Current International Students

F-1 and J-1 visas can only be renewed outside of the U.S. Your visa can expire as long as you have an active I-20/DS-2019 and attending classes, it only means you will have to renew the next time you go home. Come to the OISS for a more detailed explanation.

For up-to-date information from the U.S. government on visa renewal visit Travel.State.Gov

Please be advised that if you do not have U.S. based health insurance coverage, the college requires enrollment in a health plan offered through Manhattanville.  This health plan meets minimum standards necessary for J-1 visa issuance and supports F-1 visas.  Coverage is for a calendar year starting Aug 1.  The only period to waive Manhattanville coverage and to show proof of existing U.S. based plans is at the beginning of each academic year.  More information is available at aetnastudenthealth.com. Those in programs that start at different times of the year, contact the OISS for more information. oiss@mville.edu

Educational Employment Options

First Year F-1 undergraduate students may work only on-campus. After your first year, you may be eligible for off-campus employment. Contact Elana Grayson, Student Employment Coordinator, if you are interested to apply for on-campus employment.

The OISS and the University are not allowed to give tax advice.  We have partnered with Sprintax who provides software to assist students with their tax compliance.  There is a 24/7 helpline and a YouTube page full of helpful videos. Learn how to file your taxes on the Sprintax page.

F-1 students are eligible for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) / internship if they meet the following requirements.  

• Has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year.  
•  Employment relates directly to your major area of study.   
• The internship should be an integral part of your program. You are required to register for at least 1 credit.  
• F-1 student works no more than 20 hours per week (part-time) during the semesters and more than 20 hours per week (full-time) during the breaks.  
• One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT.  
• You cannot start working until the DSO authorize the CPT in your SEVIS record.  

You apply for the internship and go through the Handshake Credit approval process. Cassie Robbins, Associate Director from the Center for Career Development can assist you with the internship search/application process.  

F-1 students may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for full-time12 months. The OPT can be used before and/or after the end of the program. OPT must be related to the student’s area of study. For the best practice, F-1 students do OPT after they complete their programs. The application timeline for OPT is strictly regulated. Students can apply for OPT 90 days before program completion, and 60 days after program completion. Students do not need a job offer to apply for an OPT. At the start of your last semester before graduation, you are advised to consult with the OISS about your OPT because OPT is competitive and has a long application process. 

OPT Application Process: 

1. Request the DSO to endorse the student’s I-20 and make a notation in the SEVIS ​
2. Within 30 days of endorsement, a student can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS.​
3.  Pay the application fee of $410 and supporting documentation. ​
4. After the student submitted I-765 online, they receive an I-797C Notice of Action receipt immediately​
5. USCIS will send the student an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) by mail in around 1- 3 months. ​
6. Their Social Security card will be delivered in the mail two weeks after receiving their EAD card. ​
7. Employment starts on the start date of your approved EAD card.​

OISS provides OPT Workshops and guidance on the OPT application process. For F-1 students studying Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) programs, they are eligible for another 24 months of OPT.  Read more about STEM OPT Extension Overview.

OPT and Reporting 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires students to report all periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for OPT and changes of address. Updates must be reported within 10 days of the start of your OPT work authorization and within 10 days of any subsequent change. Create a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) Portal. 

Center of Career Development (CCD) assists F-1/J-1 students in searching for internships and CPT/ OPT employment opportunities and provides training on Handshake. For internships, students should make an appointment with Cassie Robbins, Associate Director of CCD. Email: cassie.robbins@millve.edu.

J-1 students are entitled to 18-month academic training. An employment letter is required to apply for academic training.  

You can drive in NYS with a valid driver's license from another state or country. You don’t need to apply for a NYS driver license unless you become a NYS resident. 

A foreign driver's license allows you to drive in NYS. You are not required to have an International Driving Permit to drive in NYS, but the permit verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver's license. This is helpful to police officers who can’t read the language on their foreign driver's license. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit.

If you decide to get a NY State driver's license it will only be issued the length of your immigration documents. Important links Drivers from Other Nation

Getting from Airport to Manhattanville
There are many ways to get from JFK airport to the campus, simply proceed to the GROUND
TRANSPORTATION area. (We DO NOT recommend arriving at Newark airport. Newark international
airport is in New Jersey (next state over), it is more expensive).
There are four ways from JFK Airport to Manhattanville University.

1. AIRPORT SHUTTLE ($100)
Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
Airport shuttle is cheaper than taxi, but take longer time than taxi.
a. Book a shuttle click Go Airport Shuttle online at least one week in advance
b. Book JFK Airport to Courtyard Marriott – Rye Hotel ($75)
c. Uber/Lyft from Courtyard Marriott – Rye Hotel to Manhattanville University ($20)

2. TRAIN ($21 - $47)
Travel Time: 2 -3 hours
Train is the cheapest way, but it takes longer time and more complicated to change one train to
another.
I. Board Air Train Jamaica
• Get off at the JFK Airport Jamaica train station

II. Board the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Far Rockaway branch train (buy tickets in ticket Machine)
• Exit train at the Grand Central Madison train station
Watch a video showing the way from JFK to Grand Central via the Long Island Railroad

III. Transfer to Metro-North-Railroad. Following signs for the Harlem Line Train (You can check the
app MTA Train Time)
• Exit train at the White Plains train station
IV. Uber/Lyft back to Manhattanville University or Take the Taxi (usually $15-$20 cash)
12
OR
Walk to White Plain Bus Terminal Lane B
• Board the Bee Line 12 bus Armonk ($2-$3)
• Exit bus at the Manhattanville University stop

Download the bus schedule and the app:
Beeline 12 schedule - you can check bus schedules: Beeline 12 Bus Schedule App

Apps MTA Train Time - you can use to buy train tickets/ check train schedules
Apple: MTA Train App, Android: MTA Train App

3. TAXI ($150 - $210)
Travel Time: 1– 2 hours
Taxi from JFK to Manhattanville University is the fastest way, but expensive.