INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER

Now that the semester is underway, OIS is excited to share the first edition of our new monthly newsletter! Each month, you’ll find immigration reminders, important deadlines, and opportunities to connect with the international student community.

For those who are new to Fordham, OIS is here to support you with immigration-related needs and to help you adjust to life at the University. Whether you have questions about maintaining your status or making the most of campus resources, our team is here to guide you.

Please take a moment to review the reminders and upcoming events in this newsletter as you continue settling into the fall semester.

OIS is located at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

• Rose Hill Campus: 441 E. Fordham Road, Walsh Library 049

• Lincoln Center Campus: 45 Columbus Avenue, Martino Hall, Suite 315
  
  

You can make an appointment with an OIS advisor at any time during the semester here. You may also contact us at ois@fordham.edu or by phone at 718-817-3145.

If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, you must check in with OIS within 10 days of your arrival at Fordham. This step is required to maintain your legal status in the U.S. Please note that you cannot complete the check-in process until you are physically in the country. Failure to check in will put your F-1 or J-1 status at risk.

If you haven’t checked in yet, please do so as soon as possible here.

Please take a moment to review the following items and confirm that your information is accurate in our records:

Update Your Address: Ensure your address information is current and correct! If you have moved to a new address, it’s important you update your address.

U.S. Phone Numbers Required: As mandated by SEVIS (Federal Law), you must enter your U.S. phone number in my.fordham.edu.

Enroll Full-Time: All students must enroll full-time in classes. This means at least 12 credits per term for undergraduates and at least 9 credits for graduates. (Only students in their last term may enroll less than full-time.)

Deviation from Full Course of Study: If you are NOT in your last term and plan to enroll in fewer than the required credits, you must complete the Deviation from Full Course of Study form, available in the Current Students section of our website.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at ois@fordham.edu

Check page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE" (or section 3 of your DS-2019) to find your completion date. If you believe you will need more time beyond this date, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks BEFORE your current I-20 expires.

Remember that reality is always more important than what is written on your I-20 or DS-2019! You should NEVER try to re-enter the US with an I-20 or DS-2019 just because the date is still valid. If you have already completed your studies, the I-20 is no longer valid regardless of the date.

As we start the Fall semester, we know that much uncertainty remains around the evolving political landscape. The well-being of every member of our international community is a top priority. Should you experience an immigration emergency or time-sensitive visa issue, please call Fordham Public Safety immediately at 718-817-2222 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-6076 (Lincoln Center). Public Safety is staffed 24/7, and will connect you with external legal resources based on the situation, including a round-the-clock travel emergency hotline as appropriate. External legal counsel includes an initial consultation at no-cost, funded by the University.

The Updates on Evolving Political Landscape website will remain the University’s go-to resource for information, policies, and FAQs as we enter the fall semester. Also, OIS regularly updates information on the Current U.S. Administration and its Actions page, with a focus on immigration policies that specifically affect F-1 visa holders.

International students in the U.S. may be targeted by scammers, often through phone calls, emails, or social media. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reported cases where scammers impersonate government officials or university staff, threatening students’ immigration status or academic standing in order to obtain money or personal information.

To protect yourself:

• Guard your personal and financial information. Never share your Social Security number, bank details, or visa information with anyone you do not know.

• Collect contact information. If someone contacts you claiming to be a government or law enforcement official, note their name, phone number, and organization.

• End the conversation if threats persist. Legitimate officials will not pressure you for immediate payment or personal details.
  
  

OIS has also been made aware of scammers using our office phone number. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be OIS, hang up immediately and email us at ois@fordham.edu to report it.

For more information, visit:

Avoid Scams Resource Center

Common scams

Reporting Immigration Scams

Fall 2023 Liaison Information Report on Scams Targeting Chinese Students

Global Transition (GT) is an exciting orientation program designed for new international undergraduate students at Fordham. GT 2025 has wrapped up, and planning for GT 2026 is already underway! Current undergraduates, both international and domestic, can get involved and help incoming students feel welcome. Roles include Global Transition Assistants, Logistics Coordinators, and Photographers/Videographers. If you just attended GT and enjoyed your experience, consider applying to be a Global Transition Assistant next year - you’ll share your experience, guide new students, and make lasting connections.

If you’re interested in joining us for GT 2026, keep an eye out for our Global Transition Team applications opening early in the Spring semester. Stay tuned for updates at fordham.edu/gt!

OIS will cover important information regarding Work Authorizations for International Students, including CPT, OPT the STEM-OPT Extension. Our advisors will also be available for a Q & A after the presentation.

Event Details:

📍 Virtual on Zoom - https://fordham.zoom.us/j/5719954365

📆 Friday, September 19, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact OIS at ois@fordham.edu

Need help finding an internship as an international student? Join the Career Center, in collaboration with the Office for International Services, for a professional workshop focused on aiding international students with their internship search process. This session will provide you with practical guidance, resources, and insights to navigate the complexities of securing internships and preparing for life beyond graduation.

