1. What happens once I am accepted to NSCC?
The International Student Advisor will issue a SEVIS Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). A letter of acceptance, applying for a new Visa information form, copy of financial support and sponsor documents along with a welcome letter with additional information will be sent to the student.

2. How do I obtain my student visa?
If you are outside the United States, you must apply for your F-1 Visa at the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country. To do this, you must:

  • Complete the SEVIS I-901 Fee Form for the F non-immigrant visas
  • Submit the SEVIS Fee
  • Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
  • Take your receipt of the SEVIS Fee, the affidavit of support, your sponsor's financial bank statement, the I-20 form, your valid passport and acceptance letter from the College to a United States Embassy or Consulate to apply for a student F-1 visa
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (U.S.)
Phone: 703-603-3400

Email: fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov
Website: Department of Immigration I-901 fee

If you are already in the United States on a different visa status, you must apply for F-1 status either by traveling home and applying for the F-1 visa at your local U.S. Consulate, or by submitting a I-539 Application to Extend/Change Non-Immigrant Status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Not everyone qualifies for a change of status. The decision to approve or deny your request for a change of status will be made by USCIS.

  • Complete the Form I-539 along with a copy of the Form I-94:
  • Pay the appropriate filing fee and biometric service fee (if applicable)
  • The application must also include receipt of the SEVIS fee, the affidavit of support, your sponsor's financial bank statement, the I-20 Form, your valid passport and acceptance letter from the College.

3. How do I transfer from another institution to NSCC?
If you are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 Visa, complete an international student application and submit along with official college transcripts, signed copy of your current I-20 and a completed International Student Transfer Form.

4. As an international student can I receive financial aid?
Unfortunately, no financial assistance is available from NSCC for international students. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with studying in the U.S. At no time is an international student eligible for in-state tuition.

5. Can I work as an international student?
F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but may accept on-campus part time employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions after their first semester. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in two types of off-campus employment:

6. Is on-campus housing available at NSCC?
There is no on-campus housing. It is the international student's responsibility to obtain housing.

7. Will I need my own transportation to get to NSCC?
NSCC has two campuses. Public transportation by bus and train is available at the Lynn campus. Danvers campus has no public transportation nearby, students are required to find their own transportation there. Your choice of program may require you to attend classes at one campus or the other.

8. How many courses must I take while at NSCC?
In order to maintain your international student status, you must be a full-time student at all times. Full-time is generally four courses or no less than 12 credits per semester.

9. Will I need to buy the school’s insurance, can I use my own private insurance?
International students are required to have health insurance according to the Massachusetts' Universal Health Insurance law.  International students may waive the school’s health insurance only if their current health insurance is U.S. based (no international/global health insurance allowed). 

10. Can I apply to any and all programs at NSCC?
No.  New international student applicants are not eligible to apply for any of our Certificate programs, non-credit certifications programs, or any of the following special admissions credit programs: 

  • Aviation Management 
  • Aviation Science Professional Pilot 
  • English as a Second Language Program
  • Nurse Education 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant 
  • Physical Therapist Assistant 
  • Practical Nursing 
  • Radiologic Technology 
  • Respiratory Care 
  • Surgical Technology 
  • Veterinary Technology 
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