Dear Student,

Congratulations on your acceptance to the LIU Post! We are looking forward to your arrival. LIU Post has many years of
experience working with international students and we are eager to assist you in achieving your personal, academic, and
professional goals.
Enclosed you will find:
o Your Form I-20 for the purpose of obtaining an F-1 visa stamp. You must complete Section 11 (printed name,
signature, and date) on page 1 of the Form I-20.
o Welcome Packet
o Part One: Instructions for applying for your visa and traveling to the United States
o Part Two: Instructions for paying the required $200 SEVIS fee. You must pay this fee prior to applying for
your visa. Please note, this fee is in addition to any tuition or housing deposit paid to Long Island University.
o Part Three: Information regarding the mandatory International Student Orientation and a form that you must
return to International Student Services (ISS) to let us know when you will arrive
o Part Four: General information regarding campus life, important forms, registering for campus and a checklist
Important Dates:
o August 30, 2012: International Student Arrival Day (9am-7pm)
o New Students are expected to check-in this day
o Resident Students can move in to their room on this day
o August 31, 2012 - September 2, 2012: International Student Orientation Program
o All new & transfer students are expected to attend!
o September 5, 2012: Classes Begin
Be sure to take all admissions and financial information with you to the United States Consulate when you are applying for an
F-1 student visa. At the Consulate, be prepared to answer questions regarding family members that may be studying or living in
the U.S., your financial ability to study in the U.S., and your plans after completion of studies. Make sure to answer all questions
truthfully and honestly as this can lead to the issuance or rejection of your student visa.

Within 10 days of entering the United States, you are required to report to the International Student Services Office (ISS) which
is located in the lower level of Post Hall. Please review the arrival information for special office hours.

Please be aware that your total annual expenses are estimated at: $37,930 for graduate students and $51,025 for undergraduate
students. Expenses do vary each semester, and tuition is subject to increases every fall (September).

We can help you with any questions you might have regarding immigration, academics, and campus life. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1 (516) 299 – 1451 or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
The Office of International Student Services
1 516-299-1451 or iss@[email protected]

Dr. Jessica Hayes, Assistant Provost Ms. Ivana Laganá, Associate Director
Ms. Tricia Figuero, Assistant Director Ms. Nadia Hernández, Administrative Assistant
Dr. Leslie Bai, Director, Asian Student Academic Support Services
 WELCOME TO
LIU POST
FALL 2012

Enclosed you will find:

Part One: F-1 Student VISA & Travel Information ……………… 2

Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa …………………………..

2

F-1 Students Already in U.S. Transferring …………... 2

Planning Your Arrival at the Airport ……………….. 2

How to Get To LIU Post ………………………………

3

Nearby Hotels ………………………………………….....

3

Campus Address & Contact Numbers ………………… 3

Part Two: SEVIS Fee Requirements …..……………………………...

4

Part Three: International Student Orientation Information …….... 6

International Student Orientation Registration Form 7

Part Four: General Information ……………………………………..

8

Housing Options …………………………………………..

8

Health & Immunization Forms ………………………….... 8

Health Insurance …………………………………………

8

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 Registering for Classes …………………………………
9

Payment of Tuition & Fees ………………………………

9

Checklist …………………………………………………..
10

Part One:
F-1 Student VISA &
Travel Information
OBTAINING AN F-1 STUDENT VISA

All international students must enter the United States with an F-1 student visa. A visa is a stamp that is placed
inside of your passport by the United States Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Procedures for applying
for an F-1 student visa differ in every country so it is advised that students contact the U.S. Consulate in your
country for clarification. Information about the closest U.S. Consulate can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/

When applying and being interviewed for a student visa, be prepared to show:
• Your Official SEVIS Form I-20
• Proof of Payment for the $200 SEVIS Form I-20 fee (SEE ATTACHED SEVIS I-20 FEE NOTICE)
• A completed non-immigrant visa application
• The appropriate visa application fee (consult the consulate)
• A valid passport
• Acceptance, scholarship, and/or fellowship letters from LIU Post
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools
• TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT Scores
• Evidence of financial ability (original bank statements, affidavits, proof of income)
• Evidence of social and economic ties to home country
• Proof of dependents and their relationship to student (If F-2 visa’s are required)

Canadian students do not need visas to enter the U.S. as F-1 students. Canadians must show SEVIS I-20,
receipt of SEVIS I-20 processing fee payment, proof of financial ability, proof of admissions to LIU Post, at the port
of entry upon arrival in the U.S.

