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

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We have arrangements with a shuttle service that comes directly to campus. Shuttles drop-off and pick-up in front of Spellman Hall. To make a reservation or prepay your travel with the shuttle, use the link below. Please be advised that the shuttle only goes to JFK and LGA. If you are flying to EWR you must make different arrangements. Also for those traveling from our local HPN, the #12 public bus stop both there and our campus. 

• VISIT AIRPORT SHUTTLE GO PRIME TIME

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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

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Educational Employment Options

First Year students with F-1 visa can work only on-campus, not off-campus, in the first year of their academic program. 

The OISS and the College 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.

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F-1 students may also be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months. The OPT can be used before and/or after the end of the program. Students normally apply for OPT during the last semester of their program. OPT must be related to the student’s area of study.  

The application timeline for OPT is strictly regulated. Students can apply for OPT 90 days before program completion, and 60 days after program completion.  

Example: OPT Application Timeline 

 

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. 

Apply for OPT: 

1. Request OISS to endorse your I-20 and make a notation in the SEVIS  

1. You file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation.  

1. After you submitted I-765 online, you receive an I-797C Notice of Action receipt immediately 

1. USCIS will send you an employment authorization card (EAD)by mail in around 1- 3 months.  

1. You should receive your Social Security card in the mail two weeks after receiving your EAD card. Employment starts on the start date of your approved EAD card. 

 

For F-1 students studying Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) programs, they are eligible for another 24 months of OPT.  

 

OPT and Reporting 

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. 

For detailed information on OPT and reporting, Click here 

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

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

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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

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