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International Students

International Students at IENYC

IE New York College (IENYC) welcomes applications from international students passionate about sustainability and business. Social responsibility and impact are a central aspect of our Master of Science degrees in sustainable business and fashion, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Come join our community of changemakers in downtown Manhattan who are committed to sustainable innovation and creating responsible business models that operate for the Common Good!

*For information on application requirements, go to the admissions page.

Opportunities for Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students

CPT is Curricular Practical Training. To be eligible, the off-campus work must be related to your studies AND earned for credit or otherwise part of your curriculum. IENYC has created a new 1-credit internship course for which you must register if you are authorized for CPT. The credits for internship do not replace other degree requirements, but we will waive tuition for this course. CPT experiences apply only for those students enrolled in regular classes and will be confined to the trimester term dates.

If you are interested in pursuing CPT, you must email the DSO indicating your interest. Once you have a job offer, send the DSO an offer letter from the employer that includes their full street address (SEVIS requires a street address). Once approved, the DSO will authorize your eligibility in SEVIS. You cannot begin work BEFORE the actual dates are approved in SEVIS.

While enrolled in classes you may only work up to 20 hours per week.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre- completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

Types of OPT
All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1 student, you may be eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways:

  • Pre-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in pre-completion OPT after you have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. You do not need to have had F-1 status for the one full academic year; you can satisfy the “one full academic year” requirement even if you had another nonimmigrant status during that time.

If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session. You may work full-time when school is not in session.

  • Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.

Impact of Pre-completion OPT Employment Authorization on Requests for Post-completion OPT at the Same Education Level

If you have already received 1 year of part-time (20 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, the total time of full-time OPT still available would be reduced by 6 months, 50% of the previously authorized year at the same education level. In this scenario, you would only be entitled to a remaining period of 6 months full-time post-completion OPT employment authorization.

If you have already received 1 year of full-time (40 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, the total time of full-time optional practical training still available would be reduced by 1 year, 100% of the previously authorized year at the same education level. In this scenario, you would not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization.

STEM OPT Extension

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:

  • Are an F-1 student who received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List  (PDF);
  • Are employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify; and
  • Received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

If you are interested in applying for a STEM OPT extension, please see our Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page for more information.

Applying for OPT

Generally, you must:

  • Request that the DSO recommend the OPT. The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
  • Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

ALERT: Please remember that photos submitted to USCIS must be unmounted and unretouched. Unretouched means the photos must not be edited or digitally enhanced. The submission of any mounted or retouched images will delay the processing of your application and may prompt USCIS to require that you appear at an Applicant Support Center to verify your identity.

When to apply


If you are applying based on a...For...Then you...
STEM degreePre-completion OPT
  • Must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • May apply up to 90 days before you complete a full academic year, as long as you do not start OPT employment until you complete one full academic year.

Initial post-completion OPT
  • Must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • Must apply within 30 days after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into SEVIS record, and
  • May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.

STEM OPT extension
  • Must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • Must apply within 60 days your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • May apply up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires.
Non-STEM degreePre-completion OPT
  • Must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • May apply up to 90 days before you complete a full academic year, as long as you do not start OPT employment until you complete one full academic year.

Post-completion OPT
  • Must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • Must apply within 30 days after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record, and
  • May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.


You may begin your pre- or post-completion OPT only after USCIS approves your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

Transferring to a Different School or Beginning Study at Another Educational Level

If you transfer to another school or begin studies at another educational level (for example, you completed a bachelor’s degree and are starting a master’s program), your authorization to engage in OPT employment will automatically terminate. SEVP will inform USCIS of the termination date, and USCIS will terminate your EAD accordingly.

