International Students

Updates on the 2020-2021 Academic Year

SVA continues remote instruction, with select facilities accessible by appointment. Click below for updates.

This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

For the latest updates on the spring 2021 semester, please visit the Reopening SVA page and the International Student FAQ section.

If you are interested in SVA's Undergraduate Program, visit Application Requirements. If you are interested in SVA's Graduate Program, visit Graduate Application Requirements. For all other programs, visit SVA Admissions. For general information about studying in the U.S., visit Study in the States.

Mission Statement

The International Student Office’s mission is to provide services and programs that support international students to help achieve their educational goals. This is accomplished by regulatory advising on immigration (ensuring that international students maintain a valid visa status and the College remain in compliance with Federally-mandated reporting measures); programs on cultural adjustment and intercultural understanding among the SVA community; and assistance with practical matters related to living in the U.S.

Regulations

All F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors must maintain a valid immigration status for the duration of stay in the United States.

This requirement is reviewed during the mandatory International Student Orientation program at the beginning of each semester.

It is the responsibility of each student to stay informed and maintain a valid immigration status.

Report to the International Student Office

All new F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend the orientation program and complete the online check-in requirement within 30-days of the program start date.
Your SEVIS record must be activated within 30-days of the program start date of your first semester at SVA. Failure to report may result in the termination of your visa status.
Enroll in a Full Course of Study

All F-1 and J-1 students are required by law to enroll in a full course of study (Register Full-Time). At SVA, this means registering for a minimum of 12 credits every semester. A reduced course load must be authorized by your academic advisor and ISO before you drop below 12 credits.
Update Your Local Address

All F-1 and J-1 students are required by law to notify the ISO within 10 days of a change of address.

Report your new address here:
Change of Local Address (U.S. address)
Change of Non-U.S. Address (home address abroad)
Keep Your I-20 or DS-2019 Form Current

Information listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form must be kept current at all times, such as your program end date and field of study. If any of this information changes, you must notify the ISO immediately. Most importantly, if you cannot finish your program by the end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 form, you must have it extended before the program end date.
Do NOT Engage in Unauthorized Employment

Unauthorized employment is a violation of status, so this rule must be observed carefully. F-1 students may work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters and full-time during vacations. Students may also engage in internships after receiving approval for Internship for Credit through Career Development and being authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by the ISO. Optional Practical Training (OPT), must be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you start working.
Obtain a Travel Signature

You are required to have your I-20 or DS-2019 form endorsed within the past 12 months in order to re-enter the U.S. upon traveling abroad. Please visit the ISO at least one week before departure with your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain a travel signature.
Abide by Your "Duration of Status"

F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completing the program. J-1 exchange visitors have a 30-day grace period after completing the program. You must leave the U.S. or transfer to another school by the end of your grace period. The grace period for an authorized early withdrawal or leave of absence is 15 days. *There is no grace period if you violate your visa status. Overstaying your visa status is illegal.
Keep Your Documents Safe

You must keep your passport valid for at least 6 months into the future, and keep all of your immigration documents in a safe place. Lost or stolen documents must be reported to the ISO.

International Student Office Staff

Advisement Hours

As SVA responds to the evolving health crisis, ISO is currently operating but our physical office is not staffed. If you need assistance, email us at iso@sva.edu. Due to current circumstances, all advisement will take place virtually via email and video until further notice.

For the spring 2021 semester, ISO will be offering Virtual Drop-In Hours every Tuesday from 9:30 - 11:00am ET. During this time, students can "drop-in" to a Zoom meeting to meet with an ISO advisor without an appointment. Click here for the Virtual Drop-In sign-in form. Once you submit the form, a Zoom meeting link will be provided to you.

To schedule an appointment, click the “Request an Appointment” button at the bottom of this page.

Please note: appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Kaori Uchisaka

Director

PDSO/RO

Tony Hsien-Wen Wang

Associate Director

DSO/ARO

Yoko Anderson

Assistant Director

DSO/ARO

Martha Baillargeon

International Student Advisor

DSO

William Park

International Student Advisor

DSO

Michael Paultz

International Student Advisor

DSO

Alison Young Eun Cho

Coordinator

DSO

Request an Appointment

Resources

International Student Office

340 East 24th Street, 1st floor
New York, NY 10010

Tel: 212.592.2236

Fax: 212.592.2241

Email: iso@sva.edu

Advisement Hours

Virtual Drop-In Hours:

Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00am ET

Virtual Zoom Advising:

Click here to make an appointment

Exterior of the 24th Street Residence at night.