If you are not a US citizen or legal permanent resident, you must apply for a US student visa OR transfer your I-20 as soon as possible.
We strongly recommend that you start the visa application immediately to avoid any delays or complications that could jeopardize your start to the program.
Please note that it is against US immigration policy to travel to the US on a tourist visa if your intention is to study.
Navigating US Immigration and Customs
The Office of Global Services (OGS) shared these resources for navigating US immigration and customs. Please read them carefully to get prepared before traveling.
Review the travel and visitor page on the documents required for international travel.
Be prepared for additional questioning at ports of entry. Officers may ask about your travel history, immigration status, and reasons for entering to the US.
Monitor government announcements before making travel plans, as policies may change with little notice. Updates are posted to the Supporting Our Global Community web page.
Be aware of your digital presence: As part of the US immigration process, government officials may review your electronic devices, social media accounts, and overall online presence during the visa application process, entry to the US, or other steps during the immigration process. This can include requests for social media handles, searches of publicly available information, and, in some cases, a review of devices at the border. We encourage you to be mindful of your digital presence and to ensure compliance with all visa and immigration regulations.
When traveling to the US, OGS may be contacted if a student is experiencing difficulty at airport if during normal business hours. Their phone number is (212) 998-4720. Outside of business hours, you may request to contact NYU Campus Safety at (212) 998-2222. They are available 24/7 and will be able to gather some information from the student (or the customs officer) and will contact a member of OGS to follow-up.