International Student and Scholar News
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The Office of International Services (OIS) is working both in-person and virtually. The fastest way to reach us is by email: oiss@yu.edu
Regular Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday
In case of an emergency, outside of regular business hours, you can reach a staff member by calling the 24-hour Security number: 212-960-5200
12/11/2024
The Office of International Services (OIS) has been receiving inquiries about international travel over the winter break. As of 12/11/2024, there have not been any official changes to the F-1 regulations by the incoming administration. The OIS travel information section on the OIS website has been updated to include a few additional documents that we believe are prudent to carry with you. Please take a moment to review it.
The F-1 regulations require all students to report to school on time. Therefore, the OIS is advising all new students to report to campus for orientation, and no later than the "start of classes" date noted on page 1 of their I-20, and all continuing students to return to school by the first day of their spring semester. Please carefully consider your travel plans. If your arrival or return to school is delayed, there is a chance you could have difficulty at the border.
The OIS will post future updates on this webpage. Please contact with any questions or concerns.
Posted 3/4/2024 On January 31, 2024, adjusting filing fees for certain immigration and naturalization benefit applications. The new filing fees will be effective April 1, 2024. , which includes a summary of the rule and a full New Fee Schedule Table.
These fee adjustments are in addition to the adjustments made to premium processing fees due to inflation which . Updated premium processing fees go into effect on February 26, 2024.
USCIS will also be releasing new forms for each of these applications to coincide with the effective date of the new fee amount.
Highlighted fee updates include:
| USCIS Form | Current Fee | New Fee | Effective Date | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 for H-1B | $460 | $460 | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-129 for E-3/TN | $460 | $510 | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-129 for O-1 | $460 | $530 | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-140 Immigrant Petition | $700 | $715 | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | $370 (paper and online) | $420 (online) & $470 (paper) | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (OPT/STEM OPT) | $410 (paper and online) | $470 (online) & $520 (paper) | 04/01/2024 | Required |
| I-907 Premium Processing for Form I-129 (H-1B, E-3, O-1, and TN) | $2,500 | $2,805 | 02/26/2024 | Optional |
| I-907 Premium Processing for Form I-539 (Change of Status) | $1,750 | $1,965 | 02/26/2024 | Optional |
| I-907 Premium Processing for Form I-765 | $1,500 | $1,685 | 02/26/2024 | Optional |
Update to premium processing time as of April 1, 2024:
In addition to premium processing fee increases, USCIS is also adjusting its premium processing timelines effective April 1, 2024. As of that date, premium processing will account for business days instead of calendar days (business days being Monday-Friday, excluding ).
- The premium processing time for Form I-129 (H-1B/E-3/TN/O-1) will change from 15 calendar days to 15 business days.
- The premium processing time for Form I-539 and Form I-765 (e.g., for F-1 OPT or STEM OPT) will change from 30 calendar days to 30 business days.
- Please note that premium processing is an optional service to expedite the government processing time.
- USCIS processing timelines do not account for USPS mail delivery time or EAD card production time.
When filing an application with USCIS, it is important to check the filing instructions on the for the form type you are filing. You should make sure that you are paying the correct application fee(s), and if you are filing a paper application you should use the correct version of the application form and the correct mailing address.
If you have any questions about the USCIS fee increases, please contact oiss@yu.edu
New Proceedure to Request a Social Security Letter to Work on Campus - 12/7/023
OIS letter requests have increased dramatically this term. To work more efficiently and provide the highest level of service, we created a new application process to request the OIS letter.
Effective immediately, students who need a social security number to work on-campus should submit an OIS letter request on the International Student Portal. There is a new link on the home page: .
Students applying for the SSN for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or Optional Practical Training (OPT) do not need this letter. This letter is only for students working on campus. Complete SSN application instructions are at the bottom of the .
Increase in Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Fee May 30, 2023
The US Department of State (DOS) published a final rule announcing an increase to certain nonimmigrant visa application processing fees, including student and exchange visitor visa fees (F, M and J). The cost for student and exchange visitor visas will increase from $160 to $185 and will take effect on May 30, 2023.
For additional information regarding the Final Rule on Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases, please refer to
Student Visa Applications
Student (Fand M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, students will not be allowed to enter the United States on their student visa more than 30 days before the program start date. Please keep in mind that validity period of the F-1 visa is based on diplomatic reciprocity, not the length of the program of study.
4/27/2023: J Exchange Visitor DS-2019 forms can be signed and sent electronically!
A Department of State (DOS) interim final rule published at allows digital signing and electronic transmission of exchange visitor Form DS-2019, effective April 27, 2023.
Exchange visitors and their J-2 accompanying spouses and dependents, if any, should print out their Forms DS-2019 after their sponsors transmit them electronically and sign them with ink. They must continue to present paper Forms DS-2019 at U.S. embassies or consulates when they apply for a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant visa and at the U.S. port of entry to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program. They should continue to use printed Forms DS-2019 when applying for a social security number or driver’s license and if they depart and re-enter the United States. Sponsors should advise exchange visitors that they may not reprint their initial forms if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
The Department of State has informed U.S. embassies and consulates and CBP of the Interim Final Rule to minimize confusion as exchange visitors travel to the United States.
Special Student Relief (SSR) is different from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and is available for students from select countries who are experiencing emergent circumstances (natural disasters, war, national financial crises). Students can check their eligibility for SSR on . If you believe you qualify for Student Special Relief, please email oiss@yu.edu for assistance.