F-1 STUDENTS ALREADY IN U.S. TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

International students already in the U.S. with an F-1 status must receive a transfer I-20 from LIU Post no later than
15 days after the start of classes. If you plan to travel during the break between the time that your semester ends at
your old institution and the new semester at LIU Post, you must travel and re-enter the U.S. with a LIU Post I-20.
Transfer students must check-in with the International Student Services (ISS) office prior to registering for classes.
Bring all previously issued I-20’s, passport, form I-94, and visa. You cannot register for classes until the
check-in process with International Student Services has been completed.

PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT

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Do not pack the following documents inside your luggage – you will need to present them when you enter the
United States:
o (1) Passport; (2) SEVIS Form I-20; (3) SEVIS Fee Receipt; (4) Evidence of financial ability
(original bank statements, sponsorship letter, proof of income); (5) Name and contact information for
your “Designated School Officials”, Jessica Hayes and/or Ivana Laganá: (516) 299 – 1451, and
your 24-hour emergency contact number for LIU Post: (516) 299 – 2222.

The International Student Services Office (ISS) will be notified electronically about your arrival in the U.S. Students
are required to report to the ISS Office within ten days of arriving in the United States. Bring your original passport,
I-94, visa and Form I-20 to the ISS Office to complete the check-in process. International students are required to
submit an address in the United States upon check-in.

HOW TO GET TO LIU POST

It is suggested that students should take a van or taxi service to LIU Post. Below are some local choices of
transportation. It is customary, not required, to tip the van driver a few dollars extra. These taxi services are
licensed and usually do not charge extraordinary prices. *W e recom m end you do not catch a curb-side taxi
because they usually overcharge for their services.
Van Service:
• Classic Coach (631) 567 - 5100: Cost is approximately $45 and you may call for pick up from a free phone
in the airport.

Taxi Service:
• Arena Car Service (516) 676-1016: Receive 10% off by mentioning you are a LIU Post Student.
• The Taxi (516) 671-0707: Fare is $60 as long as you set up your reservations one day in advance and call
taxi service once you exit Customs at JFK Airport.

R EM EM BER : All students must check in with International Student Services within ten days of arriving
in the US. Our office is located on the Lower Level of Post Hall.

NEARBY HOTELS

Gold Coast Inn East Norwich Inn

1053 Northern Boulevard 6321 Northern Blvd.
Roslyn, NY East Norwich, NY
(516) 627-2460 (516) 922-1500
www.goldcoastmotorinn.com www.eastnorwichinn.com

The Andrew Best Western

75 North Station Plaza 7940 Jericho Turnpike
Great Neck, NY Woodbury, NY
1-866-THE-ANDREW 516-921-6900
www.andrewhotel.com www.bestwestern.com/woodburyinn

Days Inn Econo Lodge

828 South Oyster Bay Road 429 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville, NY Hicksville, NY
516-433-1900 516-433-3900
www.daysinn.com www.econolodge.com

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 CAMPUS ADDRESS & CONTACT NUMBERS

• Campus Address: 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, New York 11548

• Campus Emergency Contact Number: Department of Public Safety (516) 299 – 2222. This office is open 24
hours a day, 365 days a year.

• International Student Services Contact Number: (516) 299 – 1451. Normal business hours are Monday
through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Part Two:
SEVIS Fee Requirements

SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a central computerized system that maintains and manages
data about foreign (F-1) students and their dependents (F-2) during their stay in the United States. The Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a SEVIS fee of $200 for all new F-1 applicants. The fee is required by DHS
and is to be used to cover the cost of the operation of the SEVIS program. The following information specifically addresses fee
issues for F-1 students.

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

• Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s ISSUED who are applying for an “initial” F-1 visa from outside the
US. (Since Canadians are not required to get a visa stamp, they will be required to pay the fee before going to the port
of entry. The fee cannot be paid at the port of entry.)
• Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s ISSUED who are applying for a change to F-1 status from another
visa category.
• Current F-1 students in the US filing for reinstatement after being out of status more than 5 months, and who are
issued an I-20 issued for reinstatement.

