Office of International Services
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Prospective International Students and Scholars

Prospective International Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to Yeshiva University! To be eligible for Yeshiva University immigration sponsorship, you need to be accepted to a full-time, classroom based academic program at Yeshiva University. Students admitted to an online program of study are not eligible for student immigration sponsorship. If you are not yet admitted, please visit the admission page for your degree level and college of interest.

If your intent is to be a full-time student, you must enter the U.S. in an immigration status that permits full-time study. The majority of full-time international students in the U.S., and at YU, come in F-1 student status with the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status. There are some non-degree exchange students at YU, who come for a short time as a J-1 Exchange Visitor, with the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status.  Document and visa application information, and preparation and arrival tips, are outlined below.

Most international students at YU are in F-1 student status and apply for an I-20. If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children with you, they will need to obtain an F-2 dependent visa. F-2 dependents may not work in the U.S. and are limited to part-time study.

Some students, primarily Cardozo Law students participating in an official academic exchange program, come in J-1 exchange visitor status and apply for a DS-2019. To be a J-1 student, at least half of your funding must come from a source other than personal or family funds OR you must be participating in an official academic exchange program. If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children with you, they will need to obtain a J-2 dependent visa. J-2 dependents may apply for work permission and may study.

Fully admitted students and exchange students will automatically receive an email from the Yeshiva University system with a user ID and temporary password. In most cases, a seat deposit is required to start this process. The email will go to your YU email address. You need your YU username and password to login to the YU International Student Portal.

The first time a student accesses the YU International Student Portal (portal) they must use a link embedded in an invitation email sent by the portal. Make sure that you check your YU email regularly for a message that looks like this:
     From: DoNotReply@oiss.yu.edu
     Subject: Degree Seeking Welcome - Apply for Your I-20 (F-1)  OR
     Subject: Exchange Student Welcome and DS-2019 Application (J-1)

It takes 2-3 business days to set up your portal account. Do not attempt to login into the portal until you receive the email invitation. If you attempt to access the portal before your account is active, you will receive an error message! You only need to use the embedded link the first time you login. After the first login, you can go directly to the portal home page. While you are waiting for the invitation email, you should start gathering the necessary documents.

Graduate students admitted to the Katz School of Science and Health may contact Hyokyeong Yu (Kyeong) by email: hyokyeong.yu@yu.edu with I-20 application questions. Please review all instructions first.

To complete the I-20 or DS-2019 application you will need the following:

  • A copy of your YU admission letter (an electronic version is fine)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport and for any dependents who plan to accompany you to the US. (A legal partner and children under the age of 21 may accompany you to the US in F-2 dependent status.)
  • Financial documents that show that you have at least one year of the estimated expenses associated with your academic program. You must be able to pay for your tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses each year while at YU. Do not plan to work in the U.S. to earn extra money to supplement your expenses. 
  • You can view estimated annual expenses on the YU International Student Portal Homepage. The link is on the left. You should anticipate an annual increase in tuition and fees of 3% each year.
  • Students may submit different types of financial support, including but not limited to YU scholarships, parental support, and personal loans. All documentation must be in English. You will find extensive financial documentation information in the learning content section of your Request for I-20 Application on the YU International Student Portal.
  • We do not accept the follow documentation: Property, mortgages, retirement accounts, business accounts, life insurance policies, credit card statements showing available credit, and some Certificates of Deposit which have a maturity date beyond your anticipated graduation date. We also cannot accept support from other students in F-1 status, even if they are working.
  • F-1 Transfer Students: students studying in the US in F-1 status need to complete the SEVIS School Transfer-In procedure and apply for a new I-20. The transfer-in process is automated from within the I-20 request on the portal. Information about this is in the learning content in the I-20 request.
  • If you have any questions the easiest way to reach the office is by email to oiss@yu.edu.

  • Once we receive a complete application, we will start working on your I-20 or DS-2019. We will contact you if we need additional information or documentation. Check your YU email regularly while you are waiting for your document.
  • We are aware of visa processing times and will work as fast as possible to complete your application. Please allow at least 5 business days from the time your application is submitted, before checking on the status of your application. Time spent responding to application status inquiries takes away from the time we spend working on your documents. We will contact you through your YU email address if additional documentation is needed.
  • While you are waiting for your immigration document, take some time to look at Study in the States, the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
  • Once your immigration document is processed, a signed I-20 or DS-2019 will be available in your portal account in the document section on the control center tab. You will receive an email to let you know that it is ready for you to print out.
  • After you print your document check it to ensure that your personal information is correct, then sign it.
  • Along with your I-20 or DS-2019, there will be other information about what to do next. Be sure to read all of it, as we will be sending you essential information you need to know!

Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, the next step is to pay a mandatory U.S. government SEVIS Fee. The fee is paid online at Form I-901. Some countries do not permit online payment. Alternative payment options are provided on the SEVIS fee website. F-2 and J-2 dependents are not required to pay the fee. If paying online, remember to print out the receipt immediately after you pay. You do not need to request a paper receipt. Learn more about the SEVIS fee. A SEVIS fee receipt is required to apply for a student visa and when Canadians cross the U.S. border.

You can find instructions on how to pay the I-901 Fee in our F-1 Pre-Departure Orientation video.

