 card.

How do I obtain a Social Security number?
To request a Social Security number, you must visit a local Social Security office. Bring a completed SS-5 form as well as:

  • A valid passport, visa stamp, and I-94 card
  • A SEVIS form I-20 or DS 2019
  • Evidence of full-time enrollment
  • 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 supervisor’s name.
  • An original letter from a designated school official (DSO) from the OIE that specifies your on-campus employer as well as the nature of the employment

The Social Security Administration has the right to approve or deny an application for a Social Security number.

back to top

How do I renew my visa?
Go to the U.S. Department of State’s Web site to complete a visa renewal application. Your passport must be valid at least six months past date of return to the United States. You will need:

  • Support letter from OIE
  • Transcript of grades from the Office of the Registrar
  • Photograph, one and a half inch square
  • Proof of SEVIS payment
  • Proof of financial support

How do I renew my passport?
You must have a valid passport in your possession at all times. If you lose your passport or need to renew it, visit the Web site of your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States.

Do I need to pay income taxes?
Many international students need to file one or more tax forms by April 15. Tax laws that apply to international students are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Since we are not tax experts, we encourage you to attend NYIT’s IRS workshops, which are held at the Manhattan and Old Westbury campuses in February or March. These events will be posted on OIE’s calendar of events.

back to top

Can my parents attend my graduation ceremony?
Our staff is happy to write letters in support of visitor’s visas for family members who want to attend NYIT’s annual commencement ceremony, which is held in May. Complete the invitation letter request form, (Link to Inv. Letter Request form) and a member of our staff will write the letter for you. Commencement tickets are limited to four per graduate.

I would like to bring a dependent with me. What do I need to do?

A spouse or minor children (under 21) may accompany the primary visa holder to the United States if they receive F-2 or J-2 dependent status. Application for this status must be made in the dependent’s home country. The student must present new affidavits of support and bank statements to OIE.

back to top

How do I obtain a driver’s license?
If you have a Social Security number, you may apply for a driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must bring your I-20, valid passport, visa, I-94 card, and Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible. Click here for a complete list of items that may be used for identification.

I’ve moved. Do I need to tell someone?
You must report any address changes within 10 days to OIE. We are required to provide this information to the federal government electronically.

How do I know if I am required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee?
The Department of Homeland Security requires a fee of $100 for all new F-1 and J-1 program applicants to cover the costs of the SEVIS program. If you are issued a new I-20 or DS-2019 for “initial attendance,” you are required to pay the fee. Change of level of education, transfer, extension, or other updates do not require you to pay the SEVIS fee. Click here for more information.

How do I extend my current I-20?
If you need longer than the end date listed on your current I-20 to complete your program, you must fill out an extension request form and have it signed by your academic chairperson. You are also required to fill out up-to-date financial documents to support your expenses. Failure to apply for an extension prior to the expiration date on your I-20 will result in a violation of your student status.

back to top