Applicants educated outside the United States should review the International Applicant Credentials information at fitnyc.edu/internationalapplicants for detailed information about transcript requirements.
TOEFL Score
Students whose native language is not English must provide an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
Student Visas
In accordance with federal regulations, FIT only issues I-20 forms (Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status) to students who have been admitted to a full-time program of study leading to a degree. Students who wish to apply for an F-1 student visa or who hold F-1 student status must obtain an I-20. To obtain an I-20, students must submit an International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) to FIT after being admitted to the college. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services require verification of the student’s ability to finance studies in the United States. An estimate of expenses based on current tuition, fees, and living and personal expenses appears on the ISFS.
After notification of acceptance, a tuition deposit is required. Upon receipt of tuition deposit and within ten days of receipt of a properly completed ISFS, the college will issue an I-20. Those students holding F-1 status at another U.S. institution will receive instructions on how to transfer their SEVIS record upon receipt of the tuition deposit and ISFS. The I-20 will be issued after the SEVIS record is received by the Office of International Student Advisors.
The I-20 is necessary to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate in order to enter the United States to study and to maintain F-1 status while attending FIT. To download the ISFS and for more information about applying for a visa and the terms and conditions of F-1 status, visit the FIT International Student Advisors web page at fitnyc.edu/oisa .