Prospective International Student Application Process

To attend New River Community College (NRCC) on an F-1 student visa, a student must be issued a SEVIS I-20. The following admission requirements must be met before the SEVIS I-20 will be prepared:

1. Application to New River Community College (must indicate plan of study on application),
2. Transcripts from high school and other colleges attended,
3. International Student Supplementary Data Form (form can be downloaded from web site)
4. Documentary evidence of financial support in the amount indicated on International Student Data Form
5. Proof of Health Insurance
6. TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based) or 173 (computer-based), satisfactory completion of college English course, or if in the U.S., completion of College English Placement Test with recommendation for at least the ENG 03 and 05 level.

After all information is reviewed and student i s accepted, an I-20 is processed on SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) and the I-20 is sent to the student.

Pay I-901 Sevis Fee. More information online here

After receiving the I-20, the student must apply for a visa at his/her nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and should be prepared to present the following documents:

1. Letter of admission to NRCC
2. SEVIS Form I-20
3. Valid passport or travel documents (validity date of six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S.)
4. Passport photographs
5. Proof of financial support
6. Proof or evidence that the applicant has binding ties to a residence in a foreign country that is not being abandoned and that the student plans to leave the U.S. when the program of studies is completed
7. Receipt for Sevis Fee
8. Other items required by the specific embassy or consulate.

The student may be issued an F-1 visa based on the evidence of the documents presented and interview with the Consulate Officer.

A USCIS officer at the port of entry reports on SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S. and information is sent to New River Community College. When the student arrives on campus, the college notifies SEVIS of the student's enrollment. Each semester, enrollment and event updates, are entered into SEVIS. Finally, the student's departure is recorded in SEVIS.

The student should read the instructions for students on page 2 of the SEVIS Form I-20 from NRCC. Under U.S. law, the student may use the I-20 to enter the United States ONLY for study at New River Community College and may not use the I-20 to attend another institution.

When the I-20 is signed and dated, the student is agreeing to abide by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Laws governing F-1 visa status. The student is responsible for knowing the regulations pertaining to the specific non-immigrant classification. Failure to follow the required federal regulations and procedures in an appropriate manner will result in the loss of legal status in the United States.

When a student enrolls in classes, copies of his or her passport, visa, I-94 card, and proof of health insurance are required.