Office of International Students
Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, Room 7200 Email: intstu@gc.cuny.edu Phone: (212) 817-7490
Linda Asaro, Director
The Office of International Students at the Graduate Center provides advice and assistance to students from outside the United States, particularly with regard to immigration issues relating to F-1 student status and J-1 Exchange Visitor student category. Each semester, the office conducts a special orientation session for international students. The office also assists students in understanding American cultural behavior and in interpreting various bureaucratic procedural requirements. Upon their arrival in New York City, new international
students MUST contact the Office of International Students as soon as possible so that the office can record their immigration documents and verify status.
The U.S. government regulates the immigration status of international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). International students are personally responsible for complying with all government regulations that relate to their F-1 or J-1 immigration status. Therefore, each student is urged to familiarize himself or herself with the regulations and procedures that apply to his or her specific status. Students should keep copies of all documents relating to their immigration status and bring their passport, I-94, and current Form I-20 or DS-2019 whenever contacting this office. SEVIS requires immediate reporting of any changes in an international student’s personal or academic information. In particular, this includes the following:
Change in residence address Change in academic level Change in academic program
International students with any questions regarding any aspect of the immigration regulations or their stay in the United States should consult the Office of International Students in the Graduate Center (see above for contact information). International students must consult this office for information on the following:
Obtaining an initial Form I-20 (F-1 status) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 status) Change of address in the United States
Change of legal name
On-campus employment regulations and procedures Off-campus employment
Travel outside the United States and re-entry
Inviting a spouse or dependent children to the United States Extension of legal stay in the United States
Passport and visa information
Transfer to another school
Change of status to or from F-1 or J-1
International students must consult the Office of International Students: Before accepting employment of any kind; and
Before discontinuing their studies (i.e., leave of absence, withdrawals from the program, or termination of studies)
Suggestions or advice concerning immigration, employment, or taxation that are made by other students, or advice and/or permissions given by an administrator or faculty member, do not constitute authorization for, or compliance with, immigration regulations. The only authorized interpretation of immigration regulations pertaining to your student status is from an International Student Counselor in the Office of International Students at The Graduate Center.
On-Campus Employment
Federal regulations allow F-1 status students to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester. There is no hourly limit for on-campus employment during vacation periods when school is not in session. F-1 status students at the Graduate Center are authorized to work at any of the CUNY campuses and the 20 hours per week limit applies to all combined on-campus employment.
J-1 status students must receive on-campus employment authorization in SEVIS prior to commencing on-campus employment. Please submit your on-campus employment letter to the Office of International Students to receive such authorization.
Off-Campus Employment
International Students must not begin any kind of employment off campus (i.e., outside CUNY) without (a) receiving authorization from either the Office of International Students or U.S. Immigration Services (USCIS) and (b) determining the applicable limit on the number of hours of employment permitted per week, the duration for which the employment may continue and employment reporting requirements. Students who work outside the regulations will be in violation of their Immigration Status.
Curricular Practical Training
Before graduation, an International Student may apply for "Curricular Practical Training" (CPT). See this link for general information about CPT. Make an appointment to discuss before accepting a teaching, research, or other employment job.
Optional Practical Training
To apply for Extended F-1 Status after graduation, an International Student must discuss their plans four months in advance of the expected graduation date. An International Student Counselor in the Office of International Students at the Graduate Center-CUNY will discuss the eligibility and application requirements for "Optional Practical Training"(OPT). See this link for general information about OPT. Make an appointment to discuss the timing and procedure for OPT four months before planning to graduate.