Visa & Immigration Requirements:
To find the nearest location, visit https://www.usembassy.gov/.
U.S. embassies are authorized to continue to waive in-person visa interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first- time and/or renewing applicants. As a result, you may receive guidance from the U.S. embassy that does not require you to attend an in-person interview. You are encouraged to monitor embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about this development. We recommend that you check the consulate website, in advance, to learn more about the visa application process, including the process for making an appointment or for a waived in-person interview. F-1 visa holders may only enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date. More information is available from the U.S. Department of State at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html and on the Study in the States website at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students.
Maintaining valid F-1 status (full course load, authorized employment, etc.)
The Hyatt in Cross County Mall and Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers offer discount codes for guests affiliated with Sarah Lawrence.
- Can I stay on campus during breaks?
Students can stay on campus over the U.S. Thanksgiving and Spring Break.
Arrival & Orientation
» Passport
» SEVIS Form I-20
» cf-6059 Customs Declaration Form (you will receive this on the airplane and should complete it before landing).
The CBP officer will take your cf-6059 Customs Declaration Form. You will be asked about your intentions for coming to the United States. Tell them you are here as a student, be prepared to give them the name and address of Sarah Lawrence College (1 Mead Way, Bronxville, New York, New York, 10708)
Your passport will be returned to you (make sure it is stamped with F-1 D/S and not with a specific date). Your SEVIS Form I-20 might also be stamped and returned to you. You will need these documents while you stay in the United States. Please do not lose them.
***Certain items are prohibited from being brought into the US from foreign countries.Hence, you are required to declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, animals,and plant or animal products in your possession. The CBP at the ports of entry will determine whether the items meet the basic requirement of what can be brought into the United States.
Helpful website - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): www.ice.gov/sevis/students
For more information visit this page: https://my.slc.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Departments/International_Students/New_Students.jnz
Before you leave home, check with your local bank to learn more about your country’s regulations regarding the transfer of funds overseas. Some countries do not allow for large sums of money to be wired abroad, whereas other countries have no limits. We suggest that you bring a small amount of "startup" money with you ($100 - $150 U.S. dollars) to help make your trip easier. If you have an automatic teller machine (ATM) card, find out before you leave home if you can use it in the U.S. With an international ATM bank card, your parents/sponsor can deposit money into your account at home and you can withdraw the funds at ATM machines throughout New York and the United States. If you don’t have a card that can be used overseas, check with your bank before you leave to see if it is possible to get a card that can be used in the U.S. In addition, ATM machines accept Visa and MasterCard. You may want to consider opening a bank account once you arrive in New York. More information on banking will be covered in Pre-Orientation.
Health Insurance & Living:
Additional opportunities are listed, as they become available. New F-1 students may begin work after they secure a position and once they complete the on-boarding processes via the Student Employment office.
Students will need to obtain a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) if they intend to work. For more information about the SSN application process visit https://my.slc.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Departments/International_Students/Employment.jnz
Engaging in these activities without prior authorization could result in the loss of your good standing in the U.S.and disrupt your ability to continue studying at Sarah Lawrence College. During International Pre-orientation, International Student Services will discuss employment regulations and maintaining your visa status, as well as some of the off-campus employment authorizations available to you.
- Sarah Lawrence is located in Bronxville, New York in Westchester County, a suburban area north of New York City. This region has four very distinct seasons. Fall and Spring are mild (averaging between 45° - 75° F/ 7°-25°C), and a sweater or jacket will usually keep you warm. Winter can be as warm as fall, as rainy as spring, or it can be snowy and freezing (below 32° F/0°C). If you stay during the summer months, it may be pleasantly warm or blazing hot up to 86°F/30°C.