Apply for your visa online You can only apply for a visa outside of the U.S.  The best place to apply is in your home country.

You can find instructions on how to apply for your F-1 student visa in our F-1 Pre-Departure Orientation video.

10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

  • Your interview will be very fast, lasting only a few minutes. 
  • Politely and concisely answer only the questions asked by the Consular Officer.
  • You will be expected to speak English during your interview. Practice! Converse with others in English, watch English television and listen to the radio. Be ready to talk about why you chose to study at YU.
  • You may be required to demonstrate non-immigrant intent, which means that you intend to go home once you are finished with school. To prepare, consider the compelling or strong economic and family ties that you have to your home country that will draw you back.
  • If your visa is denied, ask for the denial reason in writing and contact the OISS for assistance. In most cases, applying again with additional documentation will lead to success.

F and J students may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. The only exception is for students who are Transferring to YU from another school in the US. Transfer students travelling outside of the US between schools may return, with YU’s I-20, as early as they wish. All students must arrive by the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please contact the OISS immediately if you will not be able to arrive by the date on your form.

  1. Make travel arrangements and reserve a place to stay in New York City if necessary.
  2. There are three airports in the New York City area:
  3. On-Campus Housing: Dormitory space is primarily reserved for undergraduate students. There is limited graduate student housing in the Benjamin, located on East 29th Street and Lexington Avenue. Contact The Benjamin for more information.
  4. College dormitory friendly products can be purchased at many retail stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, and Ikea.
    • When purchasing bedding, the sheet size is "twin extra long."
    • Electric power is standardized in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. If necessary, decide if it makes sense for you bring a converter or purchase compatible appliances upon arrival. It may be more convenient and less expensive to purchase items such as coffee makers and hairdryers at a U.S. discount store.
    • Undergraduate students are required to live on-campus their first year (2 semesters.) Contact University Housing for information. Wilf Campus  Beren Campus
  5. Off-campus housing: YU does not have an off-campus housing office, however, some schools, such as Cardozo Law, have accommodations in non-YU buildings, that you can reserve on your own. Graduate students should check directly with their admission office website to see what may be available.
  6. if your school does not have resources on their website, contact the admission office directly or check here:
  7. Prepare for the weather: New York City has four seasons ranging from very hot in the summer (June through September) to very cold in the winter (December through March). Students arriving in January should be sure to have warm clothes (coat, hat, gloves, and scarf) and boots upon arrival.
  8. Banking: Limit the amount of cash you bring. Try to open an account at a bank that has a branch in New York City, while still in your home country. Popular banks with many convenient locations are JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and TD Bank. You do not need a social security number to open a U.S. bank account.
  9. Drivers Licenses: many students find that they do not need to drive in New York City because there is an extensive public transportation system.  If you think that you may wish to drive, have your license translated to English or apply for an international driver’s license before you leave. Each state has its own agency the issues driver's licenses:
  10. Immigration documents: leave copies of your passport and visa at home with a family member. Pack the original in your carry-on bag, not a suitcase. You will need your documents when you go through customs.
  11. Social Security Numbers: a U.S. social security number is a taxpayer identification number. Only non-citizens with permission to work in the U.S. can apply for a social security number. Read more about U.S. Social Security numbers.
  12. New York City ID: Everyone living in New York City (NYC) (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) can apply for a free government issued NYC photo identification card.  Read about the benefits and application process. This is only for NYC residents.

When you arrive at Customs, you must present the items listed below. Carry them with you on the plane. Do not pack them in your luggage.

  1. Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival in the U.S.
  2. Signed I-20 or DS-2019
  3. F-1 or J-1 visa (Canadian and Bermudian citizens are exempt)
  4. Copy of your admission letter and financial documents
  5. The SEVIS fee receipt
  6. Once you clear customs, immediately retrieve your I-94 to check that you have been admitted in the proper student or exchange visitor status.

Yeshiva University's four campuses in New York City are spread across two boroughs:

Beren Campus: 245 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan
Brookdale Center (Cardozo Law): 55 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Resnick Campus: 1300 Morris Park Avenue and 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
Wilf Campus: 500 West 185th Street, Manhattan

Please plan ahead to know how you will travel from the airport to your final destination. There are many options for ground transportation, including taxis, car services, shuttle buses, subways, and trains. The airports are all 20 to 40 miles from campus. It will be difficult to travel with more than three bags and/or suitcases, so pack light. You should be prepared to take a taxi from the airport to campus; fares can range from $50 to $80. All airports have a taxi stand outside of the baggage pick-up area. Uber and Lyft are available as well. Avoid accepting a ride from anyone other than the official taxi dispatcher.

General Inquiries: oiss@yu.edu

Main Office Number: 646.592.4203

Jennifer Golden
Director, Office of International Services
Yeshiva University

Gary Vega
Assistant Director, Office of International Services
Yeshiva University

Rukia Rahi
International Program Coordinator
Yeshiva University
Wilf Campus, Furst Hall, Room 413A 
Phone: 646.592.4203 

Hyokyeong Yu (Kyeong)
International Student Advisor
Katz School of Science and Health
Yeshiva University
Beren Campus, 205 Lexington Avenue, 6th Floor
Phone 646.592.4736