Admissions Pre-Arrival Guide - Fall 2020

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) serves all students who consider themselves international, regardless of their immigration status. All international students are welcome at all OIA events including International Student Orientation. Admitted international student checklists are available at nova.edu/admittedf1 . F-1 International Students If you will require an F-1 visa to study at NSU you should submit the documentation to obtain a Form I-20 as soon as you receive your admission to NSU. Your Form I-20 document is the document you will use to apply for your F-1 visa. The full list of information that is required for NSU to issue the Form I-20 is available at nova.edu/internationalaffairs/students/prospective/i20. Processing times for F-1 visas (and availability of appointment times) vary based on each individual consular office, but students should apply for their F-1 visa several weeks to several months in advance. While visas will not be issued more than 120 days prior to the start of your first semester, visa appointments may be made as soon as the I-20 document is received. Applicants will need to appear in person for their F-1 visa interview and should review the Office of International Affair’s website at nova.edu/internationalaffairs/students/prospective/visa for additional information on the F-1 visa application and interview process. Students on F-1 visas may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to their program start date, as listed on the Form I-20. Students who attempt to enter more than 30 days prior to the program start date may be denied entry. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION In addition to attending the virtual First-Year Student Orientation on Thursday, August 6, all incoming international students must also complete the International Student Orientation (ISO) available in Canvas. F-1 student SEVIS records will only be activated after attending and completing all ISO requirements, so students must attend to ensure a valid immigration status. Incoming F-1 international students will receive additional information about completing the mandatory online ISO modules as well as potential optional in person ISO events prior to the start of the term. Please visit nova.edu/studentorientation/orientation/international for more information. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID F-1 international students are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week in non-federally funded positions. Get more details online at nova.edu/internationalaffairs/students/faqs. F-1 international students are not eligible for federally funded financial aid. They may, however, apply for external scholarships or any eligible NSU scholarships at nova.edu/financialaid/scholarships. 13