Who does NOT have to pay the fee?

• Continuing F-1 students do not have to pay the fee unless circumstances change so that the student fits one of the
categories mentioned above.

What about my F-2 dependents?

• F-2 dependents do not have to pay the fee.

Do I have to pay if I transfer to another school, travel outside the US or renew my visa?
• The SEVIS fee is not required when transferring schools, changing to another degree program or level, requesting a
program extension, renewing an F-1 visa or using F-1 benefits (such as practical training). If you are in status when you
travel internationally and are not physically outside of the U.S. for more than five months, you will not be required to
pay the fee.

I applied to more than one school, and have more than one I-20 form. What happens if I pay the SEVIS fee for
one school, and I change my mind and decide that I want to attend the other school? Is my paid SEVIS fee
transferable?
• Yes. But you must submit the I-20 form with the SEVIS number that you listed on the I-901 form with you to the U.S.
consulate/embassy. To transfer the SEVIS fee to another SEVIS record, visit
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/faq7.htm. For change of status or reinstatement applications, please see next
question.

What do I need to do if I fit into one of the categories above?

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 • Follow the payment option directions below.
• Submit a copy of the I-797 or computer receipt with your visa, change of status or reinstatement application OR
• Students who are exempt from visa requirements, such as Canadians, should take a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt to
present at the port of entry with the appropriate I-20. It will not be possible to pay the fee at the port of entry.

When do I pay the SEVIS fee?

• The fee must be paid at least 3 business days prior to applying for your visa (OR 3 business days prior to applying for
admission at U.S. port- of- entry for those exempt from the visa requirement – such as Canadians).
• The fee must be paid prior to submission of a change petition or reinstatement application (for those who have been
out of status for more than 5 months).

What if my F-1 visa application is denied?

• The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will
not have to pay the fee again.

Can I pay the SEVIS fee at a university, consulate or port of entry?

• No. At this time the SEVIS fee can only be processed by the Department of Homeland Security via the internet or by
mail.

How do I pay the fee?

• The fee can be paid to the DHS online (strongly recommended) or by mail and must be accompanied by a form I-901.
It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the U.S.

To pay online (this method is recommended OVER mailing your fee application):
1) Find the form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com
2) Complete the form online and supply the necessary VISA, MasterCard or American Express information. *Be sure to
write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
3) Print a copy of the online receipt.
4) Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Mail:
1) Obtain a Form I-901 “Fee Remittance for Certain F, J and M Non-immigrants.”
a) Download the form from www.FMJfee.com OR
b) Request the form by phone at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the U.S.).
2) Complete the form I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on
your I-20 form.
3) Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on U.S.
banks only) in the amount of $200 USD, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security”
4) Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.
5) A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the
fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt and keep it with your other
important immigration documents.

Will the DHS keep a record of my payment on file?

• Fee payments should be entered into your permanent immigration (SEVIS) record but it is strongly recommended that
you retain a copy of your fee receipt (Form I-797) to use as needed.

Helpful Websites:

SEVIS fee fact sheet

• http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsrelease/articles/SEVISFactSheet.htm

U.S. Embassies Abroad

• http://travel.state.gov/links.html

Visas for Third Country Nationals in Canada or Mexico

• http://travel.state.gov/tcn.html

5
Visa Photo Requirements
• http://travel.state.gov/passport /pptphotos/index.html

Airport Security-Web videos in various languages

• http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0435.xml

What to expect upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry.

• http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsrel/articles/POEFactSheetUpdate_063004.pdf

Part Three:
International Student Orientation
The International Student Services (ISS) Office holds an orientation program each semester to help new international students
acclimate to the LIU Post campus. The purpose of the International Student Orientation is to assist international students in
adjusting to living and studying in the United States. During orientation students will have opportunities to meet new and
current students at LIU Post, learn about their F-1 status and to register for classes. Students unable to attend will miss
important information regarding F-1 status and regulations, employment, social security numbers, and the LIU Post campus. It
will also be more difficult to complete certain on-campus responsibilities, such as: (1) receiving a LIU Post ID card (which allows
access to the campus, residence halls, meals, recreation center, and library), (2) Registration for classes, and (3) On-campus
employment – campus jobs are first come first serve!
The fee for our mandatory orientation is $135 and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Please note that this
fee will be automatically included on your LIU Post Bursar bill.
Arrival and Check-in Information:
Immigration requires all students to officially check in with International Student Services (ISS) within 10 days of arriving in the
United States (students must check-in with ISS prior to the program start date on their I-20).
Fall 2012 Event

