Current International Students
Welcome, International Students!
We are here to support you throughout your academic journey.
Connect with International Student Services for questions about visa renewal, traveling endorsement, employment opportunities and much more!
Quick Links
Maintaining Your F1/J1 Immigration Status
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) / Internships for Credit
Follow us on Instagram - Stay up to date on International programs and activities!
International Student Spotlights
Olim Toiriyon '20
"Manhattanville University's supportive environment and emphasis on diversity equipped me with the global perspective needed to succeed as a Manager in Account Management at Mastercard. The cultural competence nurtured at the college seamlessly translated into effective collaboration and adaptability in the multinational corporate setting." - Olim Toiriyon '20, Economics and Finance
Mijgona Toiriyon '23
"Manhattanville University provided me with the solid foundations in finance that paved the way for my role as a Finance Product Control Analyst at SMBC. The comprehensive education and supportive environment were instrumental in shaping my expertise." - Mijgona Toiriyon '23, Mathematics and Business Management
Omar Ezzeldin Abdelrehim '25
"I started when I was three years old, started coaching when I was 18, and by the age of 22, I was working at the world's number-one tennis academy in France, where Serina Williams used to train. So, tennis was always a passion for me. This year, I decided to work in college tennis, and in my first season ever, we managed to win the conference." - Omar Ezzeldin Abdelrehim '25, Finance
Current International Students
It is mandatory for Manhattanville to report your attendance to the USCIS. All international students attending Manhattanville University must check-in with the International Student Advisor at the start of every semester/term/module/session. Your cooperation in this matter is very important and will prevent any future issues!
What you need to check in:
- Passport
- I-94 Click HERE to download your most recent I-94!
(You will also be given a welcome packet with documents needing your attention. Please be prepared to meet with your International Student Advisor for at least 30 minutes upon arrival)
Programs, Workshops, and Events
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops
Travel Authorization (Signature)
Maintaining your Immigration Status
F-1 and J-1 visas can only be renewed outside of the U.S. If your passport expires whilst being an active student and currently in the United States, you are not required to renew your passport, as long as you do not plan on leaving the United States during the duration of your studies. A valid passport may be required for OPT, CPT, Social Security Number Issuance etc, please consult with the International Student Advisor for further clarification.
For up-to-date information from the U.S. government on visa renewal visit Travel.State.Gov
All international students, whether F-1 or J-1, will be issued a Manhattanville sponsored health insurance Plan through AETNA Student Health. This health plan meets minimum standards necessary F-1 and J-1 issuance.
International students with health insurance abroad may not use foreign insurance plans for coverage whilst studying at Manhattanville. International students are required by Manhattanville policy to have the insurance plan we offer.
To view current Insurance costs, please click here!
For more information on the Aetna Student Health Plan (SHIP), please visit www.aetnastudenthealth.com!
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. Manhattanville uses Handshake to search for jobs & internships, make appointments with counselors, sign up for recruiting & networking events, register for workshops, and gain insights on industry & career trends.
The International Student Advisor nor Manhattanville are allowed to give tax advice, which is why 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!
OPT Requirements
- F-1 students may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for full-time 12 months
- OPT can be used before and/or after the end of the program and must be related to the student’s area of study
- It is best for F-1 students to 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
- Request the DSO to endorse the student’s I-20 and make a notation in the SEVIS
- Within 30 days of endorsement, a student can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS
- Pay the application fee of $470 and supporting documentation (Paper or Premium Processing incur a higher fee)
- After the student submits the I-765 online, they receive an I-797C Notice of Action receipt
- USCIS will send the student an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) by mail in around 3-6 weeks
- Their Social Security Card will be delivered in the mail two weeks after receiving the 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. 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 by emailing careers@mville.edu
J-1 students are entitled to 18-month academic training. An employment letter is required to apply for academic training. Please visit the International Student Advisor to request additional information on this opportunity.
You can drive in New York State with a valid driver's license from another state or country. You don’t need to apply for a New York State driver license unless you become a New York State resident.
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 JFK Airport to Manhattanville
(We DO NOT recommend arriving at Newark airport. Newark international airport is in New Jersey (West of New York State) and is more costly to seek transportation to Manhattanville's campus)
There are many ways to get from JFK airport to the campus, simply proceed to the ground transportation area. Some recommended methods to arrive on campus are by:
AIRPORT SHUTTLE ($100)
Travel Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
There are many services that offer shuttle rides to and from JFK to Manhattanville's surrounding area. Please find your preferred service and book it at least one week in advance. Confirm the time, date and location of drop off! In most cases, you will need to request a Taxi (Uber/Lyft) to get to campus grounds.
TRAIN ($21 - $47)
Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
Train is the cheapest way to reach Manhattanville University but it takes a longer
time and is more complicated with the train changes.
Use these apps for MTA Train Time to buy train tickets and check train schedules:
IOS: MTA Train App
Android: MTA Train App
TAXI ($150 - $210)
Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
Taxi from JFK to Manhattanville University is the fastest way, but is more costly.
Upcoming Events
Academic Success Services
Accessibility, Internships, Tutoring, Writing, Career
The Center for Student Accessibility partners with students to empower them to take ownership of their college journey.
The Center also strives to increase positive dialogue surrounding disabilities, promoting
the "people first" approach and communicating the message that disability is an integral
part of diversity.
The Andrew Bodenrader Center for Academic Writing and Composition has a mission is to provide Manhattanville students with support at any stage of
the writing process. We strive to build the confidence of student writers through
encouraging, collaborative one-to-one sessions with peer tutors, graduate Writing
Center Fellows, and Academic Writing faculty.
The Center for Career Development is committed to individualized career exploration counseling, self-assessment, skill
development, and utilizing internship and job search strategies that empower students
to take ownership in their personal and professional success.Additional Academic Services
The Valiant Advising Team supports students by providing information about academic policies and degree requirements,
assists students in the course selection process, and offers students support and
appropriate referrals to other campus resources.
The Library offers impressive collections and outstanding services to help all of our students
succeed in the classroom and beyond.
The Registrar's Office has the responsibility to maintain timely and accurate records of the academic progress
of all students while upholding the privacy and security of those records.
The Office of Instructional Technology is here to support students, faculty, and staff towards successful teaching and learning.
Get tips about online courses, find support, and more.
The Office of the Provost provides valuable information and links to resources for faculty, and for staff who
work for, or with the faculty in furthering our educational mission.
Contact Us
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Johnnie Pera, International Student Academic Advisor
Johnnie.Pera@mville.edu+1.914.323.1344
Brownson Hall, Rm 131
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 AM-4 PM