The process at a glance
- 01Apply & I-20
Receive your I-20 from the university
After accepting your admission offer and providing proof of financial resources, the university's international student office issues your Form I-20. Verify all details on the I-20 match your passport — name spelling errors can cause visa delays. Keep the I-20 with your passport at all times during your stay in the US.
- 02Visa Interview
Apply for your F-1 student visa
Complete Form DS-160 online, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Prepare documents: passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial evidence, admission letter, academic transcripts, and standardised test scores. Be prepared to explain your study plans and ties to your home country.
- 03Arrive & Register
Arrive in the US and check in with the international office
Arrive no earlier than 30 days before your programme start date. Attend the mandatory international student orientation where you will learn about SEVIS compliance, health insurance requirements, campus safety, and available support services. Complete check-in with the international student office to activate your SEVIS record.
- 04Settle In
Open a bank account, get a US phone, and find housing
Open a US bank account (checking and savings) using your passport and I-20. Get a US phone number — prepaid plans are available without a Social Security Number. If living on campus, confirm your housing assignment and move-in date. If off campus, finalise your lease, set up utilities, and arrange transportation to campus.
- 05Plan Career
Start career planning from your first semester
Visit the career centre early to understand OPT timelines, build your resume, and learn about on-campus recruiting. Many international students find that building faculty relationships leads to research assistant positions and strong recommendation letters. Attend career fairs and networking events specifically for international students.
About CUNY City College
CUNY City College in New York, NY is home to students from around the world. Its undergraduate and graduate programs attract international talent, and the university provides comprehensive support through its international student office, cultural integration activities, and academic advising tailored to global learners.
F-1 Visa Requirements for CUNY City College
Before arriving at CUNY City College, international students must apply for an F-1 student visa through a US consulate in their home country. The visa process starts when {name} issues a Form I-20 following admission and financial verification. Students complete the DS-160 form, pay the SEVIS fee, and attend a visa interview. The international student office at {name} offers pre-arrival webinars and document-check services to help applicants prepare.
Housing Options for International Students at CUNY City College
International students at CUNY City College have multiple housing choices. University dormitories offer convenience with furnished rooms, dining plans, and built-in communities. Off-campus housing in New York gives students more flexibility and can be more affordable, especially when sharing apartments. The areas around {name} feature a mix of student-focused apartment complexes and private rentals, many within walking distance or a short bus ride.
Working While Studying at CUNY City College
International students at CUNY City College can work on campus for up to 20 hours weekly during semesters and full-time during breaks. Typical jobs include research assistant, library aide, and campus office positions. After one academic year, CPT and OPT options open for off-campus work in your field. {name}'s career services department runs international-student-specific programs on work authorization, resume writing, and job search strategies tailored to F-1 visa holders.
International Student Life in New York
Outside class, student life at CUNY City College depends on New York itself. Check the student activities directory for cultural and nationality-based clubs, ask the international office about orientation events, and look up local transit passes, since many cities offer student discounts.
Your university's international student office is your primary resource for visa compliance, cultural adjustment, and connecting with the international student community — use it from day one.
Transfer pathway planning from Cuny City College to four-year universities
Cuny City College has articulation agreements with universities in its state that specify which credits transfer and guarantee admission for students meeting GPA requirements. The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programme with University of California campuses is one of the best-known pathways. Meet regularly with Cuny City College's transfer centre counsellors from your first semester — they will help you select courses that satisfy general education requirements for your target universities. Maintain a competitive GPA (3.0+ for most programmes, 3.5+ for competitive majors like CS, engineering, and business). Complete the intended major prerequisite courses before transferring — many students at Cuny City College complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) which guarantees junior standing at participating four-year institutions. The transfer centre can also help with application essays, scholarship searches for transfer students, and connecting you with university representatives who visit Cuny City College's campus.
F-1 visa maintenance specific to community college enrollment
F-1 students at Cuny City College must maintain full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours per semester. Community college schedules can be more flexible than universities, but dropping below full-time without DSO authorisation is a status violation. Cuny City College's international student office monitors SEVIS compliance and can authorise reduced course loads for academic difficulties or medical reasons. Transferring from Cuny City College to a four-year university requires a SEVIS record transfer, which the DSO at Cuny City College initiates after confirming your acceptance at the receiving institution. If you plan to attend a four-year university after Cuny City College, notify the international student office by the transfer deadline to avoid a gap in F-1 status. Cuny City College also offers CPT authorisation for off-campus work after one academic year, but many community college students focus on their studies and transfer preparation rather than off-campus employment.
Cost comparison and financial aid opportunities at Cuny City College
Tuition at Cuny City College is significantly lower than at four-year universities — international students typically pay $7,000-$12,000 per year in tuition compared to $25,000-$60,000 at public or private universities. This makes community college an intelligent first step for budget-conscious international students. Cuny City College offers limited merit-based scholarships for international students, though federal financial aid is not available to non-US citizens. Some states offer reduced tuition rates for community college students who are state residents, but international students generally pay the non-resident rate. Plan for total annual costs of $20,000-$35,000 (tuition plus living expenses) at Cuny City College. Education loans through private lenders may be available. Many international students at Cuny City College fund their education through a combination of family savings, home-country education loans, and part-time on-campus employment (limited to 20 hours per week).
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What you learned
End-of-guide quiz
1 question
- 01
An international student transfers to a different US university mid-program. What happens to their visa?
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Frequently asked questions
What English test scores does CUNY City College require for admission?+
Admission to CUNY City College requires proof of English proficiency. Minimum scores are typically TOEFL 80-100 iBT or IELTS 6.5-7.0, though requirements vary by program. Check the specific program page for exact thresholds.
Are there scholarships for international students at CUNY City College?+
CUNY City College awards some merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students. These are competitive and consider academic records, test scores, and extracurricular achievements.
How much does it cost to study at CUNY City College as an international student?+
International students at CUNY City College should budget approximately $45,000 to $75,000 per year, covering tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, and health insurance.
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