NYSID’s diverse student body is integral to our culture and success.
We take great pride in the fact that international students make up 16% of our student population, and NYSID students hail from 31 countries. Diversity allows for an interesting exchange of ideas and fosters a respect for different perspectives and cultures.
The International Student Office provides services and support to prospective and current international students who require an F-1 student visa to attend NYSID. We guide students through the required paperwork to complete an application, what is needed to apply for a student visa, entering the US, and, once students are here, helping them acclimate to New York City.
Support is provided to international students for the entire time they are studying at NYSID. This can be anything from helping with travel authorizations, helping with cultural adjustment, and organizing international student programs or workshops.
New York School of Interior Design is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.
Application Process and Requirements
International students need to fill out the general admissions application in our online portal, as well as provide additional documentation.
Students who hold other visa types will be required to complete international requirements but do not need to provide financial documentation. If the applicant plans to change their visa status to F1, they will need to complete the financial documentation requirement and contact the International Student and Scholar Services Manager, 212-472-1500, ext. 203.
After You Are Admitted
The I-20 form is part of the admission application in the portal. Once this is completed, the required documents uploaded, and deposit paid, your I-20 will be processed. You will receive this document via email, along with instructions for arranging your visa appointment.
Required materials include:
Image of passport (bio page)
Proof of fund (bank statements, et al.)
Sponsor affidavit (if applicable)
When you receive the document, be sure to review it carefully and inform the International Student Office if any part of it is incorrect. Pay special attention to the spelling of your name, country of birth, citizenship, program, dates of attendance, and funding information.
You must print the I-20 and sign it in blue ink.
Other Visa Types
Applicants carrying visa types other than B-1 should email internationalstudentadvisor@nysid.edu for more information.
Transfer Students
If you are an F-1 student transferring to NYSID from another U.S. institution, we will also need a transfer form (included in the Form I-20 application). Fill in the top portion and then deliver the form to your current International Student Office. After your current school releases your SEVIS record to NYSID, you will receive your NYSID I-20. If your F-1 visa is still valid, you are not required to apply for a new visa (even if your visa has another school name on it). If your visa has expired and you plan to travel outside the U.S. before the start of your studies, you will need to apply for a new visa to return.
Applying for a Student Visa
After receiving your I-20, you will need to do the following:
Find Your Country’s U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Click here to find the location nearest to you. Schedule a visa interview; ideally soon after receiving your I-20. All countries have different processing times.
Submit the DS-160 Application for a Visa
Instructions are on your U.S. Embassy’s website. Please consult the website for payment options.
Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee
All initial attendance students will need to pay the I-901 (SEVIS) fee. Be sure to retain a receipt for the visa interview. If you are a transfer student or if you are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) you will not need to pay the SEVIS fee.
NOTE: Canadians are not required to apply for a visa but will still need to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. You will be required to show the documents described below at the Port of Entry to attain F-1 status.
Prepare For Your Visa Interview
Be prepared to submit the following documents: a valid passport, NYSID admission letter, NYSID I-20, previous educational transcripts, proof of English proficiency, sponsor’s original funding documents including bank statements, tax forms, and employment letters. You will be asked to provide proof of economic, social, family, or other commitments that will help demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after studying in the U.S.
Plan your Travels to New York City
When planning, keep in mind that you can only enter the U.S. in F-1 status no more than 30 days prior to your program start date. Please refer to your I-20 for your specific program start date.
At Port of Entry
At Port of Entry (POE), be prepared to show your passport, signed I-20, and F-1 student visa. Keep the documents that were needed for the visa interview on hand in your carry-on luggage.
There may be a brief interview with a customs and border patrol (CBP) officer.
Retain your passport, I-20, and any papers issued to you at the Port of Entry.
After You Arrive
You are required to surrender a copy of your I-94 form to the International Student Advisor. This is a record of your arrival in the U.S. Visit I94 - Official Website (dhs.gov) to download your form.
Get in touch with your International Student Advisor. Feel free to contact your advisor by e-mail and let him/her know you have arrived safely or need help getting settled, opening a bank account, etc.
Attend the International Student Orientation
The international student orientation is mandatory. It will provide information on immigration issues, health insurance, maintaining student status, cultural adjustment, and a brief introduction to NYC. You will find out the date and time of orientation when you get your I-20.
Attend the General Student Orientation
The information at this session is completely different than international student orientation. It will cover everything from using the library, the NYSID Portal, security, and study skills. It is also the time to obtain your student identification card. General student orientation is always the day after the international student orientation.
STEM OPT Extension
International students with degrees in majors that appear on the US government's official list of STEM fields may be eligible for the 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial year of OPT. NYSID's MPS programs are designated with a STEM CIP code, which is found under the "Program of Study" field on page 1 of the I-20.
OPT applications and extensions require U.S. DOH/USCIS approval. NOTE: Extension is not guaranteed.
For more information about the OPT or extension application processes, contact internationalstudentadvisor@nysid.edu.