We'll be talking about everything from visa requirements to resume building, so please stop on by virtually or in person at the Rose Hill campus!

Event Details:

📍 Location: Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person details can be accessed on Handshake)

📆 Date and Time: Thursday, October 16 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Register HERE

In addition to Fordham events, we’re excited to share opportunities from One to World, a New York City organization that supports international students from universities across the city. OTW hosts events and programs specifically for international students, providing a chance to connect with peers, explore the city, and build community beyond campus.

Experience stunning views of the city while enjoying the best songs from around the world on One To World’s fourth ever welcome cruise! You’ve likely absorbed the famous Manhattan skyline from the popular Staten Island Ferry, or from visits to other boroughs, but have you enjoyed these views on a party boat with a few hundred new and existing friends?

Celebrate the beginning of a new academic year by dancing the night away on the ship deck with a live DJ, 300 international students, and other friends of One To World!

Event Details

💲 Registration is required and tickets are $40

📆 Friday, September 12 at 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Click here to register and purchase a ticket

This interactive in-person workshop taking place at Amazon’s office in Manhattan (exact office to be confirmed) is designed to help students build confidence in the job search process. You’ll participate in small group mock interviews with experienced professionals who will offer personalized feedback on your responses, communication style, and overall presentation.

Additionally, you’ll have the chance to participate in more focused conversations, where you can ask questions and gain insights tailored to your career interests. Whether you’re exploring opportunities in business, e-commerce, technology, entertainment, logistics, or another industry, this event will provide you with practical tools to stand out in a competitive job market. This also a great opportunity to see Amazon’s offices and (maybe) your future place of work!

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $10

📆 September 16 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Click here to register

Have you ever attended a baseball game?

Start the fall semester off by going to Citi Field in Queens, home of the New York Mets, and watching a live baseball game! Maybe you’ll even have the chance to catch a ball, and take it home as a souvenir. If you don’t know how baseball is played, this is a great opportunity to learn the rules alongside other students who might be unfamiliar.

One To World has reserved an entire block of seats, 75 tickets, so in addition to watching the action on the field, you will have the opportunity to mingle with other international students who attend universities around the New York area!

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $20

📆 September 19 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Click here to register

Get ready to explore one of Manhattan’s most glamorous neighborhoods, forever etched in pop culture through shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City. But beyond the screen, the Upper East Side is also a living museum of stunning architecture and cultural landmarks.

From the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art to the luxurious 998 Fifth Avenue and the historic Cherokee Apartments, this neighborhood tells a story of elegance, wealth, and innovation. We’ll stroll past Beaux-Arts mansions, ornate pre-war apartment buildings, and Gilded Age townhouses along Fifth Avenue’s “Millionaire’s Row,” learning how the area grew from modest beginnings into a haven for New York City’s elite.

Join us to uncover the architectural beauty, hidden gems, and rich history that continue to make the Upper East Side a symbol of sophistication and cultural prestige.

Our guide for this journey is William Singer, AIA, a distinguished Code and Zoning Specialist for the NYC Department of Buildings. With a rich background in designing and constructing major public facilities—including justice centers, transportation hubs, and cultural landmarks—William brings a wealth of knowledge to our tour. His impressive resume includes a stint as a partner at Gruzen Samton, a leading architecture and planning firm, and he’s also a Fulbright fellow with degrees in both Architecture and English. Notably, he was honored with a City of New York Arts Commission Excellence in Design award in 2004 for his exceptional renovation of El Museo Del Barrio.

Mr. Singer has been generous to sponsor ticket costs for the first five students who register for this program, so don’t wait and grab one today! Sponsored tickets are limited to one per order.

In the event of rain, this program will take place two weeks later on September 28th.

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $18

📆 September 21 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Click here to register

Whether or not you attend any of the virtual sessions happening in August, we’re organizing TWO in-person events with Amazon this September for an opportunity to connect with employees from this multi-national company, but this time, in-person!

This interactive in-person workshop taking place at Amazon’s office in Manhattan (exact office to be confirmed) is designed to offer a space for international students to connect in small groups with Amazon employees and learn about their career trajectories, get advice on how to stand out in the job search, and other questions you may have about thriving in your professional career.

Whether you’re exploring opportunities in business, e-commerce, technology, entertainment, logistics, or another industry, this event will provide you with practical tools to stand out in a competitive job market. This also a great opportunity to see Amazon’s offices and (maybe) your future place of work!

Event Details:

💲 Registration is required and cost is $10

📆 September 25 at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Click here to register

Rose Hill: Walsh Library, 049 | Lincoln Center: Martino Hall, Suite 315 | 718-817-3145