Beginning August 6, 2012 • Early arrival check-ins begin for new fall students.
(Monday- Friday) • Students are required to bring their I-20 and passport to officially
check-in with the ISS office.
• Early arrival check-ins take place every weekday from 2pm to 5pm
in Post Hall.
• Residence halls are closed and NOT available until August 30, 2012.
August 21- August 29, 2012 ISS office cannot conduct check-ins during these dates.
Students who arrive after 5pm on August 21, 2012 are required to check-in
on General Arrival Day which is scheduled for Thursday, August 30, 2012.
August 30, 2012 New International Student Arrival Day
(THURSDAY) Tilles Center Atrium from 9am to 7pm
• New students are expected to check-in on this day
• Students who already officially checked in with ISS office do not
need to attend but are welcome to use the communication center,
light refreshments and evening activity.
• Resident students move in to their residence halls on this day.
• Once students complete the check-in process, they have free time
for the remainder of the day/evening. At 6pm all new students are
welcome to return to the Tilles, Atrium for raffle giveaways and ice
cream.
6
 • Students arriving after 7pm on August 30th should report to the
Interfaith Center. Staff and students will be available until 1am to
help students to their residence hall room.
August 31, 2012 Orientation day one from 9:00am to 7:00pm
Late arriving students should report to the ISS Office in Post Hall
September 1, 2012 Orientation day two from 9:00am to 7:00pm
Late arriving students should report to the ISS Office in Post Hall
September 2, 2012 Off-campus trip to New York City
September 5, 2012 Classes Begin

Residence Halls open on August 30, 2012 at 9am.

Students are NOT permitted to move-in to their room before this date.

Part Four:
General Information

Housing Options

As a student at LIU Post, one of the first and most important decisions you will make will be if you want to live on
campus or off-campus. Here is some information you may find helpful in making this decision:

OPTION ONE: LIVING ON CAMPUS IN A RESIDENCE HALL (Dormitory)

• Living on campus is a great way to meet other people and really get involved in campus life! Visit
http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/StudentLife/ResLife.aspx for more information.
• As on an on-campus resident, you should expect to have 1 – 3 other students sharing your room.
• If you decide to live on campus, you must submit your housing application along with your $300 housing
deposit to the ISS office by June 1 for Fall entry or November 1 for Spring entry in order to be guaranteed
housing. If your application is received after this date, then it is not guaranteed that you will receive on-
campus housing. If you have already submitted your housing application and deposit, you do not need to re-
submit these items!
• Please note: your LIU Post residence hall room will include the following: bed, mattress, desk, chair, window
drapes, wardrobe/closet & dresser. Sheets, towels, pillows etc. will not be provided.

OPTION TWO: LIVING OFF CAMPUS IN A HOME OR APARTMENT

• Living off campus can provide students with greater independence. While it is certainly possible to live off
campus without a car, if you choose to do so, we recommend you identify a location which is near public
transportation.
• Although LIU Post does not rent apartments off campus, we have developed a website to assist you if you
are looking for off-campus rentals. Please keep in mind this website is designed to help you, but ultimately,
you must decide if the landlord and/or home/apartment are right for you. Visit
http://webdata.liu.edu/ochousing/ for off-campus housing listings.

Health & Immunization Forms

All students are required to submit completed health forms prior to their arrival in the United States. This form
should have been mailed to you with your acceptance package; however, it can be accessed on our web page at
http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/StudentLife/Services/SHCC/Medical-Forms.aspx. For specific information or questions
7
about this form or the data required, contact the Office of Student Health and Counseling Services at (516) 299-
2345.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. If you have health insurance, you can waive the
insurance on-line using your MyLIU account. If you do not waive your insurance by the deadline, you will be charged
a health insurance fee with your tuition. The health insurance coverage is for one year. Students will receive their
insurance cards within six to eight weeks after registering for classes. For further information, contact the Health
Insurance Office at 516-299-2599.

