Student Visas
In accordance with federal regulations, FIT 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. Students who wish to apply for an F-1 student visa or who hold F-1 student status must obtain an I-20 from FIT. 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. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires 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. Once the tuition deposit and the International Student Financial Statement are received, an I-20 will be issued by FIT International Student Services (ISS). 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 maintain F-1 status.
Those students holding F-1 status from another U.S. college must transfer their F-1 status to FIT; instructions for transfer of their SEVIS record to FIT will be sent upon receipt of the tuition deposit and the ISFS. An FIT-issued I-20 is necessary to maintain F-1 status while at 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 International Student Services website at fitnyc.edu/iss.
All international students must attend a mandatory orientation during their first semester of attendance. Orientation information will be sent with the I-20 and is available online.