Although your authorization to engage in optional practical training will end, as long as you comply with all requirements for maintaining your student status, your F-1 status will not be affected by USCIS terminating your EAD. Maintaining your student status includes not working on a terminated EAD, as the termination means that you are no longer authorized to work in the United States using that OPT EAD. Working in the United States without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country and reentry bars. Also, remaining in the United States in violation of your lawful nonimmigrant status could lead to an accrual of unlawful presence. Please see USCIS Changing Policy on Accrued Unlawful Presence by Nonimmigrant Students and Exchange Visitors for more information regarding the termination of your employment authorization under OPT and any impacts on your student status, including the possible accrual of unlawful presence. If you feel that your EAD has been wrongfully terminated, would like to request reconsideration of the EAD termination, or if you have other questions, see your DSO.

Cap-gap Extension for F-1 Students with Approved H-1B Petitions

If you are an F-1 student with a timely filed H-1B petition and change of status request, and your F-1 status and employment authorization will expire before the change of status to H-1B occurs (typically Oct. 1), you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension. Go to our Cap-Gap Extension page for more information.

F-1 Student Visa Process Overview

IENYC allows international students to pursue their Master of Science degree on an F-1 student visa. The infographic below or the official government site clearly outlines the eight steps involved in studying in the United States, including the government rules international students must follow on an F-1 student visa.

 

Step-by-Step Visa Process

  • You apply and are accepted into one of IENYC’s full-time Master of Science programs.
  • The Admissions Team as the designated school official (DSO) will create your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, review your International Student Financial Declaration Form and create an I-20 Form, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”.
  • After receiving an IENYC-signed Form I-20, you must go online and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee to the U.S. government. Be sure to save your receipt, you will need it for your visa appointment.
  • You can apply for a visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate. You must bring your Form I-20 and other required documents to apply for y0ur student visa. The process can vary by embassy or consulate.
  • You will arrive in the United States no more than 30 days before your program start date and present your Form I-20 and valid student visa to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
  • To maintain lawful status during your program, you must take a full course of study, not work without prior authorization and speak with your DSO if you cannot finish classes before the program end date, or have any other concerns about maintaining lawful status.**
  • You have the option to transfer schools, or if eligible, apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. You are eligible to receive a two-year (24-month) STEM extension for a total of three years of OPT.
  • An F-1 student has 60 days to depart the United States after completion of their program of study or OPT/STEM OPT.

**An F-1 student may work only when authorized including: on-campus, off-campus if financially needed and with authorization from USCIS, curricular practical training integral to their program of study, or OPT-related to the student’s major and with authorization by USCIS.

Additional Resources for International Students in the United States

Study in the States

Official government resource that explains the rules and regulations governing the international student process in the United States.

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

Information for international students who wish to study in the United States.

Additional student loan options here

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Information on how to navigate the United States immigration system as an international student.

A map showing a location pin near the Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo, New York City.

IENYC’s Neighborhood

IE New York College is located in the heart of SoHo in downtown Manhattan. Visit NYC’s official SoHo guide to learn about the neighborhood’s history, fame and attractions.

New York City is easily accessible through public transportation including subway trains and buses. Learn more about the Metropolitan Transit Authority through their Schedule Planner or how to travel outside Manhattan on the Metro North Railroad and Long Island Railroad.

International Student Housing in NYC

Education Housing Services (EHS) Convenient and safe housing options throughout the city.

Outpost Club – All-inclusive and affordable housing options (i.e. gas, water, electric, WiFi).

4Stay – Platform geared toward students to search for medium to long-term furnished rentals.

International House – Independent non-profit organization that is home to over 700 resident members from over 100 countries. Private dormitory-style bedrooms, suites, and apartments.

Online Roommate Searches:

International Student Insurance Plan Options

IE New York College (IENYC) does not offer mandatory school-sponsored group insurance plans.  However, international students can learn about their health insurance options by interacting with the list below:

International Student Protection
111 John Street,
Ste. 750
New York, NY 10038
Main: 212-693-3717
ISO Student Health Insurance
150 W. 30th Street, Suite 1101
New York, NY 10001
Main: 800-244-1180

Dental insurance is available through the Stu-Dent Plan, which is offered by New York University College of Dentistry.