Overseas f-1 application process

Applying to NOVA | Admissions | Overseas Application Process | F-1 Transfer Students

First steps:

1. Send all F-1 forms and required documents to the college campus of your choice by the application deadline listed on the website. 
2. Your papers will be reviewed.  If everything is in order, the College is authorized to issue you an I-20 document.  You need this document in order to request an F-1 visa (student visa).

After you receive your I-20:

1. Pay the SEVIS fee (Student Exchange and Visitor Information Service).  This may be paid online at www.fmjfee.com.
2. Make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy for an interview.
3. At the interview, you will be asked to show your relevant papers (I-20, financial papers, passport).  You will be asked about your educational plans, your financial support, and your plans for returning to your home country [link to State Dept info on visa interviews].
4. If the consular officer determines that everything is in order, the officer is authorized to issue you an F-1 visa (student visa).

After you receive your F-1 visa:

1. Inform the International Student Office at the appropriate NOVA campus.
2. Make travel arrangements.  You may enter the United States no more than 30 days prior to the report date on your I-20.

When you arrive in Virginia:

1. Bring your I-20 and passport to the Admissions Office at the appropriate NOVA campus.
2. Check in with the International Student Office for information about the orientation session, placement testing and the registration process.
3. Take the college English placement test.  (This is required, even if you have submitted TOEFL scores.  The results of the test determine the level at which you will begin your studies at the college.)
4. Meet with a counselor for interpretation of your test results and for academic planning before you enroll in your classes.

Checklist for Required Forms and Documents
Below you will find a summarized checklist of the items that you will need in order to study at NOVA. Make sure to visit Applying to NOVA for the complete set of instructions on the application process.

NOVA Application Form

I-20 Application Form 

Financial Statement Form

Evidence that you have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score.

Recent bank statement from your financial sponsor showing that your sponsor has sufficient funds to meet the financial obligation to support you while you study and live in the U.S.

Photocopy of your passport ID page.

A brief statement explaining why you want to study at Northern Virginia Community College.

* Some may not need a TOEFL. See Applying to NOVA for Complete List of Requirements.