Current International Students

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

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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!

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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!

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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

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 $470 and supporting documentation (Paper or Premium Processing incur a higher fee)​
4. After the student submits the I-765 online, they receive an I-797C Notice of Action receipt​
5. USCIS will send the student an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) by mail in around 3-6 weeks​
6. Their Social Security Card will be delivered in the mail two weeks after receiving the EAD card​
7. 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

 

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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. 

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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

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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.

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