International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS)

• Requirements for Issuance of I-20 and DS-2020
• International Admissions
• CUNY International Student Guide Tutorial for New International Students: CUNY’s International Student Guide page contains important information that will help you transition into life as a CUNY student. If you have any additional questions, you should call or visit your college’s international student office.
• If you require English classes, you may take them through our English Language Institute.
• Education USA - Supported by the U.S. Department of State
  EducationUSA centers are the U.S. State Department's network of over 400 advising centers in 170 countries designed to assist local students find the appropriate college or university in the United States.Click here to find your center!

• Admissions Response Form: This form must be completed by students to confirm their plans to attend CSI/CUNY and sent to the Admissions office. The $100 commitment deposit is waived for F-1 and international students and J-1 exchange students. 
• Document Processing Fees
• Application for SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019 (F/J Visa): This form is required in order to obtain your U.S Visa.
• Statement of Financial Support Form: If the student is receiving financial support the person paying for the student must complete this form.
• Room & Board Support Information Form: If the student will be staying with a friend or family member this form must be completed.
• Federal SEVIS Fee (Updated 11/21): This fee is must be paid to USCIS prior to visa appointment. 
• MMR Immunization Record: This form must be completed by student’s doctor and returned to the Health and Wellness Center at CSI prior to the start of classes. 
• F-1 Student Transfer Form: Provide this form to your former school, which gives permission to transfer your F-1 SEVIS record to the CSI.
• NEW Supplies for your room away from home
  These links are for your reference only. New international students must check-in and attend a mandatory orientation program prior to the official move-in date with Dolphin Cove Student Housing. Arrangements can be made for an earlier move-in date with Housing for an additional cost. Please check with an advisor at The Center for Global Engagement if you wish to request this service. Rooms are always subject to availability.
   
  • Bookstore at the College of Staten Island (Campus Center, Building 1C)
  • Dormco (College Dorm Supplies)
  • Checklist from Bed Bath & Beyond
  • CORT-Furniture Rental & Sales

Every semester we hold workshops on many of the topics below. Follow our social media for current workshop schedule.

Working Options for F-1 Students

On-Campus

• Employment On-Campus For Students In F-1 Status: F-1 students are eligible to work on-campus during their academic program if they are maintaining their F-1 status. The work does not need to be related to the student’s field of study and no special authorization is needed. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester, but more hours are allowed during school breaks.
  •  International students are not eligible for work-study jobs.  

Off-Campus 

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) For Students in F-1 Status: CPT is temporary authorization for practical training directly related to your major field of study paid or unpaid. The ISSS office authorizes CPT. Practical training can include: employment, internship experience, cooperative education, or practicum participation.
• Faculty Recommendation For CPT: This form must be completed by a faculty advisor and returned to the ISSS when applying for CPT.  
• Off-Campus Employment Due To Economic Harship: If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, loss of financial support or on-campus employment. Consult an ISS adviser to discuss your unique situation to determine if you eligible to apply.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows F-1 students to get real-world work experience related to their academic field of study. There are two types of OPT, pre-completion and post-completion OPT.  Check out our OPT workshops each semester.
  • Instructions For Obtaining Optional Pre Or Post Completion Practical Training For Students in F-1 Status: This form contains the instructions to apply for Pre or Post OPT.
  • Instructions For Obtaining Optional Practical Training STEM Extension For Students in F-1 Status: This form contains the instructions to apply for Pre or Post STEM OPT.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students are allowed an extra 24 months of OPT provided they qualify. Qualifications include working more than 20 hours a week for an E-verified company.  
• OPT Employment Reporting: USCIS requires that F-1 students on OPT report their employment information to their DSO (Designated School Official). If this is not done in a timely manner, the student risks losing their immigration status and/or not being granted permission to remain in the U.S. in the future; therefore it is imperative that a completed form is given to students’ DSO once they have obtained employment.  
• J-1 Student Employment & Social Security: This information is for visitors who are part of the J-1 visa exchange visitor program.

Other Forms 

• Request for an Extension of Program: International students in F-1 status who do not complete their academic programs by the end date of their I-20/DS-2019 must request an extension from their academic department and the ISS advisor. This form must be approved and signed by the academic advisor and returned to the ISS office.
• International Student & Scholar Departure Form: If an F-1 student wants to leave their school, for any reason, this form needs to be completed and given to their DSO (Designated School Official). This form must also be completed and returned to the ISSS Office when the student/scholar completes their program.
• Reduced Course Load: 
• Student Contact Form:

For more information on these and other topics, please go to:  

https://www.ice.gov

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/working-united-states

• CUNY: Immigration Policy Changes Information
• NAFSA
• Resources on Immigration Issues

• TOEFL Information
• Activating your CSI email account
• International Student Identity Card
• CSI ID Card
• New York State ID
• New Jersey State ID
• Social Security Card
• Driver’s License New York State
• Driver’s License New Jersey State