Newly Admitted International Students

The U.S. government requires that we be absolutely sure, to the best of our ability, that you demonstrate enough financial support to cover the costs of your program. Undergraduates, this means one academic year (scholarships included) and to provide a plan for how you can afford each following years’ costs. Graduate students must demonstrate the entire cost of your program.

CURRENT COSTS 

You will be required to complete a certificate of financial responsibility, which is an attestation of how much money you have available, where it comes from and who it comes from. Your International Student Advisor will send you the form, it can also be found under the financing your education tab!

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• F-1 undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Internships for Credit / CPT before the end of the program. Students must complete one academic year, 30 credits, and have declared a major
• Graduate students are eligible for internships for Credit/CPT upon enrollment

For a comprehensive guide on CPT, please schedule a meeting with the International Student Advisor

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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.  

 

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 International Student Advisor about applying for OPT.

OPT Application Steps:

1. Request the International Student Advisor to recommend your OPT request on SEVIS and sign your updated I-20
2. File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation
3. After you submit the I-765, you will receive an I-797C Notice of Action receipt
4. USCIS will send you an employment authorization card (EAD) by mail in around 3-6 weeks
5. You will receive your Social Security card in the mail 2 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. Please request Additional information from the International Student Advisor.

 

OPT & 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 & reporting see the section below.

 

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OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) REPORTING

While you are pursuing your degree, you maintain your F-1 immigration status by pursuing a full course of study. However, while you are on OPT, you maintain your F-1 status by seeking and maintaining appropriate employment.

You may not lawfully begin employment, or pre-employment training, until you receive your OPT/EAD and the start date has arrived. If you work during a gap between previous work authorization (for example, CPT authorization, or on-campus work authorization) and the start of your OPT authorization, you violate your F-1 status.

As of May 2017, students on OPT will create an account on the student SEVP Portal and report directly to SEVIS.  You won't be able to make a portal account until the start date on your EAD.  

As of Spring 2016, students on OPT whose employment information is not complete, or reflects more than 90 days of unemployment, will have their SEVIS record automatically terminated.

To maintain F-1 status during OPT comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employment and reporting requirements. See STUDY IN THE STATES!

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.

CANCELING OPT
If you apply for OPT, get approved and do not wish to continue with OPT - please reach out to your DSO immediately to terminate your OPT status. Not doing so in a timely manner will disrupt future CPT/OPT opportunities.

WHAT CHANGES TO REPORT (but not limited to):

ADDRESS 
Within 10 days of the start of your period of OPT work authorization and within 10 days of any subsequent change, you are required to report changes in your address:

• Current U.S. address

EMPLOYMENT
Within 10 days of the start of your period of OPT work authorization and within 10 days of any subsequent change, you are required to report the following:

• Start or end of employment
• Change of your employer’s address
• Change of your employer’s name

All Students with an OPT STEM Extension – You are required to report all the above, plus the following:

• Employment status, 6 months after your extension start date, even if your information has not changed
• Employment status, 12 months after your extension start date, even if your information has not changed

ACCEPTABLE EMPLOYMENT
DHS has ruled that acceptable employment during OPT can include standard employment, contract employment, self-employment and volunteer positions. All employment must be appropriate to your degree and average at least 20 hours per week. Please refer to the following chart for more details.

 

Type of Employment and Instructions:

Single Employer

Provide the employment dates and your employer’s name and address.

None – Actively Seeking Employment

If you have been unemployed for more than 10 days since your OPT start date, indicate those dates. To remain in the U.S., you must be actively looking for relevant employment. In order to maintain your visa status, you must limit unemployment while on OPT to a total of 90 days or 120 days if you have been approved for the 17-month OPT extension.

Work for Hire (contract employment)

Provide the employment dates and your employer’s name and address. If requested by DHS, you must be able to provide evidence that you worked an average of at least 20 hours per week.

Unpaid Volunteer or Intern

Provide the employment dates and your employer’s name and address. If requested by DHS, you must be able to provide evidence that you worked an average of at least 20 hours per week and that the work was related to your OPT degree. This option is not available to students in the 17-month OPT extension period.

Self-Employed U.S. Business Owner

List your company’s name or print “Self-Employed” and the business address. This location may be the same as your personal address, if appropriate. If requested by DHS, you must be able to provide evidence that you have proper business licenses, the business is related to your degree and that the business keeps you full-time employed.

 

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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 for 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 the Center for Career Development at Careers@mville.edu!

 

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Sprintax is in partnership with the Manhattanville Office of International Student Services to assist our F and J international students to file employment taxes.  

Even if you did not earn any income, if you were physically in the US on F or J status anytime between January 1st – December 31st, 2024, you are obligated to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The deadline will be April 15, 2025.

 

Sprintax Assists International Students File Taxes

International Student Services partners with Sprintax to provide software for all F-1 and J-1 students for a fee. 

It is important to be aware that, as a non-resident in the US, you are legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2024 by: 

Deadline: 15 April 2025
 

And even if you did not work or receive income in the US, you are still obliged to file Form 8843 with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).  

Manhattanville University has arranged access to Sprintax for you. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you are due a tax refund.  

According to the non-resident tax report of 2024, Sprintax helped our international students at Manhattanville receive the average Federal refund of $1,613.56 and the average State refund of $658.80. 

Sprintax step-by-step brochure.

Sprintax 2024-2025 Interantional Student Guide

 

DISCLAIMER: International Student Services and the University are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer (who understands non-residents), or a local IRS field office.

