You
have questions regarding your visa status? We have the answers.
Please check out our FAQs below, and if the information you need cannot be found, please feel free to contact us directly!
How do I start?
Q1: Is it better to bring credit cards with me?
A: It is better to bring credit cards with you from your country just in case you run out of cash. You could also have an “International Cash Card/Debit Card” issued in your home country with which you can withdrawn money from ATMs. Only you can have it issued, so be sure to do so before you leave for the U.S..
Q2: Can I get a cell phone in the U.S.?
A: Yes, you can. However, if you’re considering studying abroad for a short term, it might be better to bring your cell phone that you’re currently using in your home country. For information regarding fees for using your phone overseas, please contact your provider.
If you wish to have a cell phone contract by an American provider here in the U.S., sometimes you’re required to make a 2 year contract and to pay an expensive deposit. We would suggest that the prepaid plan should suffice.
Q3: I don’t know how to look for an apartment in NYC… Can you help me?
A: We can help you look for an apartment or advise you on finding one. We suggest that you find a dormitory for students or a local family who allow you to stay with them for short term students. Even for students who will stay here for longer terms, we suggest that you do the same for the first couple of months and once you’re used to the lifestyle here in NYC, you can start looking for a studio or share house.
Q4: I want to study English in NYC, but I don’t know where to begin and what I should prepare. Can I contact you and ask you questions directly?
A: Yes, you can contact us here online or you can call us at +1-646-449-0088! Our business hours are Mon~Thu: 8:15am to 9:00p, Fri: 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sat: 9:30am to 5:30pm EST.
About Visa
Q1: What is an F-1 VISA?
A: An F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign students to enter into the U.S. to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities, academic high schools and institutions with language training programs.
Q2: What is I-20 form?
A: An I-20 is a three-page document which is issued by SEVIS-certified schools for international students planning to enter the U.S. It is proof that a student has been admitted to a SEVIS-recognized school, and allows the student to apply for a visa (including F-1) at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
Q3: I have a visa interview with the U.S Embassy or Consulate but I don’t have my I-20 yet.
What should I do? Will I still get the visa?
A: You should reschedule your interview with the U.S Embassy or Consulate for you must have your I-20 with you for your visa interview.
Q4: If I don’t get a visa, can I get a tuition refund?
A: Yes, if your visa application is denied, and you decide to not re-apply, any amount of deposit you put toward tuition will be refunded.
Q5: What does “transfer” mean exactly? And how long will it take to transfer to new school?
A: If you are currently studying in F-1 status at a school in the U.S., no matter what degree level, you need to have your SEVIS record “transferred” to the new school. This is because only one school at a time is allowed access to your SEVIS record. In order for a new school to issue your I-20, your current school must transfer your SEVIS record to a different school.
In general, a transfer will be complete as soon as the previous school releases the student’s SEVIS record to the new school.
Q6: Can I travel to other countries with my F-1 visa?
Yes, but you must prepare these documents below in order to re-enter the U.S. It’s also better to speak with your international student advisor before making any travel plans.
-Valid passport
-Valid F-1 visa
-Valid I-20
Q7: I’m a B1/B2 visa holder (J1). Can I change my status to F-1 in the United States?
A: Yes, you can change your status from B-1/B-2 (J1) to F-1 student visa. However, you will not be able to attend classes until the F-1 status is approved by USCIS. You will need to receive the FORM I-20 from the school you wish to attend in order to submit the FORM I-539, the change of status application form to apply to USCIS.
Q8: I/my parents have applied for a green card. Am I still an international student?
A: Yes. You are still considered an international student until you have the green card.
Q9: I have other questions not answered here. To whom should I direct them?
A: If you couldn’t find the answers you needed, you can contact us directly by providing us the information below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q10: What is reinstatement?
A: An F-1 student who has overstayed his or her authorized period of stay or has otherwise failed to maintain an F-1 student status may be reinstated to a lawful F-1 status at the discretion of a USCIS District Director.