Important Info about the F-1 Visa

The Visa Interview

• After you receive your digital I-20 or DS-2019 and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, you can apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy.

• To schedule the visa interview, complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application online. 

  • You will need your SEVIS number and The New School's school code, which you can find on your I-20 or DS-2019 and on the iGlobal log-in page. 

  • Processing time for visa applications can vary, and some U.S. embassies require security checks that take many weeks. We therefore recommend that you do not delay in making your visa appointment.

• You will need to bring certain documents with you to the visa interview. Refer to the Department of State website for required and additional documents for F-1 students.

Interview Tips

Visa interviewers are trained to assume immigration intent (grounds for visa denial) unless F-1 visa applicants provide sufficient evidence to prove that:

• they have been accepted into a legitimate institution

• they have the necessary qualifications for the program

• they have adequate funds to cover tuition and living expenses

• they have full intentions of returning home after the completion of your program of study

In order to demonstrate the qualifications above,

• Be sure to have all your papers organized and ready to be presented (e.g. acceptance letters, I-20, see this page for more info)

• Be prepared to be interviewed in English and not in your native language.

• Emphasize and speak about your educational goals (e.g. how would increased English proficiency help you either enter an undergraduate or graduate degree program in the U.S. such as Parsons or Mannes or find employment back in your home country?)

• Provide evidence of strong ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return after your studies (e.g., family, career opportunities, previous travel to and departure from the United States).

• Do not mention any intention to work during your stay in the U.S., as the purpose of your visit to the United States is to study and not to work.

Visa Denials

• If you are denied a visa, contact the CELS office and ISSS right away.

• When a visa denial occurs, you will receive a visa denial notice from the Department of State. Once ISSS can assess the situation, the office can advise you on gathering new documentation to re-apply for the visa.

Important Links

International Student and Scholar Services 

iss@newschool.edu 

212-229-5592

newschool.edu/international-students-scholars/

iGlobal

iglobal.newschool.edu

Account management (Reset Password, Forgot Password, Find NetID, etc.)

account.newschool.edu

Applying for the I-20

Parsons or Mannes applicants who have been referred to our program and who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents (green card holders) must apply for the I- 20 for the F-1 student visa. You can and should apply as soon as possible for the I-20 or DS-2019 using the online portal iGlobal. Please be sure to read the iGlobal I-20/DS-2019 Application Guide before starting your application. Applying for a student visa can take several weeks, and some U.S. consulates require security checks that take many weeks. Once you are issued the I-20 or DS-2019 from ISSS you can apply for a student visa at your local U.S Embassy. If you have any questions, please consult the International Student and Scholar Services website or contact ISSS at iss@newschool.edu or 212-229-5592. You can also consider attending the International Students Services office's ongoing live-advising sessions online; sign up here. 

New students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents (green card holders) must apply for the I- 20 for the F-1 student visa. You can apply for the I-20 after you register for your ESL classes; you will have access to the online portal iGlobal three days after your course registration. Please be sure to read the iGlobal I-20 Application Guide before starting your application. Applying for a student visa can take several weeks, and some U.S. consulates require security checks that take many weeks. Once you are issued the I-20 or DS-2019 from ISSS you can apply for a student visa at your local U.S Embassy.  If you have any questions, please consult the ISSS website or contact International Student and Scholar Services at iss@newschool.edu  or 212-229-5592. You can also consider attending the International Students Services office's ongoing live-advising sessions online; sign up here. 

If you are not sure of your student status, please email elsc@newschool.edu.