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Travel Signatures 

If you are planning to travel outside the U.S. for a vacation for five months or less, please see the International Student Advisor for a travel signature on your I-20/ DS-2019. This applies to all F-1 & J-1 students. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor, at least a few weeks before traveling.  Without a valid signature, re-entry to the United States may be difficult and require time-consuming and costly paperwork. 

What are the requirements to re-enter the U.S. after traveling? 

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO (Designated School Official) 
• You have been out of the United States for less than five months 
• A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your reentry or, if you are from one of the countries listed below, a passport that is current through the date of entry 
• A valid, current visa or you traveled to a contiguous country or adjacent island for less than thirty days 
• Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses 

How do I renew my visa? 

You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa if you maintain your student status and have an active I-20 or DS-2019.  

The Department of State recommends that you apply for a visa in your home country. For more information about visa applications visit the Department of State (DoS) website at http://travel.state.gov/. 

Ensure that you have all the documentation you need for your visa application and allow sufficient time for processing a new visa. The documentation you may need for a new visa includes, but is not limited to the following: 

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO (see your DSO before you travel) 

• Original evidence showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses 
• School documents:  
  • Verification Letter indicates you are a full-time student. Being a full-time student, you need to register for at least 12 credits for undergraduate or at least 9 credits for graduate. You can obtain it by emailing: Johnnie.Pera@mville.edu
  • Unofficial Transcript shows the classes you have enrolled in for the next semester. You can obtain it via ServiceHub
  • Evidence showing your intention to return to your home country upon program completion, including evidence of compelling social and economic ties to your home country 
  • If you have applied for or had Optional Practical Training (OPT) approved, bring a copy of your Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have one

Automatic Visa Revalidation 

In most cases, you can travel to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands adjacent (e.g., the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic) to the U.S. for less than 30 days, even if your visa is expired. This process is called automatic visa revalidation. 

Learn more about travel regulations from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE).

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.

Driving in New York State

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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While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 student status. Your visa says that you are coming to the United States to study. You should not consider any action that detracts from that purpose.

Upon Arrival

New students may enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins. When you arrive at school, you need to contact the International Student Advisor, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility.”

Education

• Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with the International Student Advisor immediately
• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your immigration forms, talk with the International Student Advisor about requesting a possible program extension
• You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact the International Student Advisor immediately. Full-time for undergraduate student is 12 credits (15 if you have a scholarship) and for graduate students between 6-9 credits per term/semester/module depending on your course structure.
• Do not drop a class without speaking first with your Academic and International Student Advisor

Campus Employment

All F-1 students are eligible for campus employment. Please be advised that there are a limited number of campus job. So plan accordingly. Visit the Center for Career Development to learn about on-campus opportunities!

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or the graduate level is only available if this employment is an integral part of an established curriculum and if the position directly relates to your major area of study. You must be enrolled one academic year, completed 30 credits and have declared your major to be eligible.  All internships must be registered for credit. 

Work

Do not work without authorization. An F-1 student may work only when authorized.

If you want to work in the United States, talk with your International Student Advisor about your options. Your advisor may authorize certain work; other employment may require your advisor’s recommendation and authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately. You will jeopardize any future Visa applications and entrances to the United States.

Upon Program Completion

Take action to maintain legal status after completing your program of study.

Once you complete your program of study and any authorized period of practical training, you may wish to learn about doing one of the following:

• Transfer to another school
• Change your education level (e.g. bachelor’s to master’s)
• Apply to change status to another visa status (e.g. H-1B-temporary worker; O-extraordinary ability in science, art or business; P-athlete)

You have 60 days after completion of your program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States.

Talk with your International Student Advisor first!

Your advisor should be the first person you talk with if you have any questions regarding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States.

Your advisor can assist in answering your questions or help you find someone who can help.

Talk with your advisor if you are planning to do any of the following:

• Change your major, program, or degree level
• Change your education level
• Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence
• Take a break from school
• Travel outside the United States 
• Move to a new address
• Request a program extension

 

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As a J-1 exchange visitor, it is your responsibility to maintain your immigration status throughout the duration of your J-1 program at Manhattanville University by adhering to the four points listed below. Be certain to review the section below about the 30 day Grace Period that is given to J-1 scholars to remain in the U.S. after the end date on their DS-2019 form.

Maintain up-to-date immigration documents:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the program end date on form DS-2019. (If the passport needs to be renewed, the student/scholar should contact their embassy to find out the procedures to renew the passport)
• Current DS-2019 form
• I-94 printout issued with entry stamp marked “J-1” or “J-2” with “D/S.”

Report and Update Local Living Address J-1 students/scholars need to update their local living address within 10 days of their registration in SEVIS or upon moving to a new address.

Maintain Insurance Required for J-1 Visa Holders U.S. immigration law states that failure to maintain proper health insurance coverage will result in the termination of the J-1 exchange program. Proof of health insurance is required upon registration with the International Student ADvisor and at the time that a J-1 scholar requests an extension of their DS-2019.

Health Insurance Requirements

Please see the "Insurance" section of Department of State's Program Administration Website

30 Day Grace Period 

At the end of the J-1 program (the end date on the DS-2019 form), the J-1 student/scholar and their J-2 dependents may remain in the United States for another 30 days in order to pack their belongings and perhaps do some site-seeing within the United States.

• If the J-1 visitor leaves the United States during this 30 day period, they will not be able to re-enter the United States in the J-1 status
• Exchange visitors are no longer able to engage in any academic or employment activities during the 30 day grace period

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