Registering for Classes

After students have completed the check-in process in the ISS Office, they will be allowed to register for classes.
Students who have not checked-in with the International Student Services Office will not be allowed
to register. There w ill be an opportunity to register for courses at Orientation.

Registration is the actual choosing of the classes available. Student can access the schedule of classes on the web
page https://webapps.liu.edu/courseschedules/schedules.aspx?campus=P to see the courses and times available.

Most undergraduate courses are offered in the day-time from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, while most graduate courses
are offered in the evenings. There are limited courses offered on the weekends.

Undergraduate students must register for a minimum of 12 credits. For questions about registration contact your
Academic Advisor in the Office of Academic Counseling. Advisor names and phone numbers are available online at
http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/StudentLife/Services/Counseling/Counselors.aspx.

Graduate students must register for a minimum of 9 credits. For questions about courses contact your Graduate
Academic Advisor for their academic major. A list of names and numbers of Graduate Advisors is available at
http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Academics/Programs/Advising/Graduate.aspx.

ESL students with questions about courses, http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Admissions/International/ELI.aspx, may

contact Mr. Joseph Granitto, (516) 299 – 4002, [email protected].

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will not be charged until after a student registers for classes. You must register for classes and then
you will be billed for tuition and fees. Students that wish to have their tuition payments wired electronically directly
to LIU Post can do so by having their bank send funds to:

Capital One
1020 Port Washington Blvd.
Port Washington, New York 11050
Re: Student’s Name and ID Number

Bank ABA# 021407912

Account Name: Long Island University

8
Account # 2914003591
SWIF Code NFBKUS33

If you do not wish to wire funds, be prepared to pay your tuition by bank check, credit card or money order upon
arrival at LIU Post.

Orientation Fees

The fee for orientation is $135 and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Please note that this fee is
mandatory and will be automatically included on your LIU Post Bursar bill.

√ CHECKLIST √
CAMPUS PAPERWORK
I understand that the $135 orientation fee is mandatory and will be automatically be added to my bill.
I have submitted a copy of my completed health forms.
I have decided where I plan to live and made appropriate arrangements.
o I have completed & mailed the On-Campus Housing Application to the Bursars Office and have
included my $300 housing deposit (in the form of bank check or money order).
o I have made accommodations to live off campus
SEVIS FORM I-20:
I have signed Section 11 on the first page of my FORM I-20.
I have paid the SEVIS fee and printed my receipt for payment of the SEVIS I-20 fee.

F-1 VISA APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (needed for F-1 visa application at U.S. Consulate):
Official SEVIS Form I-20
Proof of payment/receipt for the SEVIS Form I-20 fee
Completed non-immigrant visa application
Visa application fee (consult the U.S. Consulate)
Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay
Acceptance, scholarship, and/or fellowship letters from LIU Post
Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools
Official IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT Scores
Evidence of financial ability (bank statements, affidavits, proof of income)
Evidence of social and economic ties to home country
Proof of dependents and their relationship to student (If F-2 visas are required)

TRAVELING FROM YOUR COUNTRY TO NEW YORK:

I have remembered NOT to pack the following documents in my luggage: passport, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt,
evidence of financial ability, contact information for LIU Post (found in this enclosure).
I am aware that flight attendants will distribute an Arrival Record Form (I-94 card) while I am en route to
New York and that part of this form will be stapled into my passport. This is a very important document
please make sure you keep it safe!

TRAVELING FROM THE AIRPORT TO LIU POST:

9
 I know my options for van and taxi service to LIU Post (found in this enclosure) and can make a decision
about how I plan to travel to LIU Post.

LODGING ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT LIU POST:

I have thought about what time I will arrive at LIU Post and if necessary, I have made arrangements to stay
at a nearby hotel (options found in this enclosure).
I have planned my arrival to the LIU Post campus and understand that if I wish to live on campus I am not
permitted to do so until August 30, 2012.

If you have any questions please contact International Student Services at [email protected]. We want your entry
to the U.S. and to LIU Post to be as smooth as possible!

10