Getting a Student Visa

Getting a student visa can be somewhat complex.  This information is for new students who don’t have a valid student visa.  If you do have a valid student visa, please see the Transfer page and let us know any unique circumstances surrounding your visa status.  If you need to renew your student visa, please see the Renewing Your Visa page.

The first step is to get accepted into an NU program.  Please look at the How to Apply page. In order to get fully accepted, we should also have the necessary immigration documents to issue you an I-20, including a passport and a bank statement.  Once we receive all of the necessary documents and you have been accepted, we will give or mail you your I-20 and acceptance letter.  When you get your I-20, you will then be able to schedule a visa interview.  If you want to change your visa status inside America, please let ISS know.

Steps to Getting a Student Visa Overseas

After you have your I-20 and acceptance letter, go online to your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy and schedule a non-immigrant visa interview.  You will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity left
• I-20 – signed by the school you intend to enroll in
• Bank statement showing you have enough funds as shown on the I-20
• Acceptance letter to the school on your I-20
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt – you can pay this $200 fee at www.fmjfee.com
• DS-160 application – Submit it online and print a copy
• DS-160 fee – Submitted online and print a copy
• Passport photos – 2 photos that are 2″ x 2″ (inches)

What your interview will be like:

You will meet with a consular official who will review your documents and ask you questions.  Please have your documents prepared and arrive early.  Make sure you answer their questions honestly.  Here are a few questions they may ask you:

• Why do you want to study here?  Please know information about NU, including our location and your program.
• How will you pay for your studies? Understand where your finances are coming from.  You should have enough funds to support you.  Know information about who is supporting or sponsoring you.
• What is your true motivation for studying? The government wants to know that your stay in America is temporary and you will return after completing your degree.

You should get a decision about whether you have been approved or denied immediately.  If you were approved, it may take a few days for them to process your visa.  If you were denied, you will have the opportunity to appeal again.