International Student Guidance

Hello, F-1 international students! We are so excited to welcome you to campus in just a few weeks!

Some important reminders:

NJ The documents that you need for arrival at the U.S. border are:

D Your printed and signed I-20 from Barnard College - all 3 pages stapled together (sign and date the bottom of the first page); attach your I-901 SEVIS payment receipt.

D Your valid and unexpired passport

D Your F-1 visa, which is inside your passport (not applicable for Canadian citizens)

Carry these items in your carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage!

NJ Do not over-pack! You will be able to purchase items when you arrive. See this link for information on receiving mail and packages.

NJ If you haven’t already done so, complete our International Student Arrival Form to indicate your flight arrival, so that we can prepare for when you will be coming to campus. Upload a picture of your F-1 visa if you haven’t already submitted it to us!

NJ If you are planning on arriving before International Move-In Day (August 21st), know that you cannot move in early so you will need to make accommodations off campus. Reminder that you cannot arrive in the United States more than 30 days before September 5th (your program start date listed on your I-20).

NJ Read/review Chapter 1 of The International Student’s Survival Guide: NYC, which includes information on navigating New York City, preparing for your arrival, and safety.

Important F-1 Rules and Regulations:

NJ Always remain enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits) every semester.

NJ Report any changes to your contact information (phone, address, email), your major, your funding sources, and employment to ISS right away.

NJ ANY work off campus (whether paid or unpaid) requires authorization. Do NOT work off campus without permission from ISS first.

NJ You must talk with your DSO (international student advisor) if you are planning to do any of the following:

● Declare or change your major (let ISS know so that your SEVIS record can be updated).

● Take a leave of absence or a break from school.

● Change or update your contact information (you have a U.S. phone number, or you move to a new U.S. address).

● Need more time to complete your degree beyond the program end date listed on your I-20.

Homework for this month

Before you leave home, review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Information and Requirements for Reporting to the College upon your arrival. Here, you will find information about what documents you need to present to Customs (your printed and signed I-20, your passport and F-1 visa), and how to obtain your I-94 travel record (which you will need to submit to ISS after you have arrived).

Best wishes for a safe trip to New York, and we look forward to seeing you in-person on International Move-In Day, August 21, 2023!